Venture into Japan’s World Heritage Sites and Listen to the Symphony of Faith and Nature

When discussing World Heritage Sites near Tokyo, the shrines and temples of Nikko will no longer be the only answer. In early summer 2013, Mount Fuji was officially added to the list of World Heritage Sites, becoming Japan’s seventeenth. Its value lies not only in the natural landscape and tangible relics left by our ancestors, but also in the profound meanings embedded within.

 

In the late nineteenth century, the Meiji government, in pursuit of Japan’s modernization, actively promoted silk exports—an industry that was then the most economically viable export. However, the surge in exports led to a decline in silk quality, which in turn affected Japan’s product reputation. To address this, the Japanese government invited Paul Brunat from France to provide guidance, introducing large machinery and recruiting a large number of female workers, thereby establishing a model factory—this was the Tomioka Silk Mill.

 

Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill continued to operate for over 115 years after being transferred from government to private enterprise, ceasing production only in 1987. The key structures, such as the reeling factory and silk cocoon warehouses, designated as nationally important cultural properties, remain in excellent condition as they were when founded during the Meiji era. The unique “timber-framed brick structure” of the Tomioka Silk Mill features wooden frames and brick walls, with brickwork stacked using French bonding techniques and joints filled with mortar instead of cement. French-imported iron window frames and door hinges were installed, while the roof tiles were made by craftsmen under Brunat’s guidance at a local factory in Gunma. By leveraging mechanical technology, the mill enabled the mass export of high-quality silk, greatly contributing to Japan’s modernization through the economic benefits it generated. It also spurred the development of nearby silk industries, making it an indispensable part of Japan’s modern history. Due to its historical significance, the Japanese government applied to UNESCO for World Heritage inscription in January 2013.

In the evening, we headed to our accommodation for the night, Ikaho Onsen, a literary favorite among hot spring towns. Famous for its 360 stone steps, said to have been built to treat wounded samurai from battles, we walked up while admiring the poems carved into the steps until we reached Kakkou Bridge. At night, several lights shine on the bridge, blending with the fiery brilliance of the surrounding maple leaves to create a stunning scene that captivated everyone. Even in the cold winds of late autumn, we found it hard to leave.

The Perfect Harmony of Nature and Faith

Quietly standing beside Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine is the spiritual center of Mount Nikko. In contrast to the grandeur of Toshogu, the architecture of Futarasan Shrine appears rustic and weighty, subtly exuding the simplicity and purity of Shinto beliefs. It is well known that Futarasan Shrine is also a famous shrine for love and matchmaking. Visitors often try their luck by fishing for fortune slips with a small fishing rod, seeking good romantic fortune, and then sipping matcha brewed with water from the Futarasan sacred spring—a fragrant and unforgettable experience.