Partners
Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark Partners
Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark aims to build a sustainable community and society whilst protecting the precious heritage of the Earth. We partner with organizations and companies that are actively working for the future of Mine City and the Earth as “Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark Partners”. Their activities range from promoting the attractions of the community to contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.
1 Momonoki Botakko Club
Activity details
The Momonoki Strip Mine Ruins is a great place to learn and study the culture of Omine Coalfield, and it is indeed our treasure. We see it as our mission to pass on the site to future generations as much as possible, and would like to continue to protect it. The Momonoki Strip Mine Ruins is a place of learning that takes advantage of the beautiful and spectacular coal formations and flora and fauna (trees, plants, moss, animals, and insects). It is a place for environmental conservation that attracts many people and returning visitors, and it is a place to view the scenery of the strip mine mountain in each of the four seasons.
2 Agawa Orchard
Activity details
We grow grapes, pears, and chestnuts at the foot of the karst plateau in Mine City. Our fruit is sold at our store from around August to November. We have a cat at the orchard!
3 Katata District Regional Development Council
Activity details
We created bread rolls using the colors of red/black/white to represent the three minerals of Mine City, and sell rainbow trout burgers using rainbow trout that have been raised using the famous water of Beppu Benten Pond, one of the one hundred remarkable waters of Japan. We develop, sell, and promote local products and food & beverages that draw on the features of the Geopark. We are based at Geological Site No. 25 Beppu Benten Pond, and we strive to attract visitors through our hospitality.
4 Cafe Brass
Activity details
Cafe Brass is a restaurant run by a couple that sells pasta and scones. It’s located within the Akiyoshidai Refresh Park, at the foot of the Karst Road that runs from the Akiyoshidai Observatory. For lunch, we serve pasta made with seasonal vegetables and a special homemade curry. The flavors of the scones change depending on how we’re feeling. We also run various activities such as campfire gatherings, Akiyoshidai hiking, and eraser stamp making workshops at the restaurant.
5 Ofuku Onsen (Mine Tourism Development Co.)
Activity details
Around one ton of spring water gushes forth per minute and flows freely to each part of the hot spring, from the spring’s source that lies 1,250 meters below ground. The onsen (hot spring) has a complete range of offerings, such as the main bath, massage baths, cold baths, saunas, outdoor baths, and waterfall showers. There is also a free foot bath, which is used by many citizens and tourists as a relaxation spot.
6 Sonoda Woodcutter Farm
Activity details
We cultivate shiitake mushrooms using sawtooth oak logs of Mine City. After the sawtooth trees (broadleaf tree) are cut down, we plant saplings that will grow in ten years or so and repeat this process, thus rejuvenating the woodlands. Our business philosophy is to cultivate shiitake mushrooms in a way that benefits the rejuvenation of the woodlands, and to work toward creating a sustainable society.
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/sonoshii/- website：https://kikorinoen.com
7 Mine City Forestry Management Research Society Asagiri-kai
Activity details
We are an all-female forestry management group. At “Mori-no-Eki”, which we use as our base, we create crafts using vines, bamboo, and woodland materials, and host workshops. We make persimmon leaf tea using persimmon leaves gathered by our members, which we then sell at road side stations and other places. We strive to create valuable products that utilize the blessings of the forest.
8 Taishin Shoji Corporation
Activity details
We provide sales of office supplies and more, mainly to local businesses and government agencies. We have been in business for over 70 years thanks to our loyal customers. We would like to continue to stay rooted in the community and continue growing alongside Mine City.
- website：http://www.taishin-s.jp
9 Agri charm
Activity details
We are a strawberry farm located at the foot of Akiyoshidai. After being charmed by the allure of agriculture, we started our new farm together as a couple in 2020. We are meticulous about every aspect of strawberry growing, including the water, environment, cultivation methods, and seed types. We work with the motto of “Look! Eat! Find happiness through strawberry cultivation”. Grown in a cool environment with high quality water drawn from 100 m underground, our strawberries have a rich and sweet flavor. We would love for you to try our strawberries that have been lovingly grown in Mine City’s land.
- Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/agricharm.ichigo/
- website：https://lit.link/agricharm15
10 Mine Hana-no-kai
Activity details
We were established in April 2014, and we currently have 22 members. Our goal is to improve Mine City while protecting the natural environment, making connections with people, and deepening our understanding of each other. Our main activities include: creating displays for “Mine Nigiwai Station” which is located inside JR Mine Train Station, providing hospitality at the Mine Sakura Festival Pre-Event, creating Geo kamishibai (storytelling with pictures), and doing storybook readings. In July 2015, we performed our first kamishibai called “Black Diamond” at elementary schools and other locations. This was followed by readings of “White Treasure” and “Red Gift”. The three kamishibai explore the topics of coal, limestone, and copper, respectively. In addition, we’ve started to compile the stories into picture books in order to reach a wider audience around the country. Moving forward, we would like to continue protecting Mine City’s wonders, reach more people, and act as a group that supports the activities of Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark. We will work to make Mine City an even more wonderful place.
11 Agricultural Producers’ Cooperative Corporation Shokuryu Farm
Activity details
Agricultural Producers’ Cooperative Corporation Shokuryu Farm is nestled between mountains bountiful with nature. Formed in 2004 from Uematsu District 1, Uematsu District 2, and Yanaigawa, the cooperative was created based on the fundamental principle of protecting the farmlands and the community. Currently, our members and staff are working together daily to manage around 21.6 hectares of farmland and grow delicious crops which include rice, soybeans, and asparagus.
1 Benefits & Advantages
- Promotion of partner organizations and stores at Karstar, on the Geopark website, and on the Geopark’s social media etc.
- Free distribution of partner certification stickers upon request (Up to 200 stickers per organization per year)
- Free distribution of printed materials (maps, pamphlets, etc.) published by the Geopark upon request
- Provision of assistance in designing Geopark merchandise etc. upon request
- Assistance with Geopark projects organized by partners
- Utilization in geotours and events etc.
- Enhancement of the social image of the organization/company by displaying a partner plaque
- Organizations and businesses that have an interest in Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark.
- ※At least one member of the group must be a citizen of Mine City.
- Organizations and businesses whose activities do not conform to the Operational Guidelines for UNESCO Global Geoparks.
（１）Activities to be undertaken by all organizations and businesses:
- Cooperation and collaboration with initiatives implemented by Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark
- Displaying of partner plaque
- Dissemination of information, provision of services, hosting of events etc. to allow others to experience the allure and a sense of pride towards the story of the Geopark area
- Development and sales etc. of products using the Geopark's design to promote a sense of enjoyment and experience of the story of the Earth
- Research activities on the nature and culture of the Geopark area
- Activities related to the protection and conservation of nature, geological heritage, and biodiversity in the Geopark area
- Activities related to the protection and conservation of cultural heritage and traditions in the Geopark area
- Activities related to climate change, such as the mitigation of global warming and the use of renewable energy
- Activities related to disaster prevention and mitigation, including preparation for natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides
- Development, sales, and promotion of local products and locally produced food/beverages in the Geopark area
- Activities related to sustainable tourism that take into consideration the local lifestyles and environment, and the creation of tours that convey the appeal of the Geopark's land
- Initiatives that take into consideration gender, minorities, and people from abroad
- Activities related to the sustainable use of natural resources
- Activities related to education and learning that utilize the Geopark
- Other activities that contribute to any of the above
- Free
- Two years from the date of signature.
- ※The term will be automatically renewed every two years unless a request for cancellation is made.
- ※Either party may cancel the agreement by submitting a request for cancellation at least 30 days prior to the date of cancellation.
- ※The term will be automatically terminated if either party ceases activity as an organization.
- ※If the activities of the group are found not to be in accordance with these criteria, the application may be terminated upon consultation.
Please complete the following forms and submit to Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark Promotion Council by e-mail, post, FAX, or in person.
- Application form (Please contact the secretariat)
- Activity Introduction (Please contact the secretariat)
Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark Promotion Council
- Address: 754-0511, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Mine City, Shuho Cho Akiyoshi 11237-862
- Phone number: 0837-63-0055
- Fax: 0837-63-0089
- E-mail: mine-geo@city.mine.lg.jp
Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark
In November 2023, Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark and Vietnam's Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark signed a Memorandum of Understanding (partnership agreement). Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark covers a vast area of 2,356 km2 and is located in Ha Giang Province, in the northernmost part of Vietnam. Approximately 60% of the area consists of a karst landscape, and the geopark is highly regarded for its activities to preserve the cultures of its 17 ethnic minorities.
Although Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark and Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark have karst topography in common, we also have different activities and issues related to aspects such as tourism or the conservation of earth heritage. Our hope is that both areas will witness further development and vitalization through our future cooperative activities and educational exchanges.
Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark Website:http://dongvangeopark.com/
