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When you stand at the entrance of Tsūdō Mine in Ashio Town, Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture, you are enveloped by a sensation as if the flow of time is quietly reversing. This place was once the heart of a copper mine that supported Japan’s modernization, and even now, the heartbeat of its history can still be heard.
Excavation of Tsūdō Mine began in 1885 (Meiji 18), and after eleven years, it was connected to the Motoyama Mine. The tunnel was dug using the latest technology of the time—rock drills and dynamite—and functioned as the main artery of the Ashio Copper Mine. Until its closure in 1973 (Showa 48), it continued to serve as Japan’s largest copper mine. (shorebook.jp)
Above and to the right of the mine entrance, the mountain deity is enshrined. This was a place where miners prayed daily for safety and prosperity. Stepping inside the tunnel, you can feel the cool air and sense the presence of the miners who once worked here. The tunnel walls still bear vivid marks from the rock drills, telling the story of the harsh working conditions of the time.
As you proceed through the tunnel, mining scenes from the Edo period to the Showa period are recreated. In the Edo period mining site, you can see how miners broke rocks by hand, sweating as they worked. In contrast, the Showa period site shows the progress of mechanization and improved work efficiency. However, regardless of the era, the miners’ labor was harsh, and their effort and perseverance supported the copper mine throughout its history. (kitakan-snap.net)
Upon exiting the tunnel, there is a Copper Museum displaying ores mined at Ashio and models of the refinery, as well as the Mint, which explains the history of Ashiji coins. Ashiji coins are characterized by the character “足” engraved on the reverse and are Kan’ei Tsuho coins made in Ashio. It is said that about 200 million Ashiji coins were produced at the Ashio Copper Mine, which flourished as a government-operated mine under the Edo Shogunate. (note.com)
At the Tsūdō Mine Shrine, there are charming komainu (guardian lion-dog statues) carved in 1743 (Kanpō 3). These komainu were originally at Sunokobashi Yama Shrine, but were moved when the Tsūdō Mine Shrine was built in 1920 (Taisho 9). Their unique expressions bring comfort to visitors. (shorebook.jp)
During the Meiji period, Ashio Copper Mine grew to account for about one-quarter of Japan’s copper production, and at its peak, the population of Ashio Town reached about 38,000. However, due to pollution problems and a decline in output, the mine was closed in 1973. Today, a portion of the mine is open to the public as Ashio Copper Mine Tourism, providing a place for many people to learn about its history and culture. (city.nikko.lg.jp)
Standing at Tsūdō Mine, you can once again feel the sweat and effort of the miners and the immense role this place played in Japan’s modernization. The heartbeat of history echoing in the silence leaves a deep impression on the hearts of those who visit.