This information facility was built on the former site of 旧住友赤平炭鉱 in 赤平市, where you can learn about the history and overview of the old coal mine. Admission is free, but if I remember correctly, adults can also take a guided tour inside the shaft facility for ￥800. I thought the interior could only be visited during a very limited period, but apparently visits are possible year-round. However, it only opens twice a day, so keep that in mind. This time I had other business too, so I only visited the free area. It isn't very spacious, but it has a substantial collection of items from the time, making it easy to imagine 赤平市 during the coal-mining era. Its population is now below １万人, but apparently it was once quite a large city with more than ５万人 residents. The area around this facility has now almost reverted to forest, leaving only this facility, the shaft structure that serves as a landmark tower, and the public bath across the road. Apparently it was once a bustling place lined with railway tracks, houses, and shops. The shaft facility is also deteriorating badly with age, and one day it may no longer be possible to visit. I need to join an interior tour before that happens. Coal-mining fans should hurry and join too.

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The information facility serves as 赤平市's coal-mining museum and can be visited free of charge. The paid guided tour I joined was wonderful. The tour cost 800円 per adult. A former coal miner guides you through the interior of the shaft facility, which you don't normally get to see. Check the website for the times. When I visited, there were 2 tours a day, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. I timed my visit to coincide with a guided tour. The guide had also worked for many years at this coal mine in 赤平市, so the explanations were very authentic. I ended up asking many questions, but he answered thoughtfully, and I learned a lot. Inside the shaft facility, it really feels like another world where time has stopped exactly as it was back then It was wonderful. I had a great experience. Thank you to the guide.

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You can visit the interior of the shaft tower and the maintenance workshop on a guided tour. The stated duration is 90 minutes, but the guide enthusiastically answers every participant's questions, so it can run longer depending on the number of people. You can leave partway through, but since you've come all that way, it's best to allow 2 hours when joining on a day likely to be busy, such as a weekend. Also, the visit to the maintenance workshop in the second half of the tour involves traveling by car, so a private or rental car is convenient, but transport is also provided for visitors arriving by public transportation. I joined the Sunday morning session in June, and no advance reservation was needed.

I stopped by when I happened to pass through. You can look around inside for free. Photos from the lively days when the coal mine was operating and equipment that was actually used are on display, making it a very valuable experience.

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I couldn't join the tour event, but the mine's three-dimensional model and design drawings showed me that its interior was more complex and larger than I'd imagined. I thought I'd definitely get lost if I went underground... ^^;

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