Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft

Ryugenji Mabu changes the scale of Iwami Ginzan: instead of looking at the mine from a viewpoint, visitors enter a hand-cut tunnel and walk between rock walls marked by tools. During the Edo period, this mabu was managed directly by the local magistrate’s office. Shimane’s tourism guide notes that the area contained more than 700 mine shafts of different sizes; Ryugenji is the only Iwami Ginzan mine tunnel with regular public access throughout the year. The chisel marks still visible on the walls make the passage a material record of mining work.

The walk inside is usually short, but reaching the entrance defines the day. From the Omori bus stop it is about a 40-minute walk each way, along a rural route through forest and heritage landscape; Iwami Ginzan’s first-time guide recommends allowing around two hours for the mine area. A local electric cart can shorten the approach from Ginzan Park, but it cannot be reserved, does not operate on Wednesdays and may stop in stormy weather. Reviews describe a genuine, cool mine tunnel with low ceilings at the beginning, while noting limited English interpretation. This is not a fitted-out cave or a completely level stroll.

The mine is open 9:00–17:00 from March to November and 9:00–16:00 from December to February; it closes on New Year’s Day. Admission is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for primary and middle-school pupils. The bus from Oda-shi Station to Omori takes about 30 minutes, followed by roughly 40 minutes on foot each way, not counting stops. The route includes outdoor walking and uneven surfaces, so wear sturdy shoes, carry water and leave time for the last bus. From October 2026 to March 2027 the paid galleries at the World Heritage Center are closed for renewal, although visitor guidance and some services continue; do not plan around seeing those exhibitions.