Takayama-sha Sericulture School

Takayama-sha Sericulture School (高山社跡, Takayama-sha Ato) was established in 1884 by Takayama Chogoro, a former samurai who revolutionized silk farming with his “seion-iku” method. This innovative technique involved controlling both temperature and humidity to create the ideal conditions for silkworm cultivation. The school’s two-story main building, constructed with a raised roof and numerous windows, included fireplaces to help regulate the climate. These advancements allowed silkworms to thrive, producing high-quality cocoons that helped establish Japan as a global leader in silk production. The school’s success attracted students from across Japan and abroad, spreading Takayama’s method and contributing to the rapid expansion of Japan’s silk industry during the Meiji era.

Today, visitors can explore the preserved main building, constructed in 1891 and modeled after the Tajima Yahei Sericulture Farm. While many of the original structures have been lost or damaged, the second-floor trays used for silkworms are still visible, offering a glimpse into the school’s storied past. Visitors enter the site through a traditional gate and can take guided tours in Japanese, where they will learn about the school’s crucial role in shaping Japan’s silk industry. Ongoing restoration efforts aim to restore the grounds to their early Meiji-era appearance, further preserving its historical significance. In 2014, Takayama-sha Sericulture School, alongside the Tomioka Silk Mill, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its major contributions to Japan’s industrialization and silk production.