This study surveyed the location characteristics of silkworm egg-producing farms hamlets and mulberry plantations along the middle reaches of Tone River, in Isesaki City of Gunma Prefecture and Fukaya and Honjo City of Saitama Prefecture. The region encompasses the constituent elements for the certification as World Heritage and understanding its surrounding landscape enhances its value. The study was conducted by interpreting old maps surveyed by the Land Survey Department of the Imperial Army (jinsoku-sokuzu) on mid-Meiji Period, surveying documents and studying in the field. The results show that factors behind the formation of silkworm egg-producing farms along rivers include good drainage conditions and suitability for mulberry cultivation to feed silkworms. Moreover, the development of water transportation of Tone River had a strong influence on the location. During the Meiji Period, mulberry plantations spread along and across Tone River, contributing to the high-volume production of silkworm egg-producing industry. The land formerly covered by mulberry plantations is now occupied by industrial parks and dry fields, where the region’s famous green onions are grown.
