Spot: Minetopia Besshi
Prefecture: Ehime
Date Visited: April 30, 2019
Rising from the remains of Besshi Copper Mine, Minetopia Besshi is a family-friendly theme park that revolves around the theme of mining. While it may seem peculiar for a theme park to draw inspiration from mining, Minetopia Besshi is surprisingly entertaining. It is a small but packed amusement center, and a family with kids can easily spend a day in it.
Attractions at Minetopia Besshi
Tonaru
A historic site featuring the preserved ruins of a former mine. It bears similarities to the Machu Picchu, which is why it has been dubbed as Machu Picchu of the Orient. While Tonaru is open to the public, Minetopia Besshi offers a guided tour for a fee. Learn and find more photos of Tonaru on this post.
Gozan
Departing from “Fortune Bringer Station” located the second floor of the building is a cute trolley train that runs through trees. The short ride leads to a different “Happiness Station” where both an educational and entertaining mine tour can be done on foot. Visitors enter a tunnel where animated dioramas show what life was like in Besshi Copper Mine. A section of it also includes kid-friendly mining tools that you can try your hands on.
Besshi Hot Spring “Tenku no Yu”
Located on the 3rd floor is a hot spring facility with several indoor and outdoor baths as well as a sauna. Perfect for a relaxing dip after a day of playing.
Akagane Kids Park
An indoor play area that can accommodate both young and older children.
Other Activities
Minetopia Besshi also offers activities like gold panning, mushroom gathering and bike rentals.
Restaurants & Gift Shops
The facility has two restaurants, one on the first and another on the second. Two souvenir shops can also be found on the first floor.
Access
Open everyday, 9:00 – 18:00
From Niihama Station, take a bus that goes to Minetopia Besshi.
