Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum - Hokkaido
Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum (かみすながわ炭鉱館) is a local history museum that highlights the coal mining history of the Kamisunagawa. It is located at 1-1-3 Honmachi in the town of Kamisunagawa in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
One of the highlights of the museum is the "Hydraulic Coal Mining" exhibit, showcasing the rare mining technique used in this region. Due to the abundance of gas within the coal bed, a method called "hydraulic coal mining" was implemented. High-pressure water was sprayed onto the coal wall from a specially designed device, effectively crushing the coal and allowing it to be easily extracted. This innovative technique not only exemplifies the resourcefulness of the coal miners but also highlights the unique challenges they faced.
Visitors can expect to embark on a captivating journey through time as they immerse themselves in the history of Kamisunagawa's coal mining town. The museum presents an opportunity to gain insight into the lives and struggles of the coal miners, providing a window into the past. By exploring the exhibits and displays, visitors can truly appreciate the transformative changes that have occurred in the town since the closure of the mine in 1987.
* I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum has to offer. Please visit the museum and enjoy it with your own eyes.
The Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the coal mining community. It sheds light on the hardships endured by our predecessors, as well as the progress made in the subsequent years. As you delve into the exhibits, we hope that you will gain a deeper appreciation for the history and legacy of the coal mines in Kamisunagawa.
My family and I visited the Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum for the first time last September 11, 2022, as part of our September 9-11 Road Trip. It was my 314th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Aside from learning about the once lucrative coal mining industry of Kamisunagawa, what we also enjoyed was our chat with the very friendly museum staff. She introduced us to a very cute dog named Shittan who serves as the “dog director” of the museum.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM.
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| Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum |
Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum details
The Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum is a must-visit tourist facility for those interested in the history of coal mining. As you step into the museum, you will be exposed to a rich collection of exhibits, including models of hydraulic coal mining and various mining tools, which offer an in-depth understanding of the coal mining heritage in Kamisunagawa. |
| Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum - Kamisunagawa town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
One of the highlights of the museum is the "Hydraulic Coal Mining" exhibit, showcasing the rare mining technique used in this region. Due to the abundance of gas within the coal bed, a method called "hydraulic coal mining" was implemented. High-pressure water was sprayed onto the coal wall from a specially designed device, effectively crushing the coal and allowing it to be easily extracted. This innovative technique not only exemplifies the resourcefulness of the coal miners but also highlights the unique challenges they faced.
Things to see outside Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum
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| The Statue of the Miner |
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| Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum facade |
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| Some coal mine machinery on display outside the museum |
Meeting the Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum's Director
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| Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum's Director - Shittan |
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Displays inside Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum*
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| Before leaving, we bade Shittan farewell |
Team Nicerio visits Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum
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Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum Entrance Fee:
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum.Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum Operating Hours:
Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum is open from the last week of April to the last week of October. It’s closed during the winter season.The museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Why visit Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum?
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply looking to expand your knowledge of the coal mining industry, a visit to the Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum is highly recommended. It offers a truly enlightening experience that will leave a lasting impression and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the region's rich mining heritage.Getting to Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum
From Takikawa Station walk towards Takikawa Eki Mae bus stop and ride the Utashinai Sen Route of the Chuo bus line. Board down at Chuo 1 Chome [Kamisunagawacho] bus top. From there, walk for about 450 meters to reach the Kamisunagawa Coal Mine Museum.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Fare: 590 yen
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The museum's director is super cute!
ReplyDeleteHahahah! I agree with you!
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