[Kazumi City, Akita Prefecture] Osarizawa Mine is the largest mine in the East! Exploring a cool tunnel in the photogenic giant ruins even in summer!
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Osarizawa Mine is the largest mine in the East. In November 2007, it was designated as a modern industrial heritage site by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The mine was closed in 1978. Until then, the mine was mainly mined for copper. Previously, it was a theme park named Mineland Osarizawa.
In 2008, it was renovated as the Historic Osarizawa Mine, with a focus on mine tours. This time, we will introduce this world-class Osarizawa Mine.
Two tour courses are available
Suburban tour course
Two tour courses are available. One is the industrial course (tour of suburban facilities). This tour allows you to see the remains of the ore processing plant, a separation device called a thickener, and a large chimney.
The entire viewing area has the appearance of a gigantic ruin, and is also popular with girls who like ruins. It has a reputation for being Instagrammable.
Mine tunnel course
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiylZnxAosE/The other option is the Ishikirisawa-dong Cave Course (visit inside the mine shaft), where you actually go inside the mine shaft. The mine shaft has a total length of 1,700m, creating an atmosphere similar to the depths of a dungeon.
The mine tunnel course is also recommended for those who like adventure, as it has a surreal feel to it.
Access to Osarizawa Mine
Osarizawa Mine can be reached in about 10 minutes from Kazuno-Hachimantai IC on the Tohoku Expressway. By train, it takes about 10 minutes by taxi from Kazuno-Hanawa Station on the Hanawa Line.
The bus takes 25 minutes from Kazuno Hanawa Station and ends at Osarizawa Mine.
The bus operates from April to November and cannot be used during the winter. However, the mine is open year-round. Therefore, in winter, you will need to access by car or taxi.
Tour of suburban facilities
Huge ruins appear
As you drive through a mountain road, your eyes suddenly open up and you can see the reddish mountain surface and large chimneys. It has become a bald mountain due to smoke pollution from mining.
The chimney is 60m high. It has been certified as a civil engineering heritage site. Below the chimney, the ruins of an ore processing plant, which looks like a huge ruin, are spread out. Due to the risk of collapse, it is not possible to go near it.
There are many people holding cameras and taking pictures from a distance.
Thickener emerald catches the eye
In the middle of the ore processing plant ruins, there is a settling pond that is a thickener (separation device). It was used in the process of separating solids from liquids.
Because the main solid material was copper, the pond has a beautiful emerald green color (copper turns blue when it oxidizes). The surrounding buildings have turned into ruins and are dyed in dull colors, giving the Emerald Pond an unusual and sacred feel.
In the past, if you were accompanied by a guide, you could go close to the thickener. However, due to the effects of the earthquake, it has since been only visible from public roads.
Guided tour recommended
Tours of underground facilities are even more enjoyable with a guide. Guided tours by microbus are planned for 10 to 25 people.
The price is 1,800 yen for adults, 1,440 yen for seniors and junior high and high school students, and 1,080 yen for elementary school students.
It is also possible to apply for an individual tour.
A personalized guide is also provided once a month. In that case, you will need to call and inquire (0186-22-0123 Osarizawa Mine Management Golden Sado Co., Ltd.). They are very flexible in terms of number of people and time, so it's a good idea to let them know your wishes.
Guided tours of the underground facilities are offered as a set with tours inside the mine shaft. Tour time is approximately 2 hours.
Tour of the mine shaft
Choose from 1.7km and 1.1km courses
The tunnel tour course takes you inside the approximately 1.7km tunnel.
Originally, the mine shaft was over 10km long. We will be visiting some of them. However, since it is 1.7km long, it will take about 45 minutes. For those who want a more compact view, a 1.1km course (about 30 minutes) is also available.
The fee for the tunnel tour is 1,000 yen for adults, 800 yen for junior high and high school students, and 600 yen for elementary school students. The price remains the same for both the 1.7km and 1.1km courses.
Features inside the mine shaft
The inside of the mine is characterized by being extremely cool even in summer. If you wear light clothes, you will feel chilly. It is better to bring a jacket.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOpkY0sAudP/There is a long space above my head that I can't see what's ahead. You can experience the largest mine shaft in the East.
Inside, there are many dolls set up to give you a good idea of what working and life was like in the mines during the Edo period. It is designed to leave a visual impression.
At that time, it is said that there were many hidden Christians in the mines. If you look carefully, you can see a cross carved into the rock.
Outside the mine shaft, there is a gold panning experience corner and a go-kart track.
A souvenir shop has been set up outside the mine shaft.
There, you can experience collecting pure gold dust, natural stone, and applying gold leaf. Most of the people who come to the mines are absorbed in collecting gold dust. It is said that the gold mined here was used to build Chusonji Konjikido.
Although it has nothing to do with the mine, there is also a go-kart race track. It is a leisure spot that you can enjoy with your family.
Summary about Osarizawa Mine
This time, we have introduced Osarizawa Mine, a wonder spot in Akita that is known to the world and only known to those in the know. Its scale is one of the largest in the East, and you will be amazed at its overwhelming scale.
Nowadays, grass has encroached on the huge facility, creating a nice harmony between the ruins and nature. The impressive scene that foreshadows life and death is very photogenic, and many people go there to capture it on film.
When sightseeing in Akita, we recommend that you include it in your itinerary.
INFORMATION
| name | Historic Site Osarizawa Mine |
| location | 13-5 Shishisawa, Osarizawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture |
| telephone number | 0186-22-0123 |
| Official URL | http://www.osarizawa.jp/course/ |
| GOOGLE MAP |
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