The remains of a mining town on the upper reaches of the Masuda River. “Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku (the true history of 3 reigns of Japan)” records that copper was found here in March 881 and the imperial court dispatched 2 officers for investigation.

Copper was the main output but it also produced some silver which was the Masuda clan’s resource of trade. The skills of mineworkers are thought to be brought to Iwami Ginzan silver mine.
It was under direct control of Tokugawa shogunate from 17C and then repeated operation and recess during 20C before it permanently closed in1987, which means the mine was active over 1100 years.