Fukiya Furusato Village

Fukiya Furusato Village (Fukiya Furusato Mura) flourished from the 17th century through the 20th century as a mining town. This town was a major producer of red iron oxide called bengara that is used as a pigment. All the houses have reddish brown tile roofs and are trimmed in the same reddish brown color of bengara. The town is designated as the Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. Wealthy merchants at the time got together and decided to build the town in a unified manner. The concept was pretty advanced back then. Merchant houses and other distinctive buildings still remain including an old elementary school and Kyu Katayama-tei (former Katayama residence) that is now used as a museum.

(Source: mapa do mundo foto vídeos)

Well-established Bengara Store: Kyu Katayama-tei

The former Katayama residence stands on the main street of Fukiya Furusato Village. It was a long-established store that produced and sold bengara for over 200 years. Now it is a museum where visitors can see the store interior and equipment for bengara production. The building is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

(Source: 旅行　写真で紹介)

Recreated Bengara Factory: Bengara Kan

Bengara was first produced in Fukiya in 1707, and the industry flourished until the Taisho era (1912-1926). The Bengara Kan is a re-creation of a benbara factory in the Meiji era, and it documents its history.

(Source: pixta)

A Mining Tour of Sasaune Kodo

There is the Yoshioka mine which was constructed a long time ago. It was one of the three major mines in Japan. This mine built the first western-style blast furnace in the country. The Sasaune Kodo (mine tunnel) was restored to display the inside of the mine. The interior of the mine keeps a constant temperature of 15℃ or 59℉throughout the year. This mysterious mine will put you in an adventurous mood.