The hoisting machine housed in the winding house was imported from the United Kingdom by the John Fowler & Co. firm.
It was the first pit in the Miike coalfield to be equipped with a steam-powered winding engine for deep-shaft extraction.
The structure utilizes brickwork patterns known as English bond, common in industrial buildings of the late 19th century.
The Miyanohara Pit was instrumental in fueling the nearby Miike Port, which supported Japan's expanding maritime coal exports.
The headframe tower was constructed to support the heavy steel cables required to lift coal carts from depths of over 100 meters.
The site was fully operational until its closure in the early 20th century, following the opening of more modern pits.
The Miyanohara Pit is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and a core component of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution. It represents the early modernization of the Japanese coal mining industry through the use of imported British hoisting technology. Visitors can view the original Meiji-era brick winding house and the steel headframe, which remains one of the oldest in Japan. The site showcases the transition from manual labor to steam-powered extraction at the Miike Colliery. The facility stands as a testament to the rapid industrialization strategy employed by the Meiji government. It remains preserved to illustrate the historical scale and technical evolution of deep-shaft coal mining operations.
From the front of the red-brick winding house, capturing the full scale of the steel headframe tower in the background.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as the site is largely exposed to the elements.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the gravel pathways surrounding the industrial structures.
Check the official website for guided tour availability, as certain areas may require pre-arranged access.
Attempting to enter the fenced-off machinery areas or climbing on the industrial infrastructure.
Closed on Mondays and during the New Year holiday period.
Stay within the marked visitor paths to preserve the integrity of the historical brick structures.
