• The Akagane Highway was used to transport copper from Ashio Copper Mine to Edo (Tokyo). Visit Hanawa, an area full of nature which was a post town along the highway, You will learn about the local copper higstory of Hanawa, as well as the prominant historical figures who were born here. This tour is meant to allow you to experience the history and stories of Hanawa in order to deepen understanding of this humble region of Japan.

[Former Hanawa Elementary School Memorial Hall] On this tour, you will enjoy a walk about town led by a guide knowledgeable in the area, exploring Hanawa, a former post town on the Akagane Highway, which was used to transport copper from the Ashio Copper Mine to Edo (Tokyo). You'll visit the Former Hanawa Elementary School Memorial Hall, which was established in 1873 thanks to the donation of Imai Kaichiro, and explore the birthplace of this man who is known as a father of modern industry. You'll walk through Hanawa-juku, which is designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Midori City and once served as a temporary storage site for copper mined from the Ashio Copper Mine, and enjoy learning about the history and culture of the road leading to Nikko.