Ashio Dozan Copper Mine

Deep within the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture lies the Ashio Dozan Copper Mine, a site that has played a pivotal role in Japan's industrial history. With roots tracing back to the early 17th century, this mine once stood as Japan's leading copper producer, contributing significantly to the nation's modernization efforts.

The Ashio mine was a powerhouse of production and a center of technological innovation, introducing electric trolleys to transport ore as early as 1891. However, the mine's legacy is also marked by environmental and social challenges, including severe pollution that devastated the surrounding landscape and prompted one of Japan's earliest ecological movements.

Today, visitors can explore the extensive underground tunnels by trolley and discover the stories of the workers who toiled here and the broader impact the mine had on Japan's development. Experience the blend of history and nature as you walk through this storied site.

Plan your visit to the Ashio Dozan Copper Mine and delve into a chapter of Japan's industrial past that continues to echo through time.

Hours

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Closed

No closing days

Available

All year

Minimum Age

All ages are welcome.

Admission Fee

830 yen (Adult)

410 yen (Children: 6 - 15 years old)