Tomioka Silk Mill
The city of Tomioka in southwestern Gunma Prefecture
is the site of Japan's first modern silk factory, established in 1872.
The Tomioka Silk Mill served as a model for other silk mills in the country
in an effort to modernize Japan's silk industry during the Meiji Period,
when far reaching reforms were carried out in all aspects of society in
order to catch up with the West. The mill played an important role in
making the textile industry Japan's most important industry for several
decades, sustaining the growth of Japan's economy.
Not only is the Tomioka Silk Mill Japan's oldest modern silk reeling factory,
it was also one of the world's largest silk mills at the time of its construction.
Thanks to the improvements introduced by the mill, raw silk became a major
commodity that was exported from Japan across the world, and silk produced
in Tomioka enjoyed a good reputation overseas for its high quality.
Access: By train fromTokyo to Takasaki, transfer to Joshin railway to
Joshu Tomioka. Then walk to the mill.