In 1911, a Yokohama-based trading company, Matsuda-ya, began modern mine development at an altitude of 900 metres (3,000 ft) at the base of the peak of Higashi-Hachimantai.

Due to the location of the mine, the company had to create a complete city for the workers and to provide numerous welfare facilities such as elementary and junior high schools, hospitals, and music halls.

In an era before government public housing, the town had apartment blocks in reinforced concrete with flush toilets and central heating.

After the mine closed, all wooden buildings were incinerated to prevent the possibility of fire, leaving only the reinforced concrete structures.

Adam Dodd of Bloody Disgusting described 11 abandoned buildings in the mist as "eerie", ranking the location #6 in his article, "Eight Terrifying Places Horror Games Should Visit".