Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, we will tell you about the Harley touring from central Tokyo to Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma Prefecture. Tomioka Silk Mill is a symbol of Japan’s modernization and has been registered as a World Heritage Site. I was able to ride comfortably on a Harley while experiencing its history and charm.
Tomioka Silk Mill is Japan’s first full-scale mechanical silk mill, built during the Meiji era. The government at the time imported technology and machinery from France to increase its international competitiveness. Tomioka Silk Mill greatly contributed to the development of Japan’s silk industry with its advanced equipment and efficient management. It also has social significance as it focuses on the education and welfare of female workers.
Tomioka Silk Mill was closed in 1976, but conservation efforts continued after that. In 2014, it was registered as a World Heritage Site. Nowadays, you can tour the buildings and machinery inside the factory. There are also related facilities and a rich natural landscape in the surrounding area.
Route to Tomioka Silk Mill
On this tour, I took the Metropolitan Expressway Inner Loop Line/C1 from central Tokyo, took the Metropolitan Expressway No. 5 Ikebukuro Line/Route 5, and then entered the Kanetsu Expressway/Kanetsu Expressway. On the Kanetsu Expressway, I transferred from Bijogi JCT to the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway/Tohoku Jukan Expressway and drove to Oizumi JCT. From Oizumi JCT, I returned to the Kanetsu Expressway, changed to the Joshinetsu Expressway at Fujioka JCT, and got off at Tomioka IC. From there, I took Prefectural Route 46 to Tomioka Silk Mill.
The entire route used highways, but I took breaks along the way. On the highway, I could really feel the Harley’s power and torque. In addition, along the Kanetsu Expressway and Joshinetsu Expressway, we were able to enjoy the natural scenery of mountains, rivers, and fields.
Here are some of the main attractions of Tomioka Silk Mill:
Silk Mill: Built in 1872, this building was Japan’s first modern silk mill, incorporating French technology. Here you can learn about the silk manufacturing process.
Nyokokan: This is the dormitory where female workers lived. You can get a glimpse of what life was like at that time.
Inspector’s House: This is the official residence where engineers invited from France lived. It is characterized by Western-style architecture.
Monument: You can learn about the history of Tomioka Silk Mill. The monument reads, “Through spinning wheels and spiders, the road opens to the wealth of the imperial dynasty.” (The sight of many spinning wheels spinning quickly will lead to the prosperity of our country.) The crown prince of Emperor Meiji, It is engraved with a waka poem composed by the Empress when she visited.
These facilities are valuable places where you can feel the history of Japan’s modernization and industrialization. In addition, there is beautiful nature surrounding the property, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season.
By looking at these buildings and machines, I was able to learn how the Tomioka Silk Mill contributed to the modernization of Japan. I was also able to get a feel for the lives and working styles of female workers at the time.
Motorcycle parking lot at Tomioka Silk Mill
A motorcycle parking lot is available at Tomioka Silk Mill. Motorcycle parking lots are available at both the east and west gates. The East Gate motorcycle parking lot is located along the road in front of the main gate. The motorcycle parking lot at Ximen is located along the road in front of the silk mill. Both can be used for free.
This time, I started my tour from the east gate, so I parked my bike at the east gate’s motorcycle parking lot. The bike parking lot was large and clean. The Harley also suited the historical location of the Tomioka Silk Mill.
Summary
This time, we introduced Harley touring from central Tokyo to Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma Prefecture. Tomioka Silk Mill is a world heritage site that can be said to be a symbol of Japan’s modernization. I was able to ride comfortably on a Harley while experiencing its history and charm. On the highway, I could really feel the Harley’s power and torque. We were also able to enjoy the natural scenery and local products.
