We visited the Asio Copper Mine. The Asio Copper Mine was a major copper mining site from the Edo period, supporting Japan’s industry and was once called “the number one mining town in Japan.” The total length of the mine tunnels, dug over approximately 400 years, reaches 1234 kilometers, and part of it is now a tourist attraction called “Asio Copper Mine Tourist Site” (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture). It is currently aiming for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
On my first trip to Ashio Copper Mine, I felt as though I had stepped into another time. The cool tunnels, the small mining train, and the quiet mountain setting made the history of this place come alive.
Our First Visit to Ashio Copper Mine on a Rainy Day
It was a gray morning in Tochigi, with light rain falling from time to time, when I made my first trip to the Ashio Copper Mine. At first, I wondered if the weather might spoil the experience, but in the end, the drizzle added a quiet charm to the day. The mist over the mountains made the old mining town feel even more atmospheric, as though history itself was alive in the air.
After arriving, I boarded the small mining train that carried me into the tunnels. The moment we entered, I felt the cool, damp air wrap around me, a sharp contrast to the soft rain outside. The dimly lit passageways and the rhythmic sound effects of tools and carts created a vivid picture of miners at work. Walking deeper into the tunnels, I was struck by the thought of how difficult and dangerous their daily lives must have been.
can hear sounds and conversations.
Following the designated route will allow you to learn about the history of the copper mine.
The museum displays helped me understand more than just the industry. Old photographs, mining tools, and even reconstructions of workers’ living quarters painted a picture of an entire community built around the mine. I also learned about the serious pollution issues that once plagued the area and the efforts of people who fought for environmental justice. Knowing that the beautiful green scenery outside had once been devastated by mining activities made me appreciate the restored nature even more.
When I stepped back outside, the drizzle had returned. But instead of being an inconvenience, the rain seemed to wash the mountains clean, leaving the forests vibrant and fresh. Looking around, I felt grateful for both the historical lessons and the resilience of nature that Ashio represents.
There is also a museum and a souvenir shop.
My first visit to Ashio Copper Mine was more than just a sightseeing trip. It was an experience of stepping into the past, reflecting on progress and its costs, and enjoying the quiet beauty of Tochigi on a rainy day. I would recommend it to anyone seeking something deeper than the usual tourist spots—a place where history, culture, and nature come together in a truly memorable way.
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