Did Laputa really exist? The mythical ruins hidden deep in the mountains

Get off at Mikawa Interchange in Aga Town, Niigata Prefecture, and head west on Prefectural Route 17. Turn left immediately after crossing the Isomo River. Then turn left following the signs for "Forest Road Mochikura Line" and you'll come to a narrow forest road. Continue along the unpaved road until you reach a parking area for several cars. From there, it's time to start your walk. Get your gear ready and set off on your adventure!

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There is a sign at the parking space, and leech repellent spray is available for free use. Depending on the season, leech prevention measures may be necessary, so be grateful to use it.

There are also signs emphasizing the importance of being careful of bears. Be sure to take precautions against bears. Be careful of leeches, bears, and hornets.

The initial trail is overgrown and in mid-summer the overgrowth can make your way difficult, so be prepared to push your way through the brush. The best time to visit is May-June, when the bears and wasps are more docile.

A few minutes after starting to walk, you will come across a sign for the collapsed road, but ignore it and go straight ahead. There is no signal deep in the mountains, so be careful not to get lost.

As you go further, you will eventually come across the sabo dam. Take a break here. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get here, but if it takes longer than that, you may have taken a wrong turn and should turn back.

After passing the sabo dam, the path gradually disappears. You will then be forced to cling to the cliff, relying on the red marks. There is a river on the right and the path becomes rough. Make sure to hold on to the rope and proceed carefully.

After walking a little further, you will come across a makeshift ladder made from a stepladder. Climb down this and you will soon be at your destination.

We climbed down the ladder and headed upstream along the river...oh! There it was! The remains of the Mochikura Mine Office. The shrine-like exterior exudes a solemn atmosphere. It was about a 15-20 minute walk from the starting point.

The ruins, standing majestically in the quiet depths of the mountains, are truly worthy of being called "Laputa." The way they are absorbed into nature is impressive, like ancient ruins in Europe. It was worth the effort to get here.

Mining at the Mochikura Mine began around 1860 and closed in 1920. For about 100 years, it has been slowly decaying deep in the mountains. This place is a magnificent ruin that gives you the feeling that you have wandered into the world of a game.

But for the more adventurous, an adventure awaits. On the opposite bank of the river from the old office building, the remains of a refinery lie quietly sleeping. This refinery, a facility that extracts metals from ore, is also not to be missed. To get to the remains of the refinery, you will need to cross the river. There is a current, so cross with care. Don't forget to take precautions against leeches! One of our editors tried the river in short sleeves and shorts and was bitten by leeches.

Once you have crossed the river, you will be faced with tall bushes. Pushing through them, you will arrive at the tunnel of the former refinery. A breathtaking view awaits you.

In this mountainous area where few people visit, I witnessed the beauty of man-made structures being slowly swallowed up by nature. It was just like the world of "Laputa."

The Mochikura Mine looks just like a temple that flourished long ago. Located deep in the mountains, far from civilization, it offers an extraordinary experience. As long as you don't get lost, it's a spot you can enjoy as a light hike. However, be sure to take precautions against pests and animals. This is a recommended spot for those who want to experience a sense of adventure!

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