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Osarizawa Mine is the largest mine in the Orient and was designated a Heritage of Industrial Modernization
It is said that copper was the main material mined here, but the mine closed in 1978. Previously, it was operated as a theme park called Mineland Osarizawa, but in 2008 it was renovated the Osarizawa Mine Historic Site .
This time, we will introduce the world-class Osarizawa Mine
Two tour courses are available
There are two tour courses available. The first is the Industrial Course (touring suburban facilities) . This takes you around the remains of the ore dressing plant, a separation device called a thickener, and a large chimney, and the entire area appears as a huge ruin.
The other the Ishikirizawa Tunnel Course (a tour of the inside of the tunnels) , which involves actually entering the tunnels. The tunnels, which are 1,700 meters long, create the atmosphere of the depths of a dungeon.
The mine course is also full of surrealism and is recommended for those who love adventure
As you drive along the mountain road, the view suddenly opens up and you can see the reddish mountainside and large chimneys. The mountains are bald due to smoke pollution from mining
The chimney is 60 meters high and has been designated as a civil engineering heritage site. Below the chimney lies the remains of a huge abandoned ore dressing plant. Due to the risk of collapse, it is not permitted to go near it
There are many people taking pictures with their cameras from a distance
The emeralds on the thickener are eye-catching
In the middle of the former ore dressing plant is a thickener (separation device) that 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 oxidized). The surrounding buildings are in ruins and have a dull color, making the emerald pond seem quite otherworldly and sacred
In the past, it was possible to get close to Sickner with a guide, but due to the effects of the earthquake, it can now only be viewed from the public road
A guided tour is recommended
A tour of the mine's surface facilities is even more enjoyable with a guide. Guided tours are available by minibus for groups of 10 to 25 people
The admission fee is 1,800 yen for adults, 1,440 yen for seniors and junior and senior high school students, and 1,080 yen for elementary school students
Individual tours are also available. Individual guided tours are held 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 the number of people and time, so it's a good idea to let them know your preferences.
Guided tours of the surface facilities are offered in conjunction with tours of the interior of the mine, and last approximately two hours
Ishikirizawa Tunnel Course (visiting the inside of the tunnel)
The mine tour course takes you inside the tunnels, which are about 1.7 km long. The tunnels are actually over 10 km long, and you will only be able to see a portion of them. However, since it is 1.7 km long, it will take about 45 minutes. For those who want to see a more compact view, there is also a 1.1 km course (about 30 minutes) available.
The fee for the mine tour is 1,000 yen for adults, 800 yen for junior and senior high school students, and 600 yen for elementary school students. The price is the same for both the 1.7km course and the 1.1km course
Features inside the tunnel
The inside of the mine is very cool even in summer. If you are wearing light clothing, you may feel chilly. It is recommended that you bring a jacket
There is a vast expanse of space above your head that you cannot see the end of. You can experience the largest mine tunnel in the Orient
Inside, many dolls are displayed to give a clear picture of what life and work was like in the mines during the Edo period, creating a visually striking display
It is said that there were many hidden Christians in the mine at the time. If you look carefully, you will see a cross carved into the rock
Outside the mine, there is a gold panning experience corner and a go-kart track
There is a souvenir shop outside the mine where you can try your hand at collecting pure gold dust, collecting natural stones, and applying gold leaf. Most visitors to the mine are absorbed in collecting gold dust. It is said that the gold mined here was used to build the Konjikido Hall of Chusonji Temple.
Although it has nothing to do with the mine, there is also a go-kart racing track, making it a great leisure spot for the whole family to enjoy
Access to Osarizawa Mine
It takes about 10 minutes to get to Osarizawa Mine from Kazuno-Hachimantai IC on the Tohoku Expressway. If you are coming by train, it is also 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 runs from April to November and is closed in winter. The mine is open all year round
summary
we have introduced Osarizawa Mine, a world-famous wonder spot in Akita that is known only to a few
Now, grass has taken over the huge facility, creating a beautiful harmony between the ruins and nature. The impressive scene, which gives a sense of life and death, is photogenic, and many people go there to capture it on film
If you are planning a trip to Akita, we highly recommend including this
Osarizawa Mine <Information>
Name: Historic Site of Osarizawa Mine
Address: 13-5 Shishizawa, Osarizawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, 018-5202
A web writer who loves sightseeing. He is dedicated to exploring local gourmet food. Recently, I've been researching famous Japanese sweets shops such as manju and dango. Going around the basements of department stores is my daily routine.
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