With a 400-year history， Ashio Copper Mine is a tourist attraction built out of the industrial remains of what used to be the largest copper mine in Japan. A trolley train transports visitors 700 metres underground to displays of the mine’s chronology and history and demonstrations of the harsh working conditions through life-like wax figures. You can learn more about this industrial property at the three on-site museums including the copper museum with displays of traditional copper processing methods. Then relax at the traditional cafe or enjoy a leisurely walk along the nearby Watarase River. Between 1610 and 1868， the copper mined here was an important resource for the prosperity of the nation. It was used to produce tiles for castles and shrines and was exported to China and the Netherlands. Among the coins of the years 1600 to 1867， coins produced in Ashio were known as “Ashiji-sen” with the Chinese character of “Ashi (foot)” on the back. Today the coin-shaped local Japanese sweet “Ashiji-sen Monaka” is a popular souvenir.

In 1610， two farmers were said to find copper in Mt.Bizentate. Mt. Bizentate stands 1，272 meters tall and is particularly popular among hikers in late April， when tall-growing azalea shrubs bloom across the mountainside."

The dramatic scenery of Matsuki Valley was created when wildfires and smoke from the Ashio Copper Mine caused the area's vegetation to die off， exposing the sandy stone surface underneath. Today， the rugged rock surfaces and steep cliffs have led to some calling it the "Grand Canyon of Japan." In winter， you may even see the Shirayuki waterfall frozen solid."

Head out to Tochigi’s mountainous Furumine Shrine, where you can wish for good luck or good health under the stunning colors of fall, or any time of the year.

Hangetsusan is a mountain at the southeastern corner of Lake Chuzenji. Hiking trails lead up to the top of the mountain. Near the summit there is an observation deck with great views of the Okunikko region including Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai. From about mid October to early November each year， autumn colors add to the scenery viewed from here， making this a popular autumn leaf viewing spot. From there it takes approximately 30 minutes to ascend to the observation deck near the summit along a steep nature trail."