Besshi Copper Mine Tonaru "Machu Picchu of Japan"

旧別子銅山 東平(東洋のマチュピチュ)
A legacy that conveys the history of the Besshi Copper Mine to the present day
The industrial heritage of the Besshi Copper Mine still exists deep in the mountains of Niihama. At its peak, the town was a bustling place where many people lived, but with the closure of the Besshi Copper Mine, only the ruins of the town remain. In recent years, the town has been called “Machu Picchu of the Orient” because of its stone walls, brick buildings, and high location, attracting many tourists. The site, which is located at an altitude of around 750 meters, also offers a spectacular view of the city of Niihama and the distant Seto Inland Sea on a clear day.
In addition to the Tonaru Historical Museum, which displays a diorama of a realistic reproduction of a town and school from the past, the area also has a copper theme museum displaying copper products, the Tonaru Learning Center where visitors can learn through video, a nature exhibition room, and other facilities.
Address 愛媛県新居浜市立川町654-3
Telephone Number 0897-36-1300
Business Hours10:00-17:00 (March-November)
Days Closed for BusinessMondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) / December through February
Parkingavailable
free
Word-of-mouth Reviews (TripAdvisor)
Website Website
RemarksPlease note that the roadway is very narrow. It is very difficult for cars to pass each other.
You can also drive your own car, but please use the safe and reliable Tonaru Regular Tour Bus.