Arafune Cold Storage

荒船風穴

3.9Est. 45Shimonita, Kanto

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Overview

Ingenious rock facility that used natural cold air to refrigerate silkworm eggs.

A historic silkworm egg storage facility built into a rocky ravine. It cleverly utilized natural cold air blowing from the rock crevices to delay the hatching of silkworm eggs. This allowed Japan to produce silk multiple times a year, revolutionizing the industry.

Local tips

Even in the heat of summer, you can feel the distinctly freezing air blowing out from the gaps in the stone walls.

Practical info

Japanese name: 荒船風穴
Nearest station: Shimonita Station (40 min taxi)

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