Okubo Mabu Mine Shaft
大久保間歩
One of the largest mine shafts at Iwami Ginzan, accessible only on a limited guided tour. Wear a helmet and carry a torch into tunnels from the Edo to Meiji periods.
Ōkubo Mabu is one of the largest tunnels at Iwami Ginzan. Legend says that Ōkubo Nagayasu, the first Ginzan magistrate, rode his horse into the shaft, which gave it its name. Inside are hand-dug Edo-period tunnels and wide chambers excavated by machine in the Meiji era, with standing water and bats. Access is only with a limited guided group. It is generally open Friday to Sunday and on public holidays from March to November, and advance reservations are required. The cost is about 4,000 yen, and the tour takes about 2.5 hours, including hiking on mountain paths. Wear sports shoes and bring rain gear. The meeting point is the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center.
Opening hours
Guided tours Fri–Sun, Mar–Nov (reservation required)
Nearby sights
- Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft
- Shimizudani Refinery Ruins
- Rakan-ji Five Hundred Arhats
- Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center
- Omori Ginzan Townscape
- Kumagai Residence
- Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Museum
- Kigami Shrine