[Gunma ]Explains the highlights of the World Heritage Site, Tomioka Silk Mill! Souvenir information too!
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2024-11-29
The Tomioka Silk Mill has been kept almost exactly as it was 140 years ago "Tomioka Silk Mill ".
In June 2014, it was registered as a "World Heritage" site, which is still fresh in our minds.
This article introduces the highlights of the Tomioka Silk Mill, including what it is and what kind of facility it was.
We will also compile information on souvenirs, so please take a look.
In June 2014, it was registered as a "World Heritage" site, which is still fresh in our minds.
This article introduces the highlights of the Tomioka Silk Mill, including what it is and what kind of facility it was.
We will also compile information on souvenirs, so please take a look.
Author of this article
Table of Contents
- 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.
What is the World Heritage "Tomioka Silk Mill "
The Tomioka Silk Mill was built in 1872 (Meiji 5) at a time of rapid modernization in Japan.
Gunma Prefecture is said to have been a government-led project, as the sericulture industry had long been widespread in the area.
Sericulture was especially prevalent in the Tomioka area, and the environment was chosen for its ease of procurement of silk cocoons, the raw material for silk.
Using these Gunma silkworm cocoons and a machine called a "yarn manipulator," the Tomioka Silk Mill began the business of spinning silk.
This is the "first large-scale spinning factory in Japan" to use machinery.
It was very innovative for its time, very large in scale, and unparalleled in the world.
The technology and environment of the Tomioka Silk Mill, which enabled the systematic production of fast and beautiful yarns, played a part in the further modernization of Japan.
After retiring, these women, who had worked at the Tomioka Silk Mill, continued to share their skills in various parts of Japan.
Thus, the Tomioka Silk Mill and its related businesses established a silk industry in Gunma Prefecture.
Even today, silk is one of Gunma's specialties.
Incidentally, the land for the Tomioka Silk Mill belonged to a feudal lord in the Edo period.
Originally, it was planned to build a residence for a deputy governor.
Knowing this kind of background information makes the history of Tomioka Silk Mill seem even more interesting.
The beauty of a building that weaves together Japanese and Western styles
The most conspicuous feature of the Tomioka Silk Mill is the red brick building.
In fact, this building uses technology that was rare in Japan at that time.
The foundation framework is constructed of wood, and bricks are piled up later for the walls.
The walls, built by a method called "French stacking ", in which long and short sections of bricks are stacked alternately, are very beautifully designed and worth seeing.
The space between the bricks is fixed with plaster, which was widely used in Japan at that time.
The roof is made of Kawara-buki, a traditional Japanese wood.
This Japanese-Western construction method is called "wood-frame brick construction ".
It is said to have been introduced from Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, at the request of Paul Brunat, a French expert invited to Tomioka Silk Mill when it was founded.
The bricks used in the construction of the Tomioka Silk Mill were prepared in Gunma Prefecture.
Bricks themselves were still very rare in Japan at that time, and it is surprising that local craftsmen created the bricks through trial and error.
The red brick building consists of the actual yarn making "wheelhouse "and two "cocoon warehouses "where yarn was actually made.
Enjoy the architectural beauty of a perfect fusion of Japanese and Western knowledge.
Inside the Yarn Yard: "Cutting Edge" of the Times
The inside of the yarn yard, the center of yarn production, also shows the "cutting edge" of Japan.
For example, its structure.
The yard uses a "truss structure "that combines long, thin building materials into a triangular shape.
The room is designed without pillars, which makes it possible to use a spacious room.
The upper part of the room has a horizontal row of windows along the wall for lighting, giving it a bright and open impression.
It must have been created not only for its functional excellence, but also for its visual beauty.
Another point of interest is the array of machines lined up in the room.
This is an actual threader that was used until 1984, when the Tomioka Silk Mill ceased operation, and was made by Nissan, a company famous for its cars.
A pillar of production that improved efficiency at the height of the domestic yarn manufacturing business.
Due to the circumstance that the successor machine was not sold, some factories still use it today.
The sight of approximately 300 units lined up in a row of items that were at the forefront of their time is a sight to behold.
In addition, the machinery used at the time of the factory's founding is also on display in the yarn yard.
This one was imported directly from France by Paul Brunat.
It is customized for the humid Japanese climate and the height of Japanese women actually engaged in yarn making.
These innovations led to the mass production of raw silk and revitalized the silk industry.
Advanced factory equipment of the time
Inside the Tomioka Silk Mill, you can see a facility called "iron water pool ".
This is a huge water tank.
Because the yarn-making process requires a large amount of water, water was stored in advance to control the quality of the water.
It was built in 1875.
This iron pool is the oldest existing iron structure in Japan, and was designated as an "Important Cultural Property" in 2006.
A replica of the steam engine Bruna Engine will be on dynamic display every Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
It is very spectacular and highly recommended as it is actually operated using steam.
Other buildings that can usually be visited only from the outside are "Jokokan ", where French women passed on their skills to Japanese craftsmen and women, and "Brunat Kaikan ", which was Paul Brunat's home in Japan.
The "colonial style" of architecture, which was once unique to foreign countries, can be seen here, and visitors can get a close-up look at the advanced facilities that once existed here.
Guided tours and audio guides are available for more information!
At Tomioka Silk Mill, a guided tour can be added to the admission fee for an additional 200 ＼ (100 ＼ for junior high school students and younger, as of May 2023).
The tour takes approximately 40 minutes and allows visitors to tour the site while listening to a commentator.
"I want to know about Tomioka Silk Mill efficiently in a short time! "This is especially recommended for those who want to know more about Tomioka Silk Mill in a short time!
Please check the official website for start time and other information.
Also, if you install the application on your smartphone, you can enjoy a free guide to Tomioka Silk Mill.
This one is free of charge and will be more readily available.
We also have pamphlets and other information on points of interest for the tour, so choose the one that best suits your taste and the occasion.
See a demonstration of a silkworm manipulator and a silkworm ecology exhibit.
"Facility Information "
Name of facility: World Heritage Site Tomioka Silk Mill
Address: 1-1 Tomioka, Tomioka-shi, Gunma 370-2316
Access: 5-6 minutes by car from Tomioka IC
Phone number: 0274-64-0005
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Provisional: Adults ¥1,000
High school and college students ¥250
Elementary and junior high school students ¥150
Guided tours ¥200 Junior high school students and younger ¥100
All rates as of May 2023.
URL：https://www.tomioka-silk.jp/tomioka-silk-mill/
Three recommended Tomioka Silk Mill souvenirs
After visiting the Tomioka Silk Mill, it is time to choose a souvenir.
In this issue, we have compiled a list of three items that we particularly recommend from among the many available.
"Store Information "
Name: Mayu Kayu Tajimaya
Address: 243-1, Tomioka-shi Takumi, Gunma 370-2331
Access: Near Tomioka IC
Phone number: 0274-62-1134
Business hours: 9:30-19:00
Closed: Wednesday
Budget: 10 cocoon-shaped balls ¥648(tax included)
10 pieces with silk from Tomioka ¥820(tax included)
URL：https://www.mayu-tajimaya.com/index.html
Maruei Shokuhin's "Silkworm Chocolate "・ "The Life of an Itsuko "
Chocolate with a rather aggressive impression.
Ignoring my vocabulary, I would say that "looks bad (tastes good) ".
The more you look at it, the more realistic the silkworm is, so if you give it as a souvenir, it is guaranteed to be the talk of the town.
I especially recommend "Kaiko no Seikatsu ", which represents the larva, cocoon, and adult (silkworm moth) and their life cycle.
The faint astringency of Gunma mulberry leaf powder kneaded into the chocolate, the crunchy puff, the sweet and sour taste of cranberries and the milky flavor of white chocolate. ......
and the taste is really delicious, so it is a must-have souvenir for those who don't mind bugs.
Sales locations include: "Kaiko no Okoku Tomioka Jyo-machi Store "near Tomioka Silk Mill.
There is also an online store on the official website.
"Store Information "
Store name: Kaiko no Okoku, Tomioka Joumachi Store
Address: 44-2 Tomioka, Tomioka-shi, Gunma 370-2316
Access: Near Jyoshu-Tomioka Station
Phone number: 080-8863-3337
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Wednesday
Budget: ³,000
URL：https://yurugido.com/
Harada's "Mayuhime "
Available here are marshmallows in the shape of a cocoon.
The first thing you feel when you put it in your mouth is its fluffy softness.
Next, the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich aroma of cream with pineapple pulp.
Pineapple cream seems surprising for a marshmallow, but it is the perfect combination with the fluffy marshmallow.
It is great on its own or in a cup of tea.
Harada Japanese Confectionery is located right behind Tomioka Silk Mill.
Please stop by.
"Store Information "
Name: Harada Japanese Confectionery
Address：〒370-2343 1163, Nanokkaichi, Tomioka-shi, Gunma
Access: Just behind Tomioka Silk Mill
Phone number: 0274-63-2390
Business hours: 9:00-18:00
Regular holiday: no holiday
Budget: ¥110 per Mayuhime (tax included)
Takata Shokudo's "Curry that even the craftsmen loved. "
When talking about Tomioka's food culture, this one cannot be missed.
The restaurant opened in the 1950s, and as of May 2023, the third generation has inherited its flavor.
There is an anecdote about this restaurant, where workers once frequented to eat curry.
The unique thick roux is made by hand from flour and is very spicy.
The same taste that has remained unchanged since its birth is now available in retort form.
"Store Information "
Name of the restaurant: Takada Shokudo
Address: 22 Tomioka, Tomioka-shi, Gunma 370-2316
Access: Near Jyoshu-Tomioka Station
Phone number: 0274-62-0469
Hours of operation: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
17:00-19:00 (Delivery service only)
Closed: Wednesdays, 3rd Thursdays
Budget: ³,000
summary
In this issue, we summarize the highlights of Tomioka Silk Mill and recommendations for souvenirs.
Other sites in Gunma Prefecture include "Silk Industrial Heritage ", which is also a related World Heritage site.
If a visit to the Tomioka Silk Mill has piqued your interest, please visit us.
Let's travel to a number of spots of historical value.
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