The History and Role of Ryugenji Mabu
Ryugenji Mabu was developed around the middle of the Edo period and became an important mining site within Iwami Ginzan. The entire tunnel extends for approximately 600 meters, while about 157 meters are currently open to visitors. Including the newer tunnel section, the visitor route extends approximately 273 meters.
The mine was one of the sites known as “Ojiki-yama,” which were directly managed by the magistrate’s office of the Edo shogunate. It played an important role in maintaining a stable supply of silver, producing substantial quantities of high-quality silver ore and contributing to the prosperity of Iwami Ginzan.
Iwami Ginzan is said to have been discovered in 1527 by Kamiya Jutei, a merchant from Hakata, and mining continued for approximately 400 years. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the mine became one of the world’s major sources of silver and played an important role in trade connecting Japan with other parts of Asia and Europe.
Hand-Excavated Marks That Reveal the History of Silver Mining
Chisel Marks on the Mine Walls
Marks made by miners using chisels and hammers can still be seen on the walls of the tunnel. Before the introduction of modern machinery, miners had to excavate the rock almost entirely by hand.
The relatively narrow passages reveal how carefully the miners had to work as they followed the ore veins through the mountain. The marks preserved on the walls provide a direct physical connection to the people who once spent long hours underground extracting silver.
A Vertical Shaft for Drainage
Another notable feature of Ryugenji Mabu is a vertical shaft extending approximately 100 meters downward. It was used as part of the drainage system for removing water that accumulated within the mine.
This feature demonstrates the ingenuity required to maintain underground mining operations. Controlling groundwater was essential for continuing excavation deeper into the mountain, and the shaft provides evidence of the practical engineering knowledge possessed by the miners of the period.
Ore Veins and Side Tunnels
Numerous side passages were excavated along the veins where silver ore was found. Differences in the color and texture of the rock allow visitors to imagine how miners searched for and followed the mineral deposits.
Exploring these narrow passages gives the visit a sense of adventure while also revealing how closely the miners’ work was connected to the natural geology of the mountain.
The New Tunnel and Historical Displays
Part of the visitor route continues into a newer tunnel section prepared for tourism. Here, an illuminated display based on the “Iwami Ginzan Picture Scroll” presents scenes of mining and everyday life during the period when the silver mine was active.
The visual display helps visitors understand aspects of the mine that may be difficult to imagine from the excavated rock alone, including the techniques used for mining and the lives of the people who supported the operation.
A Mining Heritage Site Where Nature and People Coexisted
One of the reasons Iwami Ginzan was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the way mining activities were carried out in close relationship with the surrounding natural environment. The mining industry avoided excessive deforestation and made use of local resources in ways that allowed the landscape to remain relatively well preserved.
The complete production system—from silver extraction and refining to transportation—has also survived through archaeological remains and historic landscapes. This preservation is considered particularly valuable from a global perspective.
Ryugenji Mabu is one of the few places where visitors can physically enter this historic mining environment. Walking through the tunnel provides a direct way to understand the significance of Iwami Ginzan and the relationship between its natural setting and human activity.
What Does “Mabu” Mean?
The Japanese word “mabu” refers to a mine tunnel excavated into a mountain to extract minerals such as silver. More than 1,000 mine tunnels of various sizes are believed to have existed at Iwami Ginzan.
Ryugenji Mabu is particularly suitable for visitors because of its well-preserved condition and accessible visitor route. Rather than simply looking at archaeological remains from the outside, travelers can enter the mountain and experience the physical environment of the historic mine.
A Plant Once Used to Search for Silver
One fascinating example of the relationship between nature and mining is “hebinonegoza,” a type of fern known for its ability to grow in soils containing metals. Mountain prospectors, known as yamashi, are said to have used such natural signs as clues when searching for mineral deposits.
The plant can also be found around Ryugenji Mabu, offering an interesting reminder of how closely traditional prospecting methods were connected with observations of the natural environment.
Tips for Exploring the Mine
The floor of the tunnel can be damp, and condensation may form on the rock walls. Visitors should therefore wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear and take care when walking.
Some sections of the passage are narrow, so it is important to watch your head and shoulders and allow other visitors to pass when necessary. Taking your time also makes it easier to appreciate the excavation marks and other details preserved along the route.
Access and Sightseeing Tips
Ryugenji Mabu can be reached from JR Oda-shi Station by bus in approximately 30 minutes. After getting off in the Omori area, it is about a 40-minute walk to the mine tunnel.
Access by ordinary private vehicles is restricted within parts of the Iwami Ginzan area. Visitors are therefore encouraged to explore the site on foot, by rental bicycle, or by using the designated sightseeing carts.
There are many other attractions nearby, including Ginzan Park and the historic streets of the Omori district. Allowing plenty of time for the area makes it possible to enjoy not only the mine tunnel but also the historic townscape that developed around Iwami Ginzan.
Walk Through the History of Iwami Ginzan
Ryugenji Mabu is much more than a tourist attraction. It is a rare historical space where visitors can experience the centuries of silver mining and the lives of the people who worked beneath the mountains.
The hand-carved walls, underground structures, ore veins, and evidence of mining technology all reveal the enormous effort required to extract silver from the earth. At the same time, the surrounding landscape demonstrates how the mining industry developed in close relationship with nature.
When visiting Iwami Ginzan, take the opportunity to walk through Ryugenji Mabu and imagine the world of the miners who once worked here. Deep beneath the mountain, the history of a silver mine that connected Japan with the wider world remains vividly preserved, offering a memorable encounter with both human ingenuity and the forces of nature.