Besshi Copper Mine Museum

愛媛県

general.prefecture.

This facility conveys the significance of the Besshi Copper Mine, which is the foundation of the city of Niihama. The building has a semi-underground structure that resembles a mining tunnel, and displays valuable materials related to the history, geology, mining technology, and way of life since the mine's opening. The Besshi Copper Mine Museum was established by the Sumitomo Group in 1975 to convey the significance of the Besshi Copper Mine (which was in operation from 1691 to 1973 and became the origin of the Sumitomo Group) to future generations. The Besshi Copper Mine was managed by Sumitomo for 283 years since its opening, and particularly after the Meiji Restoration, it modernized and mechanized through the introduction of Western technology, and contributed greatly to the development of related businesses based on its profits, becoming the foundation of the Sumitomo Group's various businesses seen today, as well as greatly contributing to the creation and development of Niihama City, the foremost industrial city in Shikoku. The museum displays numerous valuable historical materials related to Sumitomo and the Besshi Copper Mine since its opening, as well as materials related to ore, way of life, technology, and the overcoming of smoke pollution on Shikoku's Four-Sakishima Islands. The roof is covered with azaleas planted in commemoration of May 9, the day the mining permit was obtained, and is a famous spot for azaleas in the city, dyeing the roof bright red in May.

Quoted Text：にいはま紀行

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Highlights

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Point 1

Experience the History of Besshi Copper Mine through Exhibits

At the Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Museum in Niihama City, you can experience 283 years of history with all five senses. The museum displays valuable artifacts such as the first steam locomotive imported from Germany and a model of the mine tunnels that extends 700km, skillfully depicting the changes from the Edo period to the present day. The interior of the semi-underground building reproduces the tunnels, and historical materials owned by the Sumitomo Group can also be seen. This place, which can be visited for free, offers the deep charm and history of the Besshi Copper Mine.

Point 2

A Detailed Collection of Mining-Related Materials

At the Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Museum in Niihama City, you can learn in detail about the history and technology of the Besshi Copper Mine, one of Japan's three major copper mines. In the Geology and Ore Deposits Corner and the Technology Corner, valuable ore samples collected and mining tools used from the Meiji to Showa periods are on display, allowing you to feel the profound history of the mine. You can also see rescue team equipment and rock drilling machines. This place is free to visit, making it ideal for those who want to gain interesting knowledge.

Point 3

Preserved Old Bekko Mining Office Building

The Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Museum in Niihama City preserves the old Bekko Mining Office Building, where you can learn about its history and culture. This building, with its semi-underground structure, houses valuable materials and heritage that were used from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. In addition, the museum has five corners that introduce mining technology and daily life customs. Furthermore, the lush green roof, which is in full bloom with Satsuki flowers every May, is also a highlight. This place, which can be visited for free, allows you to experience a deep sense of history.

Point 4

A Quiet Location Surrounded by Nature

The Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Museum in Shinnihama City tells the 283-year history of the mine in a quiet location surrounded by nature. This facility, with its characteristic semi-underground architecture and roof covered with satsuki flowers, allows visitors to learn about the lifestyle and technology of the time through valuable materials and exhibits. The former Besshi Mining Office is also preserved, giving visitors a sense of its historical value. This free museum offers an excellent opportunity to experience deep history and beautiful nature.

Point 5

Experience Learning about the Evolution of Mining Technology

At the Besshi Copper Mine Museum in Shinnihama City, you can learn about the history and technology of the Besshi Copper Mine, one of Japan's three major copper mines. From Meiji to Showa era lighting fixtures and mining tools, to a 700km model of the mine tunnels, there is plenty to see. The Besshi No.1 steam locomotive that used to run at the mine is also on display. This place is free to visit, making it perfect for those who want to gain interesting knowledge.

Basic Information

	Address	13-3 Tsunono Shinden-cho, Niihama-shi, Ehime
	Business Hours	Mon: 定休日 Tue: 9:00～16:30 Wed: 9:00～16:30 Thu: 9:00～16:30 Fri: 9:00～16:30 Sat: 9:00～16:30 Sun: 9:00～16:30
	TEL	0897-41-2200
	Web Site	http://www.sumitomo.gr.jp/related/index02.html

Average Review

5 Reviews

別子銅山は住友財閥の祖業であり、別子銅山がなければ住友財閥、後の住友グループも存在しなかったでしょう。別子銅山鎮守の大山積神社境内にある別子銅山記念館は住友グループの運営で、入館無料でありながら十分な見ごたえです。これぞというほどのお宝はないものの、貴重な資料の数々を体系的に整理したうえで、わかりやすくていねいに展示しています。別子銅山について学ぶには最良の施設なだけに、産業遺産が集中している東平地区とも端出場地区（マイントピア別子）とも離れた場所にあるのが惜しまれます。日程が折り合うなら、ここを見学してからマイントピア別子、東平地区に向かうのが良いでしょう。

東平地区を見学した後に寄りました。外観がまずとても素敵です。緑の屋根がきれいで、あとでサツキと知りました。入館料も無料なのに中も綺麗に維持されていて、なんで？すごいな！と思ってたら住友グループ。あ、そうか、別子銅山は住友の基礎ですものね、と納得。中にあった坑道の模型には圧倒されます。東平地区の帰りにはぜひ寄るべきところです。

観覧無料。場所は大山積神社の境内にある。駐車場は神社入口の横に12台分。住友グループがながく管理運営していた別子銅山の歴史を伝える資料館。館内は撮影禁止だった。館内は見学しやすく整っていて、展示ブースもちょうどいいボリューム。サッと見るだけなら10分程度で観覧でき、映像資料などを含めしっかり展示を眺めても30分ぐらいだと思う。江戸時代から近代に至る銅山採掘の手法の遍歴などの説明が展示物やパネルで紹介され勉強になった。住友グループが283年の年月をかけて、標高約1000mから掘り始めて最終的には海抜-1000m位置まで掘り進んだアリの巣のような坑道を模型にしたものがあり、すごいなと思うのと同時に、その歴史と苦労がしのばれる展示でもあった。