[Ehime Prefecture] Introducing Besshi Copper Mine, one of Japan's three largest copper mines!

Besshi Copper Mine in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture, is one of the three largest copper mines in Japan, and mining took place there for 283 years from 1691 to 1973. 🧐 The total copper production was 650,000 tons, and at its peak, just under 3,000 people moved to Besshi Copper Mine, making a major contribution to the modernization of Japan during the Meiji period. 🚶♀️🚶 Currently, the remains of the mine tunnels are open to the public as a tourist attraction, and the heavy artificial structures that give a sense of history in the midst of nature create a nostalgic atmosphere, making it a popular scenic spot, and the Tonaru district is also known as the "Machu Picchu of the Orient" 📸 In addition, Minetopia Besshi, which serves as the base for tourism at Besshi Copper Mine, is a roadside station that has the starting station for the mine sightseeing train (trolley), souvenir shops, and the only restaurant at Besshi Copper Mine, so it's a spot you'll want to visit if you have time ✨ 📍#Besshi Copper Mine 📍707-3 Tachikawa-cho, Niihama City 📍15 minutes by car from JR Niihama Station 📍Please note that there are many places where there is no signal. You can also access the Tonohira area by car, but the roads are very narrow and dangerous, so we recommend taking a bus from Minetopia Besshi to the Tonohira area. #domestictrip #Besshi #coppermine #modernization #Shikoku #EhimePrefecture #NiihamaCity #heritage #solotravel