Fukiya (吹屋) is a remote rural district in the hills of Takahashi City, about 15 kilometers west of the city center, with a picturesque preserved town. The town developed and prospered around a copper mine and also produced bengara color pigment from red iron oxide. Its fortunes declined when the copper mine closed and the demand for bengara dwindled by the 1920s.
Bengara can still be seen on many of the district's houses for decoration purposes and to protect the wood from water and fire. Bengara was also used for dyeing clothes, for paintings and for waterproofing ships. Below are the main attractions found around Fukiya today. A combination ticket is available for 1000 yen that includes entry to all the attractions.
Fukiya Furusato Village
Hours: Varies by shop; typically from 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: Varies by shop
The only large collection of houses in the area, this village used to be a bustling town thanks to the copper mine. Today, it consists of a single road lined with red-roofed houses and bengara walls. Some of the houses remain private dwellings, while others have been converted into restaurants and shops. Walking through the street is almost like going back in time.
Former Katayama Residence
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from December to March) Closed: December 29-31 Admission: 500 yen (includes entry to the Fukiya Historical Museum) Typical visit duration: 20-30 minutes
Located in the heart of Fukiya Village, the Former Katayama Residence provides an insight into the life of a wealthy bengara merchant. The family business had a history of over 250 years, and its legacy remains to be seen in the residence. Visitors can learn about the bengara industry from the exhibitions in the warehouses at the back of the residence.
Fukiya Historical Museum
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from December to March) Closed: December 29-31 Admission: 500 yen (includes entry to the Former Katayama Residence) Typical visit duration: 10-20 minutes
Also located in village center, the Fukiya Historical Museum is another former residence open to the public. Its ground floor was used for receiving guests and conducting business, the kitchen is off to the side, while the smaller second floor served as the sleeping quarters.
Bengara Factory Museum
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from December to March) Closed: December 29-31 Admission: 300 yen Typical visit duration: 10-20 minutes
Located about a kilometer south of the Fukiya Village, the Bengara Factory Museum is made up of multiple restored buildings from the Meiji Period (1868-1912), exhibiting how bengara was manufactured back in the day. In the process, the minerals are first baked at a very high temperature before being rinsed and sifted in order to remove impurities and finally dried into slabs.
Sasaune Mine
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from December to March) Closed: December 29-31 Admission: 400 yen Typical visit duration: 20-30 minutes
Also located about a kilometer south of the Fukiya Village, the Sasaune Mine is one of the shafts of the former copper mine and is open to the public. The shaft stays at a cool 15 degrees Celsius all year around, and there are mannequins that give visitors an idea of how copper and melanterite, the raw material to produce the red iron oxide, was mined. The shaft is relatively long before opening up to a large chamber which leads to several other shafts.
Hirokane Residence
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from December to March) Closed: December 29-31 Admission: 400 yen Typical visit duration: 20-30 minutes
Located 3.5 kilometers south of the Fukiya Village, the Hirokane Residence resembles a castle on the hill with its stone walls and two-story main gate. The Hirokane family were wealthy merchants who operated the nearby copper mine and manufactured bengara. The residence is large and includes several warehouses, a tearoom, a garden as well as entertaining space. Visitors can view most of the rooms only from the outside.
Getting there and around
Three buses per day connect Bitchu-Takahashi Station to Fukiya Village (60 minutes, 840 yen one way). The mines and bengara museum are about one kilometer or a 20 minute walk south of the village, but the Hirokane residence is located about four kilometers away. As a result, a rental car is the recommended means to explore the Fukiya District. Rental car outlets can be found in Okayama, a 90 minute drive away.
