The History of Wakuya, Japan’s First Gold-Producing Area
In 749, during the Tenpyo era of the Nara period, Kudara no Kyo Keifuku, the governor of Mutsu Province, presented approximately 900 ryo, or about 13 kilograms, of gold to the imperial court.
At the time, gold was not believed to be available in Japan in significant quantities, and the country depended on imported gold. The discovery in what is now Wakuya Town therefore represented a major turning point.
The gold was transported to Nara and used to provide the gilding for the enormous Great Buddha at Todai-ji. The discovery was considered so important that Mutsu Province was granted a three-year tax exemption.
The event became an important part of Japanese history, and Wakuya has continued to preserve this legacy through Koganeyama Shrine, the archaeological site, and Tenpyo Roman-kan.
Inside Tenpyo Roman-kan
Tenpyo Roman-kan is a history museum built around the Koganeyama Gold-Mining Site. The facility includes a historical exhibition area, an archaeological site plaza, and hands-on displays that help visitors understand how gold was produced in ancient Japan.
The exhibits introduce the history of gold production and the cultural background of the Nara period. Rather than simply viewing objects behind glass, visitors can also experience reconstructed techniques and learn how people in the past extracted gold from the natural environment.
Historical Materials and Cultural Exhibits
The museum displays materials related to the discovery and production of gold during the Nara period. Visitors can also see a ceramic tile mural by the renowned Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama, along with dioramas recreating scenes from the ancient period.
Ancient roof tiles and other artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations are also displayed. These exhibits make the museum particularly interesting for visitors fascinated by Japanese history and archaeology.
Try Gold-Panning Using the Traditional “Wangake” Method
One of the most popular activities at Tenpyo Roman-kan is the gold-panning experience.
Participants use a traditional technique known as “wangake,” in which a shallow bowl is used with water to separate small pieces of gold from sand and gravel. The process is simple to learn but surprisingly absorbing, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
Any gold discovered during the experience can be taken home as a souvenir, providing a unique and memorable reminder of your visit to Wakuya.
The Golden Tea Room “Kugane-an”
Next to the museum is the “Kugane-an” Golden Tea Room, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese matcha while looking out over a beautiful garden.
The tea room is designed around the imagery of gold and creates an atmosphere quite different from everyday life. Enjoying a bowl of matcha tea in a traditional Japanese setting is a relaxing way to take a break after exploring the museum and archaeological site.
Visitor Information
Location: Wakuya Town, Toda District, Miyagi Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00, with last admission at 16:30
Closed: Mondays (or the following day when Monday is a public holiday), and the year-end/New Year holiday period
Admission: Adults ¥400; children ¥200
The Koganeyama Gold-Mining Site
Adjacent to Tenpyo Roman-kan is the Koganeyama Gold-Mining Site, the historic location associated with Japan’s first recorded gold production.
Archaeological excavations carried out in 1957 uncovered the remains of buildings from the Nara period, together with ancient roof tiles. These discoveries provided important evidence connecting the area with the gold production that supported the completion of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji.
In 1967, the site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan and has since been preserved and made accessible to the public.
Important Archaeological Artifacts
Among the artifacts discovered here are decorated round roof tiles featuring a six-petaled lotus motif, flat roof tiles with flowing arabesque patterns, and a ceramic finial inscribed with the era name “Tenpyo.”
These artifacts have been designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Miyagi Prefecture. They provide valuable evidence of the technology, architecture, and culture of the Nara period.
Koganeyama Shrine: A Sacred Place Connected with Gold
Koganeyama Shrine stands within the area of the nationally designated Koganeyama Gold-Mining Site. The shrine is dedicated to Kanayamahiko-no-Kami, a deity traditionally associated with mines, metals, and metalworking.
A local tradition says that “if you visit for three consecutive years, you will never have to worry about money for the rest of your life.” Because of this belief and the site’s association with Japan’s first gold production, the shrine has become popular as a destination for prayers for financial good fortune and business prosperity.
Major Shrine Festivals
January 1 — New Year’s Festival
February 17 — Kinen Festival
September 15 — Grand Annual Festival
November 23 — New Harvest Thanksgiving Festival
The Manyoshu Poetry Monument
One of the historic highlights within the shrine grounds is a monument featuring a poem from the Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest major anthology of poetry.
The poem celebrates the discovery of gold in the eastern region of Michinoku:
“May the reign of our sovereign flourish; in the eastern mountains of Michinoku, golden flowers are blooming.”
The poem beautifully expresses the excitement and significance of discovering gold in ancient Japan. For visitors interested in Japanese literature and history, the monument provides another fascinating connection with the distant past.
Access to Tenpyo Roman-kan
By Train
From Wakuya Station on the JR Ishinomaki Line, the museum is approximately five minutes by car or about a 20-minute walk.
Taxis are available around the station, and bicycle rentals can also be a convenient option for exploring Wakuya and the surrounding attractions.
By Car
By car, Tenpyo Roman-kan is approximately 40 minutes from Furukawa Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway via National Route 108.
Free parking is available, making the facility convenient for visitors traveling by rental car.
A Suggested Wakuya Sightseeing Route
Morning: Learn About Ancient Gold
Begin your visit at Tenpyo Roman-kan. Explore the historical exhibits and learn how the discovery of gold in Wakuya influenced the construction of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji.
Then try the gold-panning experience using the traditional wangake method. Searching for tiny pieces of gold makes an especially enjoyable activity for families and children.
Lunch: Enjoy Local Japanese Cuisine
After exploring the museum, have lunch at one of the Japanese restaurants in Wakuya Town and take the opportunity to sample local dishes.
Afternoon: Visit Koganeyama Shrine
In the afternoon, visit Koganeyama Shrine and explore the grounds of the historic gold-producing area. Take a moment to see the Manyoshu poetry monument and reflect on the history of the site.
Finish with Matcha at Kugane-an
End your visit at the Kugane-an Golden Tea Room. Enjoying matcha while looking over the garden provides a peaceful conclusion to a day spent exploring Wakuya’s ancient history.
Experience the Golden History of Wakuya
Wakuya Manyo-no-Sato Tenpyo Roman-kan, together with the Koganeyama Gold-Mining Site and Koganeyama Shrine, offers a rare opportunity to experience the history of Japan’s first recorded domestic gold production.
The story of Wakuya is closely connected with the Nara period and the completion of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji. Through archaeological discoveries, historical exhibits, traditional gold-panning, and visits to the shrine, travelers can experience this remarkable history from several different perspectives.
With its combination of history, archaeology, traditional culture, hands-on activities, and seasonal scenery, the area is suitable for history enthusiasts as well as families and couples. A visit to Wakuya offers a chance to step into the world of ancient Japan and discover the fascinating story behind the gold that once helped adorn one of the country’s most famous Buddhist monuments.