Tomioka Silk Mill

Tomioka Silk Mill is a former government-operated model silk-reeling factory established by the Japanese government in 1872 (Meiji 5) to improve silk quality and productivity and to train technical instructors, in an area where sericulture flourished. The entire site is designated a National Historic Site, and its early buildings are designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. It is also registered as a World Heritage site as part of the “Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites.” The vast 55,000 m² grounds preserve much of their original form, including the U-shaped reeling hall and two cocoon warehouses. The architecture features “wood-frame brick construction,” blending Japanese wooden building techniques with Western brick technology. Cars cannot enter the site itself, but parking is available nearby, and access is good—about 10 minutes from Tomioka IC. By train, it’s also easy to visit, about a 15-minute walk from the station.