Tochigi-Ji-Guide in English
Maenikko Area
preserving its brilliant history
This area includes Kanuma, the former post town along the Reiheishi Route, and Ashio Copper Mine, formerly known as the largest copper mine in the East. These historic sites are in perfect harmony with the natural magnificence of this area represented by Mt. Koshin and Yokone Highland.
Sightseeing spot navigation
Kanuma Autumn Festival
Kanuma is known as the town of festival floats, because it has many festival floats with carvings by sculptors who were involved in the construction of the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and other facilities.
This autumn festival, held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of October, features a parade of more than 20 carved festival floats, which include ones made in the Edo Period. The competitive musical performance by these festival floats, called “buttsuke,” is definitely worth seeing.
Sumio Kawakami Museum
Works by Sumio Kawakami, one of the most famous woodblock printmakers during the period from Taisho to early Showa, are on display. The collection of some 2,000 works includes his major work “Shoka no Kaze (early summer breeze).”
Ashio Copper Mine Tour
This is the largest tour inside a mine in Japan, helping participants to learn about the history and structure of the Ashio Copper Mine by touring around the mine. The Ashio Copper Mine was started under the direct control of the Edo Shogunate and in operation for some 400 years until its closure in 1973. The mineshafts are 1,200 kilometers in total length, of which a 700-meter section is open to public. A mining cart carries tourists from the entrance to 300 meters inside the mine. This mine yielded 40% of the nation’s total copper production in the Meiji Period, thus was regarded as the No. 1 copper mine in Asia. The actual operation scenes from those days are revived here by using real-size dolls. Materials on the history of the Ashio Copper Mine and mineral ores produced there are also on display.