Omori to Ryugenji Mabu Mine Tunnel Walk

The walk from the historic townscape of Omori to the Ryugenji Mabu mine tunnel traces part of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine UNESCO World Heritage site in Oda City, Shimane Prefecture. Access is by JR Odashi Station, then the Iwami Ginzan community bus to the Omori bus stop (about 25 minutes); rental bicycles are also available in Omori for those who prefer not to walk the full distance. The route covers about 5 km round trip along a gentle uphill grade through a forested valley, with an easy, well-maintained dirt-and-gravel surface and taking two to two and a half hours round trip on foot. Shade from surrounding cedar forest covers most of the route, with little exposure to sun or wind. Along the way, the path passes the preserved merchant houses and shrines of the Omori townscape, remnants of mine-worker settlements, and several smaller mine adits before reaching the Ryugenji Mabu tunnel, one of the largest surviving mine shafts at Iwami Ginzan, open for visitors to walk partway into on foot with a small flashlight useful for the dimly lit interior. The Omori townscape itself, about 1 km from the bus stop, makes a natural turn-around point for a shorter outing. There are no water sources along the forested section, but cafes, a visitor center, and rental shops are available in Omori at the start of the route. The trail is quiet outside of peak autumn foliage season and can be walked comfortably by most visitors given its gentle grade.