Overview

Summary:

Tomioka, home to the World Heritage Tomioka Silk Mill, is a town rich with history. Let’s take a step into the town’s nearly 400 year-old past, while exploring the key spots that contributed to its development. This includes a special tour of Tomioka Silk Mill which features the renovated West Cocoon Warehouse, a National Treasure. Your local guide will introduce you to local snacks you can enjoy along the way, as well as places and history only known to locals.

*Available in English or Chinese. An interpreter may accompany you.

What To Expect

Welcome & Storytelling Introduction to Tomioka City's history as the home of the first modern silk factory in Japan
Walking Tour of Downtown Area Part 1Learn about how the city developed and flourished
Tour of the Tomioka Silk MillWalk inside the well preserved World Heritage Site and learn about its cultural importance
Walking Tour of Downtown Area Part 2Enjoy souvenir shops and local snacks that have served the locals for centuries

Reserve Your Spot

This tour is operated by the Tomioka City Tourism Association. For reservations or inquiries, please contact them directly through the button below. Please note that reservations are needed 20 days in advance.

Make A Reservation

Considerations

Disclaimers and Notes

Inclusions:

Admission + Local Snacks:

Includes admission inside Tomioka Silk Mill + local snacks (about 3 types, such as osenbei)

Guide:

Guided by a local guide (may be accompanied by an English/Chinese interpreter)

Exclusions:

Any personal expenses and purchases made during the tour.

Important Notes:

Duration and Start Time:

The tour is approximately 3 hours, but can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Please note your preferred duration when making your reservation.

You are able to choose your preferred start/end time. Please note it when making your reservation.

Meet up and Dismissal:

Meet up will be at Joshu-Tomioka Station (approximately 40 minutes from Takasaki Station).

*Train tickets from Takasaki to Joshu-Tomioka are sold by CASH ONLY.

The dismissal location is set as Otomichan’s House (a souvenir shop in the center of the city), but you are able to choose your preferred dismissal point, such as the train station. Please note it when making your reservation.

Price:

The base price is for two people. An additional 2,000 JPY per person will be charged for the third person and onwards. *Please note that if you are reserving for one person, you will be charged the base price.

*Lunch is not included.

*Fees apply from elementary school age. Preschool children are free.

Payment Method:

Please pay by credit card (Mastercard®, Visa, JCB, AMEX, DinersClub, DISCOVER) upon reservation.

Cancel Fees:

Please check the cancellation fees noted on the reservation page.

Other:

Please note that the operator is not responsible for any accidents during the tour.

Please bring your own warm clothing and rain gear if necessary.

If you plan to eat (sit down at a café/restaurant) or shop, please have cash ready, as many shops only accept cash.

Walking Tour of Tomioka: The Site of Japan’s First Modern Silk Factory