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Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft: Journey into Iwami Ginzan's Depths

Explore a historic silver mine in Shimane, Japan, and walk in the footsteps of Edo-era miners at Ryugenji Mabu.

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Explore Ryugenji Mabu, a preserved silver mine shaft in Oda, Shimane, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich mining history. Walk through the tunnel, see the miner's chisel marks, and experience the cool, quiet atmosphere of this historical landmark, part of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine UNESCO World Heritage site.

A brief summary to Ryugenji Mabu - Entrance

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces inside the mine shaft.
  • Bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the mine is significantly cooler than outside, even in summer.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the charming town of Omori, and explore other historical sites in the Iwami Ginzan area.
  • Check the opening hours, as they vary depending on the time of year (9:00-17:00 March to November, 9:00-16:00 December to February).
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Omori bus stop, it's approximately a 40-minute walk to Ryugenji Mabu. The path follows a scenic route alongside a stream through the forest. Alternatively, consider renting a bicycle in Omori to shorten the travel time. Note that no vehicles are allowed in the immediate mine area. From the Ginzan Park Parking Lot or World Heritage Center Parking Lot, it is a walk to the entrance. The entrance fee is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for elementary and junior high school students.

  • Public Transport

    From Odashi Station on the JR Sanin Main Line, take the Iwami Kotsu Bus bound for Omori/Oya Line/Iwami Ginzan (Omori). Get off at the Omori bus stop. From there, it is approximately a 40-minute walk to Ryugenji Mabu. Bus fare is around ¥770.

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Discover more about Ryugenji Mabu - Entrance

Ryugenji Mabu is a captivating historical site within the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage area in Oda, Shimane Prefecture. This preserved mine shaft, also known as 'mabu', offers a unique glimpse into Japan's silver mining past. Among the over 600 such shafts in the area, Ryugenji Mabu stands out as the only one regularly open to the public. Excavated in 1715, the 600-meter-long tunnel allows visitors to walk a significant portion of its length, witnessing firsthand the marks left by miners' chisels on the walls. These marks vividly illustrate the manual labor involved in extracting silver during the Edo period. The mine maintains a cool temperature year-round, offering a refreshing escape in summer. At its peak, Iwami Ginzan was one of the world's leading silver producers, accounting for about a third of the world's output. Ryugenji Mabu, directly managed by the magistrate's office, played a crucial role in this production. Exploring the tunnel provides insight into the lives of the miners and the techniques they employed. While in the area, take time to explore the nearby Omori Town, a preserved historical district with traditional houses, shops, temples and shrines. The Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center offers further information about the mine's history and significance. For a more adventurous experience, consider a guided tour of the older, longer Okubo Mabu mine shaft.

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