The Sorachi Coal Mine Heritage Management Center is located just a short walk from the plaza in front of JR Iwamizawa Station. It's a place that provides a wealth of information about the coal mining heritage centered in the Sorachi region, as well as various other local information. By the way, coal mines in Japan are sometimes called "yama," which means mountain.

Its prime location makes it easy to stop by while waiting for a train, and the charming stone building, constructed in 1927, is easy to spot. If you look closely, you'll notice that the window frames and other details are quite different from modern ones, making even the exterior fascinating to observe!

Upon entering, you'll find a spacious area filled with all sorts of items, including merchandise, books, and documents.

The Sorachi coal mining region experienced both its peak and its decline in the short span of just 100 years. Today, many tangible and intangible "memories of the coal mines" remain. This center acts as a hub, serving as a concierge to connect people from both inside and outside the region with these memories.

The center is always stocked with pamphlets from tourist facilities in various municipalities, as well as its own unique printed materials and handouts related to coal mining. Many books have been donated by the public, allowing anyone to freely browse rare materials that you wouldn't find in a bookstore.

A major feature of this center is the ability to experience history up close by seeing actual items once used at the coal mines, such as charging stations. They also hold events that take you to visit the actual sites of former coal mines, so if you're interested, be sure to check their official website.

Further inside, you'll find a stone warehouse attached to the office. This warehouse, built with Sapporo soft stone, was constructed way back in 1909! Today, it's used as a space for exhibitions related to coal mining and for events like concerts.

The Sorachi Coal Mine Heritage Management Center was established in 2009. It was brought to life by the NPO "Soratan" (Organization for the Promotion of Coal Mine Memory), which was formed two years prior.

The memories of coal mining are deeply ingrained in various parts of Hokkaido, not just in Sorachi. The Organization for the Promotion of Coal Mine Memory is expanding its efforts from "points to a plane," connecting the past with the future and the inside with the outside. As a key base for these activities, the Sorachi Coal Mine Heritage Management Center is expected to attract even more attention in the future!

Location: 1-jo Nishi 4-chome-3, Iwamizawa, Hokkaido
Contact: 0126-24-9901
Official Website: http://www.mc.soratan.com/

laufen克