The Kosaka mine office was built in 1905 during the boom years of the mine, at that time the most productive in Japan. The three-story renaissance style building is constructed of local Akita cedar and noted for the highly refined spiral staircase. Inside, educational exhibits showcase the history of the town and local sightseeing locations. On the first floor, a gift shop sells local products including the town specialty, acacia honey.

Constructed in 1910 for the enjoyment of local miners, the theater boasts a unique Western façade with a traditional Japanese interior. Shows are still held on a regular basis, over a century since the first curtain call. Guided tours before and after performances take guests backstage to see famous kabuki actor autographs and under-stage to view the rotating stage mechanism.

Knife “Ｍataginagasa” is the spirit of Matagi. Blacksmith Nagasa the third, Minoru Nishine, once was also a Matagi. His smithy is well preserved with high authenticity. Currently it is managed by Nishine’s wife, Makoto. She will personally explain the Mataginagasa, together with the Matagi culture and story of Nishine and blacksmith life. Before purchasing the Mataginagasa, let’s feel the spirit of Matagi and Makoto’s warm smile.

Have your breath taken away when first setting eyes on the massive drums at the Taiko Museum. The museum proudly displays six drums over two meters in diameter, the largest measuring 3.8m in diameter and weighing 3.5 metric tons. Additionally, there over 140 drums from forty countries around the world for visitors to take in. Every year for the past 700 years, the Tsudureko Taiko Festival has used large drums in the celebrations. Visitors can enjoy watching the large drums on display in the museum in action at the festival from July 14-15. An audio guide is installed to introduce the history of Taiko and other displays. If you have a smartphone, you can listen to commentary in English and Chinese as well as Japanese. In addition, the recording can be displayed in text. People with hearing impairments can also access the guide without trouble.

One of the most popular family-friendly activites in the area! Specially designed bicycles allow guetsts to ride on the decommissioned Kosaka Railway tracks. Along the way, riders can enjoy breathtaking views while crossing the Nagaki River. Perfect for the whole family!