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'.
