Former Besshi Copper Mine Tonaru

Communicating the history of the Oriental Machu Picchu, "Tonohira" to the present day The industrial heritage site of Besshi Copper Mine still exists deep in the mountains of Niihama. At its peak, it was a very lively town with many people living there, but when the mine closed, only its ruins were left behind. In recent years, the image of the stone walls and brick buildings, and its high altitude, have earned it the nickname "Machu Picchu of the Orient," and it has attracted many tourists. This location, at an altitude of around 750m, also offers a spectacular view of Niihama city and the Seto Inland Sea in the distance on a clear day. Within the area, there is the Tonaru Historical Museum, which displays realistic dioramas of the town and school of the past, as well as the Copper Theme Hall, which displays copper products, the Tonaru Learning Hall, where you can learn through videos, and a nature exhibition room.