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'Being able to go into this space is too awesome' - The interior of a romantic coal mine heritage site is now a hot topic as you can tour it for just XXX yen. 'I want to go so badly.'
The Akabira Coal Mine in Hokkaido. For just 800 yen, you can enter this space. It's just too cool.
Quote from @hitoritabiken's post
The photo shows the interior of the mine's headframe, which was built to excavate the coal mine. The tracks and cage remain just as they were, creating a breathtaking scene that evokes the prosperity of a bygone era. The post has received numerous comments on social media, such as "I never knew about this," "I have to see this," and "I want to go so bad."
The "Akabira City Coal Mine Heritage" Site: Tour the Perfectly Preserved Interior
A look at the actual "Guided Coal Mine Heritage Tour"
This former mine is located at the "Akabira City Coal Mine Heritage" site, about a 90-minute drive from Sapporo. Guided tours led by former coal miners are available, allowing the general public to go inside.
A must-visit spot for fans of industrial and coal mine heritage
The tour fee for visitors from outside Akabira City is 800 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 300 yen for elementary school students. To be able to see the inside of a mine headframe once hailed as the "best in Asia" for this price is an incredible deal...!
The Allure of Akabira Coal Mine, According to a Solo Travel Researcher
The person who posted on social media is Yuto Kurihara, also known as the "Solo Travel Researcher" (@hitoritabiken), who travels and introduces various regions of Japan that evoke a sense of wanderlust and nostalgia. He shared his experience of visiting the site with us.
There are many former coal mines in Hokkaido, but they are rapidly decaying and disappearing. The Akabira Coal Mine is rare in that its facilities can be visited year-round. The guide gave a thorough tour, and I learned so much about the history of the mine and what the equipment was like back in the day.
The world inside feels as if time has stood still
The intricate maze of steel beams inside is truly breathtaking—I couldn't stop taking pictures! It's deeply moving to think about how the Akabira Coal Mine was a powerful backbone supporting Japan's entire industry during its period of rapid economic growth.
Embark on a Fascinating Industrial Heritage Journey!
Akabira City once had four coal mines. The one open for tours is the former Sumitomo Akabira Coal Mine, which was the last to operate, closing in 1994.
Mr. Kurihara provides a detailed account of his visit to the Akabira Coal Mine on his own website. Why not go and see this spot, now gaining renewed attention on social media, with your own eyes?
Interview Cooperation & Photos Courtesy of: Yuto Kurihara, Solo Travel Researcher
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