🗺️ Tomioka Silk Mill富岡製糸場

The Tomioka Silk Mill was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2014, attracting attention from around the globe. The history of the Tomioka Silk Mill dates back to after the Meiji Restoration. At that time, the Meiji government planned to modernize industry and scientific technology. To secure the necessary funding, they focused particularly on the export of raw silk. Thus, in the 5th year of Meiji (1872), the Tomioka Silk Mill was established as Japan's first large-scale Western-style mechanized silk reeling factory. The buildings of the Tomioka Silk Mill were designed by the Frenchman Edmond Auguste Bastien, using a Western architectural technique known as "wooden frame brick construction," where walls are built with bricks stacked on a wooden framework. However, the roofs were made with traditional Japanese tiles, blending Japanese and Western technologies. Within the site, there are designated national treasures such as the silk reeling workshop, the eastern and western cocoon storages, as well as important cultural properties like the steam boiler room, iron water channel, director's residence, female workers' dormitory, and inspectors' quarters. Each of these buildings has remained almost unchanged since their establishment. In addition to touring the buildings themselves, visitors can also explore the "Silk Corridor," which sells Tomioka silk products, as well as a display and experience room for silkworms (for a fee). Here, one can not only learn about and experience Japanese textile culture but also purchase high-quality Tomioka silk. (Images provided by Tomioka City)

The Western-style old factory is filled with the cultural atmosphere of Japan's Meiji era. The charm of the "wooden-framed brick architecture," which combines Western architectural elements with traditional Japanese design, is captivating. In addition to being registered as a World Heritage Site, many buildings within the site have been designated as national treasures or important cultural properties. There is a "Silk Corridor" where products can be purchased, along with facilities where visitors can experience Japanese textile culture.