🗺️ Ashio Copper Mine足尾銅山

Before its closure in 1973, the "Ashio Copper Mine," which had been in operation for 400 years, was designated as a national historic site. Mining began in 1610 when copper was discovered in the Bizen Tateyama area, and it prospered as a copper mine directly managed by the Edo Shogunate. In 1871, it became privately owned and became an industry that supported Japan's modernization, accounting for as much as 40% of Japan's copper production in the early 20th century. However, copper mining also left many negative impacts, such as deforestation and the emissions from smelting, which caused air pollution as well as water and soil contamination. Now, parts of the closed tunnels have been opened to allow visiting tourists to understand the historical positive and negative impacts brought by the Ashio Copper Mine, which supported Japan's development. Visitors can take a sightseeing train into a dark tunnel approximately 460 meters long, where they can see life-sized figures depicting mining work over time, gaining insight into the hardships of mining. The site also features a copper museum and minting facilities, where visitors can learn about the processing of ore into copper and the manufacturing process of "Ashi-zukin" coins.

Take the sightseeing train into the tunnel, which is approximately 460 meters long. You can see realistic mannequins demonstrating the mining process. There is also a museum that provides insights into Japan's modernization. Additionally, there is a rest area where you can purchase copper souvenirs.