Omuta City, where the birth of modernity comes alive
A bustling coal-mining town keeps its charm
From 1721, when coal was first dug up, to 1997, Omuta City has nearly 300-years history of coal-mining. The history of the southern-Fukuoka city is therefore intricately tied to Japan’s modernization. This history is still reflected in the architecture of many old buildings, giving certain sections of the town a distinct Meiji-Era flair. One such establishment is the Mitsui Minato Club building. The two-storey wood-framed building was constructed in 1908 to serve as an inn for high-ranking sailors, and the lawn is now open to allow visitors to see the building close up. Other monuments reminiscent of the past are the former Nagasaki Customs Miike Branch Office and the Mikawa Electric Train Transformer Station. At the Omuta Coal Industry and Science Museum (0944-53-2377), the dynamic tunnel recreating the inside of a coal mine and the exhibits from the Meiji Era bring the past to life. The Museum plays an important role in showing how Omuta’s history was shaped by coal. Another important symbol of Omuta is karuta. The cards inspired by Portuguese merchants were first produced in Omuta at the end of the 16th Century, and spread throughout Japan. At the Miike Playing Card Museum, 300 colorful and historical cards are on display from a collection of 10,500.
Omuta City
Omuta City Yumei-machi 2-3
0944-41-2222
www.city.omuta.fukuoka.jp
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Daijayama Port Festival
7/23 (Sat.) & 24 (Sun.)
At Omuta City
Daija means “giant snake,” and this exciting summer festival doesn’t disappoint. 10-meter floats featuring scary dragon-like designs are paraded around Taisho-machi. The main event takes place at 9:30 PM, when two of the giant snake floats shoot sparks and try to outdo each other with an amazing show. The climax comes when the floats are smashed to bits in a ritual said to prevent misfortune.
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Michi-no-eki Hanapurasu-kan
A ten-minute drive from the Kyushu Highway Nankan Interchange, the Hanapurasu-kan is a glass building that shines in the surrounding greenery. Inside are restaurants serving dishes made with local produce, local products for sale, a gardening shop and more. Don’t miss the decorative flower exhibit!
Address: 2-1 Shika Shinmachi, Omuta
0944-50-1187
Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Restaurant 10:00-18:00)
Closed Never
