8Sasaune mine tunnel
The Sasaune mine tunnel was the main tunnel of the mine, which opened late in the Edo period (1603-1868) and was operated until The late Taisho era (1912-1926). The mine was acquired by Mitsubishi Shokai in 1879 as an adjunct to the Yoshioka Copper Mine. The Sasaune tunnel connects to the No. 2 tunnel of the Yoshioka Copper Mine.
The addition of Fukiya to the national register of Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1977 inspired the restoration and refurbishment of the tunnel, starting in the following year. It was opened to the public in 1979. With a constant inside temperature of approximately 15°C throughout the year, the tunnel is even used for the long-term fermentation of alcoholic drinks.
The addition of Fukiya to the national register of Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1977 inspired the restoration and refurbishment of the tunnel, starting in the following year. It was opened to the public in 1979. With a constant inside temperature of approximately 15°C throughout the year, the tunnel is even used for the long-term fermentation of alcoholic drinks.