Arafune-Azumaya Cold Storage Facilities
Arafune-Azumaya Cold Storage Facilities, Historic storage facility in Gunma Prefecture, Japan
The Arafune-Azumaya facility contains three large cave structures built into mountain slopes, maintaining near-freezing temperatures through natural airflow from snow-filled crevices.
During the early 1900s, these cold storage facilities enabled year-round silk production by preserving silkworm eggs, contributing to Japan's industrial development through silk exports.
The preservation methods at Arafune-Azumaya demonstrate Japanese engineering knowledge, combining natural cave formations with constructed storage spaces for agricultural purposes.
Visitors reach the site via a 15-minute walk from the parking area, with guided tours available during operating hours from April through November.
The facility stored over one million trays of silkworm eggs at constant temperatures just above freezing, even when external temperatures exceeded 20 degrees Celsius.
Location: Shimonita
Location: Nakanojo
Website: https://worldheritage.pref.gunma.jp/tomikinu/index.php/home/arafunecoldstorage
GPS coordinates: 36.63389,138.87750
Latest update: March 12, 2025 09:06
Yanba Dam
16.9 km
Lock Heart Castle
9.9 km
Numata Castle
14.5 km
Iwabitsu Castle
10.6 km
Nagurumi Castle
10.9 km
Agatsuma Gorge
20.4 km
Aimata Dam
8.9 km
Gunma Astronomical Observatory
9.5 km
Kanai Higashiura site
16.3 km
Mount Iwabitsu
11.2 km
Mount Komochi
11.7 km
Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Memorial
15.5 km
Kuroimine Site
16.1 km
Ikaho Green Bokujō
16.2 km
おろかもの之碑
5.7 km
Green Bell 21
14.8 km
高原千葉村
13 km
Gunma Glass Art Museum
16.6 km
Historic Toki Residence
15.3 km
Former Kume House Western-style building
15.3 km
Yaze Site
11.7 km
Numata Park
14.6 km
Mount Inatsutsumi
14.5 km
Mount Azumaya
13.3 km
Sagiishibashi bridge
14.3 km
House of Folktales and Kamishibai
10.6 km
Former UCCJ Numata Church Memorial Hall
14.5 km
Takasaki City Dye Plant Botanical Garden
16.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes