After the Meiji Period, the Ogoya Kozan Mine operated by the Yokoyama Clan known as the Mineral King of Hokuriku and the Yusenji Dozan Copper Mine which served as the foundation for the subsequent development of steel works of Komatsu increased copper production. In the Taisho Period, their copper production was one of the largest across the country.
Their financial power supported the economy of Kaga and Komatsu after the Meiji Restoration, while driving the creation of wealth in the surrounding regions, and made significant contributions to the handing down of the traditional culture.
Industrial Heritage
Ogoya Kozan Mine
This mine was discovered in the early Edo Period, which produced gold, lead, and zinc in addition to copper. The production of copper increased during the Meiji Period and the Taisho Period, to the extent that this mine became one of the largest producers across the country. Until it was closed in 1971, this mine served as the basic industry in the region, where an exclusive railway system was built. The restored mine road and the Ogoya Kozan Mine Museum opened along this mine road exhibit various materials that show the mine's history, mining tools, and various minerals.
Industrial Heritage
Kinpira Kinzan Gold Mine
This gold mine supported the wealth of the Kaga Domain in the late Edo Period. Access to the mine is now closed, but there is a museum that exhibits precious materials including documents and the Kinzan Emaki picture scrolls compiled at that time. These are Cultural Properties designated by Komatsu City.
Industrial Heritage
Yusenji Dozan Copper Mine
This mine is a large copper mine on the same scale as the Ogoya Kozan Mine. Discovered in the late Edo Period, this copper mine produced a large amount of minerals during the Meiji and Taisho Periods. A huge chimney and two smelting furnaces still remain.
