To experience
Eco Island Naoshima Plan
In Naoshima Town, in the 21st century, to maintain the island's vitality and development, we aim to revitalize the town by creating new industries utilizing the distinctive characteristics that the town has cultivated.Eco Island Naoshima PlanTo overcome this challenge, we will foster environmental industries that build new recycling systems for currently problematic waste, thereby creating jobs. We will also pursue environmentally harmonious community development led by residents, actively accept visitors, and form a model region for a circular society. The Mitsubishi Materials Corporation Naoshima Smelter was established in the Taisho era. Copper, gold, silver, and other metals are smelted there, with production ranking among the top in Japan. Specifically, nearly 40 tons of gold are produced annually, and all of Mitsubishi's gold is currently smelted on Naoshima. This is a tour of that factory. Additionally, at the adjacent "Valuable Metal Recycling Facility," valuable metals such as gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc are recovered from waste that was previously landfilled, including molten fly ash generated at waste incineration facilities, discarded home appliances, and shredded waste. Heat is also recovered and used for power generation. A tour of this facility is also possible.
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Mitsubishi Materials Corporation Naoshima Smelter and Refinery Tour |
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| Tour hours |
Morning Session / 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM (Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes) |
Afternoon Session / 2:20 PM - 4:10 PM (Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes) |
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1. Wharf 2. Copper Smelter 3. Copper Electrorefining Plant 4. Precious Metals Plant 5. Valuable Metals Recycling Facility 6. Business explanation, video viewing, and facility tour related to facilities 1-5 |
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| Visitor capacity |
Maximum capacity is 10 people (groups of 11-15 people can be accommodated, but some facility tours will be shortened). |
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| Implementation period |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday *Tours are not available on Saturdays, Sundays, or national holidays, as well as during long holidays such as year-end and New Year's, Golden Week, and Obon. Depending on operational status and availability for tours, your request may be declined. ※Tours are unavailable from April 3, 2026, to May 28, 2026, due to operational circumstances. |
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| Tour fee |
Free |
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| Transportation methods |
Tour participants are requested to take the town bus from Miyanoura Port (walking is also possible) to the front of the main gate. Morning session / (Outbound) Departs Miyoura Port 09:45, Arrives at Main Gate 09:51 (Return Trip) Depart from Main Gate: 12:04, Arrive at Miyanoura Port: 12:10 (Return Trip) Depart Chausuyama Gate 16:22, Arrive Miyanoura Port 16:28 We do not allow visitors to come to our company by private car, motorcycle, or bicycle. |
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| Inquiry | NPO Naoshima Town Tourism Association TEL:087-892-2299 | |
| Application Method |
Application via Naoshima Town Tourism Association website. |
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| Application deadline, Notes at the time of application |
Friday of the week of your desired visit date (applications open one month prior) After the application deadline, if a person listed on the participant roster is unable to attend, we will not be able to accept new participants who are not listed on the roster. - In consideration of the participant roster information and from a security perspective, please understand that we may refuse tours after prior notification. |
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| Others |
1. Visitors who have not yet started elementary school are not permitted. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. |
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- Please call to confirm availability for your desired visit date and make a provisional reservation. We may have to refuse your request if the capacity has already been reached or due to operational reasons.
Contact087-892-2299Naoshima Town Tourist Association (8:30 AM - 6:00 PM)
- After making a tentative reservation, please fill out the [Application] form with the required information and submit it.
Your reservation is confirmed upon receipt of confirmation. You will not be able to tour the facility if you arrive on the day of your visit with a provisional reservation.
- Please be sure to check the information and notes in the automatic reply email before visiting Naoshima.
- On your arrival day, please first stop by the Tourist Information Center located inside the "Umi-no-eki" (Sea Station). We will give you the "tag" required for entry.
(Please note in the "Other" field when booking if you will be boarding at Honmura Port bus stop.)
Naoshima Town Tourism Association
Confirm availability for the desired tour date by phone, and
Please make a provisional reservation.
NPO Naoshima Town Tourism Association (8:15 AM - 6:00 PM)
TEL: 087-892-2299
Please download the application form (PDF file), fill in the required information, and submit it by fax to 087-892-2210.
The Friday two weeks before your desired visit date (applications open one month in advance).
Please note that on days when many people apply for tours, applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once capacity is reached.
Since you applied last Friday, two weeks ago, it might be too late, so please apply with plenty of time.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone, please follow the instructions of our tour staff and observe from the designated viewing areas. All instructions will be given in Japanese. Therefore, we regret to inform you that we cannot accept applications from those who do not understand Japanese.
We ask for your understanding and cooperation.
- Regarding Q&A
This is a general business overview and facility tour for the general public, so please understand that we cannot answer specialized questions. - Strict adherence to visiting hours
The town bus has a fixed schedule, so we ask for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth operation within the designated times. Please gather at the main gate 5 minutes before the start of your tour. - No walking
After the facility tour begins, movement will be by designated vehicle, so walking is prohibited. - Photography
There are many areas within the factory where photography is prohibited due to confidentiality and other reasons.
Please understand this point during your visit and follow the instructions of the tour staff. - About clothing
Please come in comfortable walking attire that covers your legs and feet, such as long pants and athletic shoes (sandals, high heels, etc., are not permitted).
Please note that you may be refused entry if you are wearing inappropriate clothing for a tour. Additionally, during your tour, please follow the instructions of the guide staff and wear protective gear.
- If you must cancel after making a reservation, please be sure to notify the Naoshima Tourism Association as soon as possible by phone at:087-892-2299Please contact ( ).
- Ferries may be canceled without notice due to bad weather or other reasons. Please be advised.
- The factory area is private property and cannot be entered by private car, bicycle, or on foot. Please use the town bus.
Morning session
Miyara Port departs 9:45 >>> Naoshima Smelter tour >>> Main Gate departs 12:04 >>> Miyara Port arrives 12:10
Afternoon session
Miyanoura Port departure 14:07 >>> Naoshima Smelter tour >>> Seimon-mae departure 16:22 >>> Miyanoura Port arrival 16:28
- NPO Naoshima Town Tourism Association
087-892-2299
087-892-2210
info@naoshima.net
