Question 1

How do I get there by train?

Accepted Answer

Change to the Joshin Dentetsu line at JR Takasaki Station, get off at Joshu-Tomioka Station and walk about 15 minutes. A discounted set of a Joshin Dentetsu return ticket and admission is also available.

Question 2

Are there sightseeing spots nearby?

Accepted Answer

There are souvenir shops and restaurants around Joshu-Tomioka Station. Konnyaku Park and the Gunma Museum of Natural History are about 10-15 minutes away by car, and we recommend visiting them together.

Question 3

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

Open 9:00-17:00, with last admission at 16:30. It is closed from 29 to 31 December.

Question 4

Is it enjoyable with children?

Accepted Answer

Admission for elementary and junior high school students is a modest 100 yen. Guided tours explain the history and the silk-reeling process in an accessible way, so children can learn while enjoying themselves. The site is spacious and you can see Meiji-era buildings up close.

Question 5

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 1,000 yen, high school and university students 250 yen (student ID required), elementary and junior high school students 100 yen. Guided tours cost an additional 200 yen (100 yen for junior high school age and under). Cashless payments including PayPay, Rakuten Pay and credit cards are accepted.

Question 6

What is the Tomioka Silk Mill?

Accepted Answer

It is a government-run mechanised silk mill established by the Meiji government in 1872. The facility led the world's silk industry, and the buildings from its founding survive in good condition. It was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2014, and three buildings, the reeling plant and the east and west cocoon warehouses, are designated National Treasures.

Question 7

What are the World Heritage and National Treasure highlights?

Accepted Answer

The east and west cocoon warehouses and the reeling plant are designated National Treasures. The east cocoon warehouse in particular is the face of the mill, with a beautiful timber-framed brick exterior and displays inside. The whole site is a national Historic Site, with more than 100 buildings surviving.

Question 8

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to see the main buildings efficiently. If you also want to watch the video displays and visit the shop, allow 2-3 hours.

Question 9

Are there guided tours?

Accepted Answer

Guided tours led by an interpreter take about 40 minutes and cover the main buildings. In summer they may be shortened to about 30 minutes as a precaution against heatstroke. The charge is 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for junior high school age and under. Groups of 20 or more must book in advance.

Question 10

Can I enjoy it on a rainy day?

Accepted Answer

The main buildings are indoors, so you can visit in the rain. However, there are some outdoor areas, so we recommend comfortable shoes and wet-weather gear.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

The mill has no dedicated car park, but there are three municipal car parks nearby: Miyamoto, Kanmachi and Tomioka Station East. They are about 5-20 minutes' walk from the mill.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes' walk from Joshu-Tomioka Station on the Joshin Dentetsu line. About 5 minutes by car from Tomioka IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway. Use one of the nearby municipal car parks (Miyamoto, Kanmachi or Tomioka Station East).

Question 13

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 1,000 yen, high school and university students 250 yen, elementary and junior high school students 100 yen (guided tours cost an additional 200 yen).

Question 14

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

We do not have parking.

Question 15

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1-1 Tomioka, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture

Question 16

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)

Question 17

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

29-31 December.

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