Shimane · Permanent cultural facility
Iwami Ginzan Ryugenji Mabu Mine Tunnel
Walk into a historic Iwami Ginzan mine tunnel to see hand-chiselled rock and workings that followed the ore veins. About 160 m of the original tunnel is open; the walk from Omori is an important part of the outing. Combine the intimate underground passage with the wooded landscape of the former mine.
What to see
- Chisel marks and small side workings following the ore veins.
- Features such as a drainage shaft that supported mining below ground.
- Displays in the newer exit tunnel and the approach walk from Omori.
JR Oda-shi Station / Omori Daikansho-ato bus stop → your visit
- Take an Iwami Kotsu bus from JR Oda-shi to Omori Daikansho-ato, about 26 minutes, then allow roughly an hour on foot to the tunnel.
- Even from Iwami Ginzan Park along the way, the uphill approach is about 2.3 km/45 minutes each way. Check cart or bicycle arrangements separately.
- Ordinary cars cannot drive to the tunnel. Drivers are directed to park at the World Heritage Center and take a local bus.
Closures & important conditions
No regular weekly closing day; closed January 1. Check for maintenance or weather-related changes. Winter brings a closing time one hour earlier, not an additional recurring closed weekday.
- Watch your head and the walls in narrow sections, and avoid touching or striking the rock.
- The November 11, 2026 late opening is a maintenance schedule and may move earlier if work finishes; check the latest notice.
- Allow for the long approach from the bus stop rather than arriving in Omori just before last tunnel entry.
Plan your visit
Checked: 2026-11-06 · a facility guide, not a dated festival listing
Hours & admission arrangements
March–November 09:00–17:00; December–February 09:00–16:00. Last entry 10 minutes before closing. On November 11, 2026, opening is scheduled for 11:00 due to maintenance, rather than the usual 09:00.
Admission: high-school age and older ¥500, elementary/junior-high pupils ¥250. Since December 2025, tickets are sold at Ginzan Gate rather than the old entrance management building. Standard entry and extra-charge guided activities are different products. The advertised exploration guide uses on-site acceptance, with no advance reservations.
- Address: Ni-183 Omori-cho, Oda, Shimane. Enquiries: 0854-89-0347.
- The paved tunnel route is at least 110 cm wide, but the exit has a very steep uphill section; discuss assistance and transport before a wheelchair visit.
- Visitors with mobility difficulties can ask Omori Tourist Information about a vehicle permit as far as Seisuiji Rest House, not unrestricted driving to the tunnel entrance.
- By prior arrangement, Ginzan Cart can carry one self-propelled wheelchair. Toilets are near the entrance and exit.
What still needs checking
- Same-day foreign-language guidance, preschool pricing, cart/wheelchair capacity and weather-related route conditions are unverified.
Official sources & photographs
Access to individual areas, exhibits and activities can vary by day.
Photo pending · View official photos ↗