日光の観光スポット・足尾の歴史を案内する　写真館四代目のブログ

Welcome to Ashio!! In Ashio,visitors are amazed by its natural beauty and long history.
Do you know the Ashio copper mine? Once, it was the biggest copper mine in Japan.In the early Meiji Era (1868～1912), the town took a lead in Japanese modern industry.There are a lot of industrial heritages here. Surely, Ashio is the cradle of Japanese modern industry and a good place to learn about industrial heritages and enveironmental problems.Here many people pay attention to the natural environment destroyed by smoke damage from the refineries.
This guide book is made in order to introduce “Ashio”. It is a town like a museum, so you can enjoy it wherever you visit.
I 'd like you to use this book not only as a guide but also as a study material.
“ASHIO-no-SHIKI ”(Four Seasons in Ashio) is a song loved by people living in Ashio. The melody is used as the time signal at noon.

ASHIO-no-SHIKI(Four Seasons in Ashio)

1. Shunseisenri Mizukiyoku Kasumitomago Sakurabana Imatakenawano Wataraseya

2. NatsuKoshinnno Takinooto Midorishitataru Manzanni Kumokurenaino Yuhikage

3. Susukiononoku Yamanomine Datsuryutono Kagekuroku Tsukityutenni Akihukashi

4. Nantaioroshi Hukiarete Hakugaigaino Bizentate Horobasyaisogu Kurenomachi

There are two stories about the origin of the name　“ASHIO”.
One is the “rat story”. According to the story , the kanji for Ashio was written “足緒”.
Long ago, there was a priest called “SHODO-SHONIN”. When he stayed in the mountain of Nikko, he saw a rat with grains of millet and rice.He was so surprised to see the rat in the heart of such a mountain, so he tied a string to the rat's foot, and followed it. At last, he found houses at the foot of a mountain.
“SHODO-SHONIN”named this place“ASHI(meaning one's foot)O(meaning string)”. After that, his pupils were said to come to this place. they trained and built temples there.

Another opinipn relates to Ashio's topographic view. The high point of a mountain range is called “O(meaning tail written“尾”in kanji). So many people think the name “Ashio”came from its topographic condition. It is an interesting fact that there are other areas near Ashio which use the kanji “尾”also.HOSOO is eritten“細尾”in kanji and KASOO is written “粕尾”in kanji.

Ashio was a silent mountain village begore copper was found. In 1610, two farmers were said to find copper in Mt.Bizentate. The Ashio Copper Mine then started under the direct administration of the Tokugawa Shogunate.The Ashio Copper Mine enjoyed remarkable prosperity, and was referred to as “Ashio,the Town of 1,000 House ”. Not only was the copper used in Japan,
but also it was sent to foreign countries. It was used to make the roofs for the “Toshogu Shrine”, the “Edo Castle”and the “Kaneiji Temple in Ueno”and so on. In addition to this, the copper was used to make money called “Kaneitsuho('Ashijisen')”
In 1877, Mr.Ichibe'e Furukawa began management of the Ashio copper mine. He used new machines and skills. As a result of this, the mine was electrified and modernized, and the amount of copper output increased. In 1916, the population of Ashio reached 38,428. Ashio was the largest town next to Utsunomiya(about58,000) in Tochigi prefecture.
However, people dug copper without sufficient planning during World WarⅡ；they couldn't produce as much copper as they thought.
At last, the Ashio copper mine was closed in February in 1973, closing the chapter to about 400 years of history.

In the Ashio Copper Mine, more than 40 minerals were found.The most general ore is Chalcopyrite(“ODOKO” in Japanese）. It is a compound of copper, iron and sulfur. “ODOKO” consisits of about 34,5 percent copper.
There are two different museums near the “The Ashio Dozan Kanko” and the “Furukawa Kakemizu Club” where one can see many mineral samples.
Please come to see those valuable materials !

Minerals Mined in Ashio
*Chalcopyrite *Bornite
*Chalcocite *Galena
*Cuprite *Malachite
*Bismuthinite *Pyrite
*Rock crystal etc

The mineral museum near the Ashio Dozan Kanko

Mr.Ichibe'e Furukawa's original name was Kimura Minosuke. He was born on March 16th, 1832 in Tokyo as the second son. His family ran a Tofu store, But it fell into hard time leaving them poor off. Because of these hardships, Ichibe'e seemed to value money. When he was six years old, his mother passed away.To help his family, he sold tofu by blowing a bugle. After that, he went to his uncle's house in Morioka. There, he changed his name from Minosuke to Kosuke.Later he was adopted into a family acquaintance of his uncle, the Furukawa's, and he changed his name from Kosuke to Ichibe'e.
In those days, thousands of people gave up digging for copper from the Ashio copper mine. However, Ichibe'e thought he could get much copper there because it was a very famous copper mine in Japan.
In 1877, he bought the Ashio copper mine and started to dig. All his efforts were rewarded ; he found a big bed of ore in 1884. which led the way to the mine's quick development and its place as a leader of Japan's modernization.

Remains of the Kodaki Mine

In Ashio, the production of copper totaled more than 40 percent of Japan's total copper output.The Ashio Mines made a great contribution to the development of Japanese industry. On the other hand, it was said to be "the root of environmental pollution" as the place where pollution problems happened first in Japan. One of the notorious matters was sulfurous acid gas emitted by the smelter's chimneys. It affected all people living in Ashio. The smoke damage continued from the middle of Meiji period to about the 30th year of the SHowa period(1955). It damaged plants, and soon there were no trees left on the mountain. Because of this, the mountains were called "HAGEYAMA" (which means "bald mountain")
Recently, many organizations including national, perfectural and private sectors, and the NPO group "Growing Greenery in Ashio" are working to restore greenery on Ashio's mountains. It is drawing attention from all over Japan, creating opportunities to think about environmental problems. There are many efforts now to revive Ashio from its "root of environmental pollution" past to a place rich in nature once again.
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The state of the "Matsuki"valley

As the copper mines developed more and more, laborers gathered in Ashio. Tsuruzo Nagaoka and Sukematsu Minami established a labor union here. In 1907, they organized a big riot to demand for higher wages and the improvement of labor conditions, 24 items in all.
After that, four more riots broke out. Also, the Second Annual May Day was carried out in Ashio in 1921. It was the first May Day held in a copper mine. After World War 2, a new labor union was formed and many labor movements active.

Another problem was "YOROKE", an incurable disease. People working in copper mines became ill after breathing in dust for many years. Laborers demanded measures against the disease . It look many years for it to be recognized as a worker's accident and the nation guaranteed laborer's livelihood.

Laborers met their leaders at the Tsudo Station

This tower is near the "Kajika-so" Hotel in the Ginzandaira area. During World War2, many Koreans and Chinese were abducted and forced to work at the Ashio copper mines. About 250 people were taken to the Ashio copper mines. 109 of them died in the mines. It is said that many people died because of malnutrition.
The tower was built on 30th July in 1973 to comfort their spirits and pledge never to wage war after China and Japan issued a joint statement on the recovery of diplomatic relations in 1972.

The site of the "Koaryo" dormitory

The War Memorial for Chinese Martyrs

In the heyday of the Ashio copper mine, there were many company houses like "Honzan", "Uenotaira" and "Kodaki" and so on. The roots were made of zinc, and people used communal water-works,rest rooms, and bath rooms. Also, water rates,electric charges, and house repairs were free. Near the company houses, there was a park, a tennis court, a pool,and so on. In addition to this, they used "KARAMI" as a fireproof wall. "KARAMI" is a blac brick used to prevent the spreading of fires.
"Sanyokai" co-ops were also a characteristic of Ashio. They were located near the company houses, so people could buy daily necessities. Some of them are still used today.

Tsudo Company Kouses

The Fireproof Wall

The Ashio smelter was built as the "Naori Bridge Sub Factory"in 1884. To keep up with the increasing smelting operations, a Bessemer rotary kiln was introduced in 1893; however, the amount of sulfuric acid gas inceased.

At the Ashio smelter, many systems were improved in order to remove the gas. In1956, with the flash-smelting system technology imported from Finland's Outokumpu Company, a method to remove smoke and other by-products of sulfuric acid gas was completed. It was the first time in Japan for the emission of sulfuric acid gas to be stopped. these smelting techniques developed in Japan and around the world continue to help eliminate pollutions from copper factories even today.
In 1973, the Ashio copper mine was closed. After that, the smelter began to refine imported minerals. The Ashio line was abolished in 1989, forcing the Ashio Smelter to stop operation since it was no longer able to transport copper by freight cars.

The storage tanks of sulfuric acid

Ashio is abundant in cultural assets.
*The Cultural Assets of Ashio
1:The remains of the Governor's office
2:The remains of one of Japan's first Hydro-Erectric Stations
3:The monument of Mt.Koshin
4:The Honzan mine entrance
5:The Kodaki mine entrance
6:The Furukawa bridge
7:The remains of the "Chusenza"
8:The Honzan MIne Copper Shrine Alter
*Others
1:The rope way tunnels
2:The Watarase Bridge
3The Furukawa Kakemizu Club
4:The remains of the Horse-Cart Railroad
5:"The Tower for the Unfortunate" in Matsuki village

Although Ashio is a small town, there are many old Shinto shrines and temples.
The Iwasaku Shinto Shrine, built in 808, is a village shrine in the Tojimo area which was used as a mountain entrance.
In 1889, a Copper Mine Shrine was built at the highest point in Honzen to worship God to protect the mines. Another Copper
mine Shrine which is now located near the Dozan Kanko Museum, was built in 1920. these shrines are also called Mountain Shrines. Every spring they held a joint festival which was said to be the best festival in the Kanko Area.That spring festival now become the"Ashio Festival"
The temples of Ashio include the Ryuzoji Temple, the Hozenji Temple, the Sennenji Temple and so on. At the Ryuzoji Temple,there is the Tower for the Unfortunate, built for the ancestors of the Matsuki Village which was evacuated due to damages by smoke pollutions. Also at the Ryuzoiji Temple there are graves for many miners who dedicated their lives to the Mines. In the Hozoji Temple, there is a wooden statue of the god "HASHIRIDAIKOKU" which was engraved by Shodo Shonin.
In addition to these temples and shrines, there is also a church built by the effort of a Copper mine Owner from England who built churches near copper mines all over the world.

Tsudo Mine Shrine

There are two bridges in parallel which cross the Watarase River in the Watarase area. The bridge upstream is the new bridge, and the bridge downstream is the original bridge. In the beginning, the original bridge was made bｙ steel; it was changed to concrete in 1935. This bridge was badly damaged; so, new bridge was built upstream. The structure of the old bridge was so valuable due to its unique construction that it is now being preserved.
Around the bridge, there are many cherry trees which bloom in spring to delight many onlookers.

The Original Watarase Bridge

The Cherry Tree in the Watarase Park

The Kodaki mine opened in 1885, and the area arounded became known as The Kodaki. Kodaki area spans from the national highway to the Ginzandaira area.
The Kodaki Copper Mine was closed in 1954; it had fallen into ruins. Now, there are remains of the mine entrance, company houses, hospitals, school and so on; one could visualize their previous existence.
Also here, one can see the conditions of the Chinese and Koreans who were forced to work inthe mines during WWⅡ.
After the mines closed, the people left the Kodaki Village. Later they erected a monument in the middle of the old town in rememblance of the past.

Monument of the Kodaki Village

The Furukawa Kakemizu Club was built in about 1899, but the designer isn't clear, it is said however, that there is much influence from England's Josiah Conder. This building is a max of Western and Japanese styles.
The Furukawa Miming Company used it as a guest house for customers to stay and as a place to have meetings. In the building, there is a billiards table, the first one made in Japan, and a piano made in Germany in 1924.
Near the main building, there are two smaller museums-a mineral museum and a telephone museum. The telephone was invented by Mr.Bell in 1876, and the next year it was imported into Japan. After that, the Furukawa Company introduced telephones to the mines in 1886. It is a surprising fact that one enterprise introduced telephones only 10 years after its invention. It was the first introduction of telephones to private businesses. In Ashio, these telephones were called "the Copper Mine Telephones" , and were located at the city office and the train stations.
《Facilities referense》
Open: Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays 10:00-15:00
Closed: December through March
Consecutive holidays from the end of April to Golden Week
Charge: Adult 300yen
Junior High School Students and under 200yen
Phone: Daily 0288-93-3255 Holidays 0288-93-2015

The Ashio History Museum was opened by "the Ashio GAKUGEIIN Association" on April in 2005. GAKU means " happily"("楽"in kanji) GEI means "to welcome customer" ("迎"in kanji) .
Although people know about pollution problems in the Ashio Copper Mine, few good points are known. However through various inverstigations and studies, members found that the Ashio Copper Mine contributed towards Japanese modern industry. They started volunteer activities to talk its proud history and to give guides about valuable industrial heritages in Ashio.
In the museum, there are valuable pictures one can see only in Ashio.

《Facilities reference》
Open : April through December (except Monday)10:00-16:00
Closed : Nonember through March
Charge : (one day ticket)Adult 300yen,
Junior High School Students under 200yen
Address : 2825 Matsubara, Ashio-machi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1523
Phone : 0288-93-0189

Over the course of 400years, miners dug 1,234 kilometers to get ocpper. (the distance is about from Tokyo to Hakata). The depth also reached about that of Tokyo Bay.
Dozan Kanko is a Copper Mine Museum which has been created throughout 400years of history. Within the tunnels, one can view the history of the Ashio Copper Mine from the Edo Period(1610-1867) through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa Eras. Mannequins and mine trains are displayed to demonstrate how the mine worked. You can study the history and system of the Ashio Copper Mine here.
In addition to this, there is "Chusenza" outside. One can see the process of how to make coins from copper. Also, one can look at tools used in the Ashio copper mines and materials in that museum.

It takes customers to the Mine Tunnel by tram / Welcome to the "Ashio Dozan Kanko"

Facilities reference
Open : All seasons 9:00-16:30
Charge : Adults 800yen Students 500yen
Address : 9-2 Tsudo,Ashio-machi, Nikko, Tochigi
321-1514
Phone : 0288-93-3240

Mt.Koshin(1,892m) is located in the north of Ashio. It was included in the Nikko National Park in 1950. The mountain is surrounded by strange rocks and bizarre stones, and primeval forests continue.
The "Koshin-so" flower, a specially protected species, blooms in early summer(June). In addition, people can also enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves in fall/

《Mt.Sukai》
The highest mountain in Ashio is Mt.Sukai.(2,143m). It is specifed as one of the "100 good mountain of Japan". Near the top of the mountain, climbers can see the Kanto Plains, Mt.Fuji, Mt.Shibutu. and "Hiuti-ga-take"; it is an attractive mountain for climbers.

《The Watarase River》
People living in Ashio love the Watarase river because it flows with Ashio's history. This river has its source in Mt.Sukai, and joins the Tone River by way of the Kusaki Dam.
Previously, it was the river where the pollution problems originated. Now it was returned to its beautiful, clean state and can be enjoyed by tourists and fisherman.

[Mt.Koshin]
The history of Mt.Koshin is very old. It is said that "SHODO-SHONIN" opened it in 766. It is known as a "faith mountain", more than three thousand people visited the mountain in 1865. there are also many road signs and monuments built at that time.
In addition to this, Takizawa Bakin, a novelist in the Edo period, wrote「Satomi Hakkenden」 There are accounts about Mt.Koshin in his novel.
At the middle of the mountain, there is the Koshin Mountain Villa. Climbers use this to take a rest or stay over night. From this villa, there are some beautiful points of view.
It is an attractive mountain for climbers.

[Mt. Bizentate]
In 1610, two farmers named "ZIBU" and "KURA" from the nation of BIzen are said to have discovered copper here. Before their discovery, the mountain was called "The Blac Stone Mountain" however, the name was changed in order to praise their achievement. The mountain is 1,272 meters above the sea. The digging of copper was centered there; the production amounted to about 820,000 tons over 400 years.
It is possible to climb the mountain from the Funaishi pass; mountain climbers are amazed by the beautiful view. A lot of mountain climbers come to the mountain to see the yellow flower "Mansaku" in April and the Autumnal tints in fall.

It take only three hours from Tokyo to Ashio. Here, there is much scenery that one can't see in any other area. Many films and TV proframs were shot on location in Ashio.
Matsuki Valley is located in the north of Ashio. The desolated view spread as a result of smoke damage from smelting plants. In the area. "NINGEN-no-JOKEN" starring Mr.Go Kato(a famous actor in Japan) was filmed. Recently "KONOYO-no-SOTO-he KURABU-SHINTYU-GUN". a movie about Jazz men after WWⅡwas filmed in part in Ashio. In addition to this, the TV series [the Mystery Ethnologist-Mr.Itsuki Yagumo] was filmed all in Ashio. Many peopleliving in Ashio made appearances in the films as extras. Through these films and many others, many people took interest in Ashio. Please release the shutter of your camera, wherever you like in Ashio. You would be a beautiful model in your pictures!!

"NINGEN-no-JOKEN" / Film locations of Ashio"KAKUEKI-TEISHA"

From the tops of the mountain to the bottoms of the valleys, Ashio is blessed with an abundance of nature. Thus it is said to be a treasure house of valuable plants.

"The Koshin-so" flower is a specially protected species. Its name comes from being found by Mr.Miyoshi, a doctor of science in Mt.Koshin in 1891. It is a very rare plant in the world. The color is light purple, and the height is about 6 cm.

A lot of animals and birds live in the mountains surrounding Ashio. The Japanese antelope is registered as a specially protected species.
They are categorized in the cattle family and live in Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, in areas with coniferous trees and steep rocky mountains.
Recently, they have been driven into the heart of the mountains because of the increase of deer.

The Ashio Dam is located at the junction of the Matuki River, the Nitamoto River and KuzoRiver.
Before the dam was completed, during a period of heavy rain, much earth and sand flowed causing floods downstream if it continues raining like that. The dam was built in 1955. Since then, the dam has prevented many floods, giving relief to those who live in the area.
In 1996, "The Akagane Waterside Park" was built downstream of the dam, and the "Ashio Environmental Learning Center" was constructed. The park and this center are good places to learn about history and nature of Ashio.

Ashio Environmental Learning Center was built in 2000. One can study about history and natural environmental problems here. In the building, there is a big theater where one can see on the big screen the history of the former Matsuki sightseeing information here. Not only students but adults can also visit here and enjoy studying about Ashio.

《Facilities reference》
Open: April through December 9:30-16:30
(one can enter until 16:00)
Charge: Adults: 200yen
Elementary to high school student:100yen
Children 6 and under: free
Address: 885 Harare, Ashio-machi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1500
Phone: 0288-93-2525

Long ago, the smoke from smelters made many mountains bare. Now many people are trying to restore trees in Ashio. It will take a long time to restore these mountains to their previous existence full of green trees.It is said that is may take 100 to 200 years! Thus for,national, prefectural and private enterprises have each conducted works to restore greenery to the "HAGE-YAMA" (bare mountains)
In 1996, a volunteer group was established. It is called "Growing Greenery in Ashio". Through this group many people continue activies to grow trees on these mountains.
Every year, on the fourth Sunday of April the group holds a Tree Planting Day. They also help school and other volunteergroups plant trees. They hope that many people will learn about environmental problems and the importance of nature through these activities. Anyone who wishes to experience planting trees in Ashio is kindly urged to contact the group.
"Growing Greenery in Ashio" also opened "The Ashio Environment Room" in 2005. There are many books there; one can learn about the environmental problems and history of Ashio there.

Akagane means "copper" and os eritten "銅" in kanji.
Long time ago, people used horses to carry copper from Ashio to Gunma.
After that, they transported it by ships on the Tone River to Edo.
The Akagane Road was a land route used in order to transport copper.This road was not like roads today, in fact, it was only wide enough for the horse-carts to pass.

The copper transported via this route was used make the roots of "The Toshogu", "The Kaneiji Temple" and " The Edo Castle" and so on. In addition to this, the copper was transported to Nagasaki and sold to merchants from Netherlands and China.

From 1881, in the Ashio Copper Mine, many veins of copper ore were discovered and production of copper greatly increased. Because of that, many materials used in copper mines and foods for workers became increasingly necessary.
Therefore, people made air cables and easy carriage railroad in order to keep up transport capacities. Now, you can see the remains of those tracks in Ashio. In the Mikouchi and Girimiki areas, the stone of the base of the bridge and roads still remain.
The Kasamatsu One-Sided Tunnel remains on the right bank of the Watarase River bordering on Gunma Prefecture. This tunnel was cut out in the shape of the katakana letter "コ" from a hard bed of rock in order to pass through the deep and narrow valley here.

The remains of the horse-cart railway

The Mikouchi Area / The KarafuroArea

Ashio railroad
To boost the efficiency of transporting copper, the Ashio Railroad was constructed. On 30th Dec 1912, the rail from Kiryu to Ashio was completed. The next day, the first train started running on the 44 kilometer long rail. Thanks to the realization of the railroad, it produced excellent results and the Ashio railroad helped contribute to the modernization of Japan.

The national rail road・JR Ashio –line
In 1918, Japanese National Railways bought the Ashio railroad as it was an important route. After that in 1980, the Ashio Railroad had fallen into the red, so it was threatened closure until 1985. However there were many cries to keep the railroad open.

Watarase valley railroad
On 28th, march in 1989, the JR Ashio railroad was closed. The next day, the "one-man-train" started its run from Kiryu to Mato in 80 minutes as the Watarase Vally Railroad. There is a wonderful view out of the window in all seasons. Please have a nice trip riding the train.

"Watarase Valley Railroad"

Our little copper town-Ashio has been the setting in many works of literature. Here are some of them.
[NANSO SATOMI HAKKENDEN] by Bakin Takizawa
[KOFU ] (meaning "the miner") by Soseki Natsume
[NIKKO SHOHIN] by Ryunosuke Akutagawa
The drama [MEIJI-no-HITSUGI] by Ken Miyamoto
[TSUCHI] (meaning "the earth") by Setsu Nagatsuka
[KODOKU] (meaning "Mining Pollition") by Sachio Ito
[DOZAN] (meaning "the Copper Mine") by Junji Kinoshita
[ANA] (meaning "the hole") by Yuzo Yamamoto
[ONTYO-no-TANI] by Wahei Tatematsu

Other people who made works about Ashio:
KAWAHIGASHI HEKIGODO:
He came to Ashio in during his travels around the whole of Japan in 1906. He continued his travel to Lake Chuzenji-ko from the Kuzo River after he met the executives of the copper mine in Uenotaira.

YAMAGUCHI SEISON:
He worked at the Furukawa company as a copper engineer for two years early in the Taisho era. He came to Ashio again as a haiku poet in1943.

The relation between Ashio and Nikko is so deep because Ashio is adjacent to Nikko. There are also some legends about "Shodo Shonin" who opened Mt.Nikko. He is said to have a connection with the origin of the area's name of Ashio. The "Mikouchi" area is one of them.

"A maiden who became a jizo"
Long time ago, a maiden in the service of a shrine tried to train at Mt.Nantai. However she had a stomachache, and she passed away near Jizozaka in the Mikouchi area. "SHODO-SHONIN" felt pity for her, so he built a Jizo-Son for her. After that, it is said that this place was called "the Jizo zaka", and the area was called "Mikouchi" written "神子内" in kanji.

It is also famous "A girl who became a monkey" as Ashio's folk tale.
Long time ago, a hunter went to Mt.Koshin. He was caught in a snowstorm: he lost a way and fell into a ravine.When he was going to die because of cold, a big monkey came to him. The hunter said "If you help me I'll give you my daughter as your wife", the monkey understood his words, and helped him. After he came home, he had talk to his daughters about the monkey. Only third daughter agreed to become the monkey's wife. When the hunter met his daughter again at Mt.Koshin, his daughter had become a monkey. They had to part from each other with tears.

There are many songs sung by miners in Ashio. Famous songs are the "Ashio Setto Bushi" and "The Naori Ondo"
"Ashio Setto Bushi" is a song for work. "Setto" means an "one-hand small hammer". It was a song to comfort the miners who worked at the risk of their life in dark mines with only the trifling light of a small lamp. Now, this song has become a Japanese folk song.
"The Naori Ondo" is a song for the Obon Festival dance. It is said that this song was established early in the Showa Era. "Naori" means the "motherland" of copper. The lyrics of this song were increased by advertising throughout the town for people to send in their own verse. It is said there are over 70 verses!
You can dance easily with the song!! Please come to Ashio; Let's enjoy this dance together.

"The Naori Ondo"sounds on the night of the Summer Pleasure Festival

There are many songs sung by miners in Ashio. Famous songs are the "Ashio Setto Bushi" and "The Naori Ondo"
"Ashio Setto Bushi" is a song for work. "Setto" means an "one-hand small hammer". It was a song to comfort the miners who worked at the risk of their life in dark mines with only the trifling light of a small lamp. Now, this song has become a Japanese folk song.
"The Naori Ondo" is a song for the Obon Festival dance. It is said that this song was established early in the Showa Era. "Naori" means the "motherland" of copper. The lyrics of this song were increased by advertising throughout the town for people to send in their own verse. It is said there are over 70 verses!
You can dance easily with the song!! Please come to Ashio; Let's enjoy this dance together.

"The Naori Ondo"sounds on the night of the Summer Pleasure Festival

①Ashio Festival(3rd May)
It is the traditional festival continued from the prosperity of Ashio copper mine. It is derived from the Mountain Shrine's Spring Festival.

②Summer pleasure festival(the middle August)
People of all ages gather for this festival. They have a good time dancing with Ashio's folk song, the "Naori-Ondo".

③Festival of Mt.Koshin(the third weekend inMay and October)
One can enjoy azaleas in spring, and autumnal tints in fall at Mt.Koshin. Amazake is served and there is a drawing for memorial handkerchiefs, bookmarks or telephone cards of Ashio.

○The Ashio pottery festival;
There are 8 kilns in our town. In spring and autumn, the pottery festival is held. One can buy pottery at reduced prices.

○The Art Festival;
Many people draw pictures, write calligraphy, and compose literary arts in Ashio. This Festival is the place to display their work. Students choir groups also sing some songs. Many people like the festival.

○The Daikokuten Festival;
This is a festival for the god Hashiri-daikokuten. Adults and children parede through the town carrying a portable shrine on their shoulders.

Ashio ware is one of the most popular souvenirs in Ashio.
There are eight pottery shops on Route 122. If you want to make Ashio ware yourself, please call each shop.
①The Ceramic Art "The Kochuza" Phone:0288-93-2848
②The Fujii Kiln Phone:0288-93-2172
③"Musoyaki Momiji An" phone:0288-93-3909
④The Hosyu Kiln phon:0288-93-3888
⑤The Mikouchi kiln phone:0288-93-4784
⑥The Ceramic Art "Nanairobi" phone:0288-93-2598
⑦The Sightseeing Center at the Mato Station Phone:0288-93-2515
⑧The Watarase Kiln phone:0288-93-3358
⑨The Shozo Kiln phone:0288-93-2888

Other souvenirs
*The Sukai Noodles:
There are handmade noodles using water from the highest mountain in Ashio "Mt.Sukai"
*Others:
"The Ashijisen Monaka" and "Anko balls" are popular.
#Aoyagi snack shop phone:0288-93-2175
#Iwamoto snack shop phone:0288-93-2170
#Yasuzuka snack shop phone:0288-93-2256
In addition to this, the "Masuya" meat shop's "croquettes" is very popular and introduced on TV.

"Ashio Wares"

Ashio, from 630 to 800 meters above sea level, so its weather is cool in summer. Please come here and have a good trip!!

①The Kajika-so Hotel phone:0288-93-3420
②The Kamemura Ryokan phone:0288-93-2109
③The Kamekura Annex phone:0288-93-2218
④The Koto-no-ie Ryokan phone:0288-93-2855
⑤The Ginzandaira Camping Ground phone:0288-93-4099
⑥The Koshin Mountain Villa

The Ashio Spring
This "onsen" is a simple alkaline hot spring. It will make one's skin smooth, so it is very popular with many tourists.
One can take a hot spring bath at "The Kajika-so Hotel", "Kamemura Annex" and "The Koto-no-ie Ryokan".

The Ginzandaira Camping Ground
The Ginzandaira Camping Ground is about 6 kilometers from "The Ashio Dozan Kanko". Here, one can barbecue and stay in tents or bungalows.
Some people stay here to climb Mt.Koshin; others come here in summer vacation with their families.