Ehime · Permanent cultural facility
Minetopia Besshi: Hadeba Mine Railway and Tunnel
Follow the work of the Besshi copper mine through a short railway ride and tunnel displays in Niihama’s hills. A slow train crosses a historic bridge and tunnel before reaching models of mining scenes. The Hadeba site offers an introduction to the mine without a steep mountain hike.
What to see
- Ride the reconstructed mine railway through Hadeba Tunnel and over Uchiyoke Bridge, about five minutes each way.
- Walk through the roughly 333 m visitor tunnel, with figures recreating Edo-period mining and a short film.
- Nearby industrial heritage includes the former Hadeba hydroelectric plant; combine it with the mine visit after checking its separate opening arrangements.
JR Niihama Station → your visit
- Take a Setouchi Bus to the Minetopia Besshi terminus in the Hadeba area, where the main building and visitor mine are located. Check the return timetable in advance.
- About 6 km or 12 minutes from Niihama IC, which has been ETC-only since February 27, 2025.
Closures & important conditions
The Hadeba FAQ lists no regular closing day or holiday substitution. Facility-specific exceptions in the official calendar take precedence. Exact 2027 maintenance closures and New Year exceptions were not verified. The separate Tonaru area normally closes for winter from December to around the end of February; do not apply that closure to Hadeba.
- The tunnel’s lift bucket has been withdrawn after a safety review; do not plan on using it.
- Tonaru cannot be entered during its winter closure. Its mountain ruins and bus tour are separate from Hadeba’s railway and visitor tunnel.
- Gold panning costs extra. From November 1, 2026, reduced space has suspended group-ticket sales and the spectator area; this is not a suspension of the mine visit.
Plan your visit
Checked: 2026-11-06 · a facility guide, not a dated festival listing
Hours & admission arrangements
The official poster valid through November 2026 lists the mine visit at 09:00–17:00, last reception 15:50. Allow about 40–60 minutes for train and tunnel. Winter 2026–27 hours from December onward were not verified; check before travelling.
The mine ticket including return train and tunnel costs ¥1,500 for adults, ¥1,100 for junior/high-school pupils and ¥900 for ages three through elementary school. Buy it at the ground-floor machine. A train-only ticket does not include the tunnel. General site entry is free.
- Address: 707-3 Tatsukawa-cho, Niihama, Ehime. Phone: 0897-43-1801.
- Outbound trains are listed at :00, :20 and :40, with returns at :05, :25 and :45. Check the day’s final service.
- The tunnel has a flat wheelchair-passable path. Some site areas have steps or slopes; arrange train boarding and access to the second-floor platform in advance.
What still needs checking
- Mine-ticket conditions for under-threes, foreign-language interpretation and refunds after purchase are unverified. Groups should enquire ahead.
- The prefectural tourism listing mentions a general February maintenance closure, but 2027 dates were not verified. Confirm your date directly for a February visit.
Official sources & photographs
- Official source 1 ↗
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Access to individual areas, exhibits and activities can vary by day.
Photo pending · View official photos ↗