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A vast industrial heritage which allows you to experience the 283-year mining history.
Besshi Copper Mine used to be one of the three most productive copper mines in Japan, but it closed in 1973. Then, a mine theme park, Minetopia Besshi, was opened on the mine’s last headquarter premises. The 60,000m² grounds are dotted with the Tour Mine Tunnel, Tour Train and other hands-on facilities that let visitors learn about the mine.
First, stop by at the main building that functions as a roadside station with a restaurant, cafe, produce market, and shop. On its 2nd floor, there is a platform with a recreated steam engine which is now used as a tour train that goes into the 333m-long Tour Mine Tunnel. You can learn the history of Besshi Copper Mine that lasted from Edo, Meiji, Taisho Periods into the modern days and experience the past closely when the miners were working hard underground.
The highlight is the Tonaru Zone, also called the Machu Picchu in the Orient. It is located about 11km away from the main building. You need to either drive or be on a bus tour to get there. At 750m above sea level, this huge theme park has a storage, electric substation, and other large and small remains that allow you to experience the whole picture of Besshi Mine’s 283-year history.
You can learn the history of the mine in the 333m-long Tour Mine Tunnel
Get on the mine’s tour train and start for the Tour Mine Tunnel
Many get so involved and forget time during panning for gold!
The new local specialty “Zangirazu” sold only on each Saturday and Sunday
Tonaru Zone, called Machu Picchu in the Orient, is a must-see
You can soak in a natural hot spring on the 4th floor of the main building
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have foreign language support? (If it is available, what language is available?)
We can use a translation app and help (basically in English).
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Not into places that charge entrance fees.
Q
Is free WiFi available in the facility?
Yes, it is. (*The WiFi signal is weak)
Heart_Wi_Fi／Ehime_Free_Wi_Fi
Q
Are coin lockers available?
They are on the 1st floor (next to the restroom) of the main building (100 yen, returned after a use).
Q
How long does it take to visit the mine and pick gold sand?
Touring the mine is about an hour (train-ride is 5 min. one way, and walking in the tunnel, 40 min.)
Panning for gold is limited to 30 min.
MINETOPIA 別子～我都來這泡露天澡堂～跟岩盤浴，很放鬆，而它的室內還有兒童遊樂場哦👍
