Tomioka Silk Mill

In an effort to put Japan on equal footing with the rest of the world, the Japanese government of the Meiji era (1868-1912) pushed forward with the country's industrial and scientific modernizations. As a way to generate funding for such efforts, the government focused on the export of raw silk along with establishing a state-run model factory equipped with Western silk-reeling machines in order to improve raw silk quality and raise productivity, as well as to train technical supervisors. The high-quality raw silk produced at Tomioka Silk Mill greatly contributed to the popularization of silk around the world.  

A number of shops offering silk and mulberry plant products are located in the areas surrounding Tomioka Silk Mill. A rich variety of products are available as great souvenirs of Tomioka, including silk goods such as handkerchiefs and neckties, as well as soaps and cosmetics using silk and sweets with mulberry leaves.

The route from the station to Tomioka Silk Mill is a fun place for dining and snacking, ranging from Gunma's local cuisine to snacks you can enjoy as you stroll through town. Try the silkworm-shaped sweets or delicious gelato mixed with mulberry leaves.