The “Silk Fact Okaya” nickname
In Okaya Silk Museum, there is a Silk Reeling Factory (Miyasaka Silk Mill). Thus museum is a rare kind in the world. We hope to announce both the “Factory” and the “Fact” of Okaya Silk Industry. So we call Okaya Silk Museum “Silk Fact Okaya” as a nick name.
Facility Information
The Story of Silk Capital Okaya Wing
Silk Encounters : The Modern Silk Industry and Okaya / The Road to the Silk Capital Okaya
Here presents silk culture’s origins, the silk roads in the world. The secret of silkworms and fascinating silks and entire silk industry process.
We offer a special exhibition outlining Okaya’s role in the progress of Japan’s silk industry, from the opening of Yokohama’s port, to the creation of the Tomioka Silk Mill, to the growth of Silk Capital Okaya.
There is also a display dealing with the work and daily lives of the female worker who came to Okaya to work in the silk industry.
“The Silk Machineries Story of Silk Capital Okaya”
The only exhibition of silk machineries in Japan
Used at the government run Tomioka Silk Mill established in 1872, the nation’s only remaining French type silk reeling machine is on display, as well as Takei Daijiro’s Suwa type reeling machine, and other machinery that helped make Japan the world’s leading silk producer from the mid 1800s until the 1970s.
“The Story of Silk Capital Okaya’s Documentation”
The diverse achievements of industry figures
In the strict environment of the sericulture industry, advances happened through the diligent effort, ingenuity, and foresight of key industry figures. A collection of administrative materials follows that part of Silk Okaya’s history.
A shared exhibit covering Okaya and its industry includes maps and classic photos that give a sense of the silk era’s excitement.
Miyasaka Silk Mill Wing
The Miyasaka Silk Mill in operation
The Miyasaka Silk Mill operates unchanged from silk making’s heyday. Here visitors can observe Suwa type silk reeling machines and Japan’s old-style Joshu type reeling machines in actual use.
Working machinery from the former National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences is also on display.
Entrance
On arrival the first thing visitors see is the museum’s saw roofed facade. This was inspired by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Okaya Silk Experiment station, Inspection Center, constructed at this location in 1948.
When visitors enter they find the lounge and gallery, a museum shop, an Okaya information corner, and a display showcasing a tour of the local silk related “Heritage of Industrial Modernization.”
Community Plaza and Workshop
“Silk Plaza” Multipurpose Space
This conference and event venue is also available as a study area and rest area for guests when not in use.
“Mayu-chan Studio” Workshop
Here we provide small looms for guests to try their hands at cocoon craft by making mayu-ningyo (small figurines made of cocoon shell), corsages, and other items. Make your own unique piece to get a feel for silk’s special texture. Frog and rabbit figurines make popular windowsill decorations. Crafting options change with the seasons.
“Getting to Know Silkworms” Sericulture Room
Here guests can observe the cocoon making process and learn about raising silkworms.
We raise them the same as in the old days. Guests can see their stages of growth while the silkworms feed on mulberry leaves.