Last updated: April 24, 2024
Tomioka Silk Mill was established in 1872, and played a pivotal role in Japan's industrial revolution during the Meiji era (1868–1912). You can tour the well-preserved factory, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The silk mill is easily accessible from Tokyo by train.
It takes less than 2 hours to reach Tomioka Silk Mill from Tokyo by train, with a transfer at Takasaki Station. From Joshu-Tomioka Station, it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the mill.
You can board Hokuriku and Joetsu shinkansen services at Tokyo Station.
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Shinkansen trains from Tokyo Station reach Takasaki Station in under 1 hour. The train fare is covered by various Japan Rail Passes.
Takasaki is a stop on the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines, and the gateway to Gunma: express trains and local trains from Tokyo stop at Takasaki Station. You can transfer to local trains and buses for destinations across Gunma.
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Transfer at Takasaki Station to the Joshin Dentetsu, a local train line that heads southwest towards Shimonita. Travel on the Joshin Dentetsu is covered by the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. The trip to Joshu-Tomioka Station takes around 40 minutes.
Joshu-Tomioka Station provides convenient access to Tomioka Silk Mill. A signboard in front of the station shows directions to the silk mill in several languages. There is also a taxi stand in front of the station.
It takes around 10 minutes to walk through the town to Tomioka Silk Mill, a historical complex including factories, warehouses for storing silk cocoons, and dormitories for the workers. Along the way to the mill there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to stop by for refreshments. You can also buy silk items and local crafts at shops near the mill.
You can use the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Pass, and other JR passes for trains on this route. Travel on the Joshin Dentetsu is covered by the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. There are many passes and travel combinations to discover, so use the links below to find your ideal travel plan.
・JR East Pass
・JR Tokyo Wide Pass
・Japan Rail Pass
・JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
Save time and purchase train tickets and passes, and reserve seats online, before you travel.
Takasaki is an ideal base for visiting Tomioka. Find a wide range of accommodation options within walking distance of Takasaki Station, from luxury hotels to business hotels and traditional inns.
