Prefecture: Ehime
Date Visited: April 30, 2019
Deep in the mountains of Niihama lies the ruins of what was known as the Besshi Copper Mine. Among them is Tōnaru (東平、とうなる), the so-called Machu Picchu of the East. With its corroded brick walls and preserved trolley trains, Tonaru is brimming with nostalgia. The faded warm colors against bright greenery compose a beautiful scene, and it’s a spot I’d recommend to photography enthusiasts.
Is the place beautiful? Without a doubt. Would I call it Machu Picchu? I haven’t been to the real Machu Picchu, so I wouldn’t know how to compare the two, but judging from photos online, I’d say calling it Machu Picchu of the East is a bit stretching it.
Access
Business Hours: open every day
Admission: Free
Minetopia Guided Tour:
11:00 and 13:00
Adult (13 and above) – ¥1,300
Children (3 to 12) – ¥1,000
Tonaru is best accessed by car, however, it is accessible through public transportation. From Niihama Station take a bus that goes to Minetopia Besshi, a small, copper mine-themed amusement complex. From there, you can reserve a tour that goes to Tonaru. When you reach Tonaru, they will tell you that the guided tour is optional, you can wander around and take photos as you please and then get back to the parking lot by the designated time. The guided tour is only in Japanese.
