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Exploring Japan's Industrial Heritage at the Tomioka Silk Mill (Gunma)

Last updated: 4 April 2017

Opened in 1872, the state-owned Tomioka Silk Mill was Japan's first industrial factory to utilize modern Western technology. In 2014, the entire complex was recognized as a World Heritage Site. Its historic buildings provide a vivid and fascinating look into Japan's industrial past, making it a must-see destination for both domestic and international tourists.

The end of the Edo era also marked the end of Japan's policy of seclusion. With this opening, both diplomacy and trade began to thrive. There was a huge overseas demand for Japanese raw silk, but this led to a lot of low-quality produce flooding the market. The Japanese government intervened and established the Tomioka Silk Mill as the new national standard for raw silk production. Despite numerous changes in management, the mill continued operations through the Showa era. When demand for raw silk declined, the Tomioka Silk Mill finally closed its doors in 1987 after an impressive 115 years of operation. Today, parts of the mill are open to the public for exploration.

Two of the buildings that are currently open to visitors are the East Cocoon Warehouse and the Silk-reeling Plant. Audio guides in multiple languages are available for free (iOS and Android), offering useful explanations while walking the historic site. Another way to explore Tomioka Silk Mill is by making use of the QR codes scattered around the buildings - with a quick smartphone-scan, explanations about the various things to see will pop up on the device's screen. Guides also offer yours, giving unique insight into the silk mill. The tours are available in Japanese only, however.

The massive, two-story West Cocoon Warehouse was primarily used to store cocoons. Built by Japanese craftsmen under French supervision, the warehouse features distinctive Western architecture with timber framing. On the first floor, visitors can view live silkworms to see what these small creatures look like. In addition to other exhibition rooms, there is a shop that sells high-quality "Tomioka Silk" products, woven from cocoons raised by Tomioka's silk farmers.

From Monday to Friday, visitors can watch demonstrations of the French silk-reeling machines next to Tomioka Silk Mill's shop. On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, traditional silk-reeling machines, predating the French inventions, are showcased. The quick, rhythmic hand movements used to reel the silk are mesmerizing and provide a vivid impression of a silk reeler's work.

The Tomioka Silk Mill's Silk-Reeling Plant appears frozen in time since the factory's opening. Massive French reeling machines, once in constant motion, now stand still, ready to be examined by curious visitors. This preserved state captures the legacy and historical significance of the mill.

Paul Brunat, the French director of the Tomioka Silk Mill, not only supervised its construction but also managed silk production. He and his family lived in a beautiful colonial-style house next to the factory. After he left, his house was converted into sleeping quarters for the female workers. Besides sleeping, the building was also used for leisure and educational activities, with Sunday being their day off. Nearby, the complex's clinic, although not accessible to the public, is still worth seeing from the outside.

Written by: Koji Hasegawa, Risa Hasegawa