Besshi Copper Mine Site in Ehime

The power source and substation of Besshi Copper Mine

Takako Sakamoto Dec 15, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The site of the hydraulic power plant, which was built in 1912 as the power source of Besshi Copper Mine</p>

<p>Electricity was generated by a Siemens power generator and a Voith waterwheel</p>

<p>The site of the third substation located in Tonaru district, which was built in 1904</p>

<p>In Tonaru district, this substation is the only building that remains the same as it was before (the contents inside the building are preserved untouched)</p>

<p>Bright light streaming through the arched windows</p>

<p>Walls with flaky plaster and the characteristic odor of abandoned buildings make me feel nostalgic</p>

<p>Red-brick building still preserved on elevated ground</p>

On 2nd November 2014, I visited Tonaru district of Niihama City in Ehime Prefecture.

Besshi Copper Mine began in 1690 and operated continuously for 238 years. It became a cornerstone of Japan's modernization and trade, launching the Sumitomo zaibatsu. I'd heard about the place and wanted to visit, but I didn't know exactly where it was located. One day, I dropped into Maintopia-Besshi, and got the information abut this historical site. I was excited to finally visit Besshi Copper Mine Site, also known as 'Machu Picchu in the East'.

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...