Naganobori copper mine

The Naganobori copper mine contains extensive underground tunnels and excavation sites across the eastern margin of the Akiyoshi-dai limestone plateau.

Records from the Shoku-Nihongi text confirm that copper extracted from Naganobori contributed to Japan's first circulated coinage during the 8th century.

Archaeological excavations at Naganobori revealed wooden plates called mokkans, which documented the daily operations and management of the mining office.

Visitors can access the mine site through guided tours that explain the copper extraction methods and display original mining tools from different periods.

The analysis of stalagmites from Ogiri No. 4 pit provides scientific data about environmental changes caused by copper smelting over two millennia.

Location: Mine

GPS coordinates: 34.24233,131.33967

Latest update: May 14, 2025 01:20