Former Besshi Copper Mine, Tohira District

Overview

The Besshi Copper Mine, nestled in the mountains of Niimi City, Ehime Prefecture, was one of Japan's most important copper mines from the Meiji to Showa periods. The Tohira district housed the Besshi Copper Mine's mining headquarters from 1916 to 1930, once a bustling town where miners and their families lived. It even boasted its own elementary and junior high schools and a shrine – a complete town built within the mountains! Today, remnants of the past remain: closed mine shafts, traces of the mineral transport railway, and the stone walls of former machinery and dwellings offer glimpses into daily life. A reconstructed 220-step staircase where an incline railway once stood provides a sense of the mine's grand scale. A museum showcases the history of the Besshi Copper Mine and the lives of the miners, displaying precious photographs and documents from the era. Tohira district is a mystical blend of history and nature. Exploring the former mining facilities and the remains of daily life allows visitors to appreciate the hardships and remarkable engineering skills of those who contributed to Japan's modernization. The area also boasts numerous other Besshi Copper Mine related facilities, such as Minetopia Besshi, making it a perfect destination for a full-day exploration.