Dec 20, 2013 - 1 min read

Chichibu Meisenkan

Experience the making of Japanese silk

By Masato Kitamura

Community writer

High quality fabrics made of Chichibu Meisen, a special type of Japanese silk

The process from the silkworm to the cocoon and finally the raw silk is explained here.

High quality silk clothes are one of the final results.

Weaving machines for training purposes

There is a good selection of silk goods in the store.

Posters of Japanese women wearing wonderful silk kimonos

Pattern samples

This building was designed by a pupil of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Registered tangible cultural property sign

It was my second visit to Chichibu Meisenkan in Chichibu city, a museum where you can experience the making of Chichibu Meisen, a particular type of Japanese silk. Next to the famous areas in Gunma and Nagano, Chichibu was also well-known for the production of raw silk and silk goods during the Meiji period and until the beginning of the Showa period. Raw silk was Japan’s main export good at that time. After that the Chichibu industrial institute of textile became the museum of silk goods, and the museum continues to introduce the technique of Chichibu Meisen until today.

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Masato Kitamura

By Masato Kitamura

Community writer

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Elizabeth S

Elizabeth S 4 years ago

How did I miss this last time I was in Chichibu? Next time!

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