Inheritance of technology(1)
British Technology that Helped Japan's Industrial Revolution
Miike Coal Mine, which straddles an area from Omuta City, Fukuoka, to Arao City, Kumamoto, was a great coal field area. Coal is an important energy resource and in the past was referred to as “black diamonds.” At first mining didn’t progress because of groundwater welling up. Then Dan Takuma took charge and introduced the internationally cutting edge British technology of the Davey Pump, which enabled drainage. The mine then grew as a driver of Japan’s modernization. Miike Coal Mine’s Miyanohara Pit, Manda Pit and electric-powered coal railway are part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” which was registered in 2015.
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Miike Coal Mines Miyanohara Pit
Miike Coal Mines’ Miyanohara Pit retains a 22-meter-tall shaft tower, part of a Davey pump room and other elements.
Location: 1-86-3 Miyaharamachi, Omuta-shi, Fukuoka
PH: 0944-41-2515
(Omuta City World Heritage/Cultural Asset Section)
Website: Outline of Heritage of Industrial Modernization Sites in Omuta(Japanese only)
https://www.miike-coalmines.jp/miyanohara.html
Transportation: Take the bus from JR Omuta Station and get off at “Hayagane Meganebashi” bus stop (approx. 6 min). Approx. 10 min walk from there.
Approx. 12 min from JR Omuta Station by car
Approx. 35 min from Kyushu Jukan Expressway Nankan Interchange
Parking: Available
Omuta Coal Industry and Science Museum
At this museum, you can have fun learning the history of the Mitsui Miike Coal Mine, and take part in a simulated tunnel experience.
Location: 6-23 Misakimachi, Omuta-shi, Fukuoka
PH: 0944-53-2377
Website: Omuta Coal Industry and Science Museum(Japanese only)
http://www.sekitan-omuta.jp/info/index.html
Admission: 200 yen (4 years old to junior high school), 410 yen (high school and above)
Transportation: Take the bus from JR Omuta Station and get off at “Aeon Mall Omuta” bus stop (approx. 6 min). Approx. 8 min walk from there.
Approx. 8 min from JR Omuta Station by car or approx. 25 min from Kyushu Jukan Expressway Nankan Interchange by car.
Parking: Available