Arafune Cold Storage is deep in the mountains and hard to reach, especially by public transport. It’s closed from December to March. By car, it's about 1 hour from Tomioka Silk Mill with free parking nearby, followed by a 10–15 min downhill walk. Return uphill takes longer. Try to arrive before 15:00. By train, get off at Shimonita Station (1 hr from Takasaki), then take a taxi—no buses available. A round-trip “sightseeing taxi” costs around 6000 yen and needs to be booked in advance.
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Arafune Cold Storage
3 of 4 in Tomioka
Arafune Cold Storage (荒船風穴, Arafune Fūketsu) is a unique natural cave in Gunma's forested mountains, once vital to Japan’s silk industry. In the early 1900s, it helped silk producers store millions of silkworm eggs by using cool air from underground rock crevices packed with winter snow. This cold air kept eggs from hatching too early, allowing silk to be made several times a year. Even on hot summer days, the cave stays just above freezing.
The site earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014, alongside the Tomioka Silk Mill. Today, you can see the foundations of old storage buildings and learn about the area's history through short on-site tours (Japanese only). The cave is reached by a 10–15 minute downhill walk through the forest from the parking area, with a free shuttle bus on weekends. Taxis drop you off closer to the site.
Hours and Fees
Arafune Cold Storage
- Opening hours
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9:30 to 16:00 (last admission 15:30)
- Closed
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No closing days
- Entrance fee
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500 yen
Getting there
Google MapsResources
Japanese
Arafune Cold Storage
Official website
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