KumamotoLeisure

The Coal Town's Memory Preserved in World Heritage Shaft Tower and Brick Architecture

About this spot

One of the principal pit entrances of the Miike Coalmine, which supported Japan's modernization, and a component asset of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Industrial Heritage of Meiji Japan." The towering steel Daini Tatekurozutou (Second Vertical Shaft Tower) and the red-brick Makiage-ki Room (Winding Engine House) remain in their original form and are designated as National Important Cultural Properties and Historic Sites. Inside the site, guided tours by volunteer guides allow you to view the winding equipment that transported people and materials into the mines and the mine entrance itself—you'll feel the very breath of the coalminers. Combined with the exhibits at the adjacent Manda Mine Station (万田坑ステーション), you can experience firsthand the era when coal powered the nation.

Tips

Tours with volunteer guides are highly recommended, as they share anecdotes of those who worked in the mines, deepening your understanding. Some areas within the site are unpaved and have uneven surfaces, so wear comfortable walking shoes. In summer, there are few shaded areas, so bring a hat and drinks. Tickets are purchased at the adjacent Manda Mine Station (万田坑ステーション).