English Version
Visitors and locals have reported a range of unsettling phenomena at Sennin Tsubo: the feeling of being watched by someone unseen, footsteps drawing closer from behind, faint groaning voices, and even handprint-like marks appearing across the body.
According to local rumor, criminals who stole silver from Iwami Ginzan were executed and thrown away here. Other stories say that many bodies were also buried in this place, including people who died in accidents and had no family, those with illnesses considered beyond recovery, and weakened mine workers who could no longer survive the harsh conditions.
It is said that this is how the place came to be known as Sennin Tsubo, or “the Thousand-Person Pit.” Perhaps the lingering regrets of so many people are believed to have become an attachment to this world, appearing as the strange phenomena reported here.
The site is associated with Omori-cho, Oda City, Shimane Prefecture, near the historic Iwami Ginzan area. If you visit, respect all posted signs and local rules, do not enter restricted areas or abandoned mine tunnels, and avoid unsafe nighttime exploring.
Japanese Language
何者かの視線を感じる、背後から足音が近づいてくる、うめき声が聞こえる、体中に手形のあとがついているなど様々な心霊現象が報告されている。石見銀山で銀を盗むなどをした罪人を処刑してここに投げ捨てたという。他にも、事故で死亡した身寄りのない者、病気の回復が見込めない者、衰弱した鉱山労働者など、数多くの遺体が埋められているという。そのため千人壺という名前がついた。多くの人々の無念の思いが、この世への未練となって、現れている、とでも言うのだろうか。
島根県大田市大森町イ９０４
