Houses covered in red pigment line the main street of Fukiya Village
Fukiya is a small rural village tucked away in a small valley in eastern Okayama Prefecture. Surrounding the town are copper-rich mountains, and Fukiya prospered with both copper mining and the production of bengara, a red iron oxide which was found in the same mountains. The village, however, faded into obscurity after the closure of the mines in the early 20th century.
Bengara was used in coloring ceramics, lacquer and on religious objects. In addition to providing a vibrant color, bengara also has water and fire resistant properties, which made it a popular choice for coating building structures. Today, the village retains its traditional red houses, which were coated with bengara pigment. Fukiya is a unique place to visit and learn more about one of Japan's only large scale pigment producing area.
View around Fukiya Village. Mountains for miles
Residence of the wealthy merchants who owned one of the copper mountains and also produced bengara
Models showing how copper mining was carried out
Tools used to extract bengara on display at the Bengara Factory Museum
Inside a merchant's residence
Diorama showing how bengara pigment was packaged and sold
There are a number of attractions mostly relating to bengara in Fukiya Village. The more memorable ones include: the Hirokane Residence where the wealthy Hirokane family who operated the mine and produced bengara lived (and still do), the Sasaune Mine, a copper mine which can be entered, and the Bengara Factory Museum to learn more about bengara production in Fukiya.
Fukiya Village is not very well-known, but is worth the trip for those who want an offbeat educational visit.
Utterly cute Fukiya Post Office
Descendants of the Hirokane family still live in the residence
Entrance to Sasaune Mine
This mine was particularly memorable for the author who cut her arm from elbow to shoulder when she walked into a mine wall
