Wado Ruins, Chichibu
Wado Ruins are an archaeological site in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, marking where Japan's first domestically minted copper coins, Wado Kaichin, were produced in 708 AD during the Nara period. The site is associated with high-quality copper ore discovery in the Wado area, enabling the imperial government to mint currency rather than relying on imported Chinese coins. "Wado" means "Japanese copper." Wado Kaichin minting represented major development in Japan's economic and political autonomy, establishing centralized monetary system. The copper discovery prompted Emperor Genmei to change the era name to "Wado" (708-715 AD).
The site connects to Japan's first officially minted currency and its role in developing ancient period economic systems. Wado Kaichin coins were circular with square holes, following Chinese designs, with Chinese character inscriptions. Minting represented imperial efforts to implement centralized monetary economy modeled on Tang Dynasty China. Chichibu's copper resources made this possible. The site is a National Historic Site. The ruins include copper mining and processing areas, though exact operation locations have been subjects of archaeological investigation.
Visitors explore the site with monuments, explanatory signage, and preserved or reconstructed features. A monument and stone markers commemorate Wado Kaichin minting and copper discovery. Informational displays explain historical context, minting process, coin appearance, and the site's role in monetary history. The Wado Heritage Museum (Wado Roman-kan) provides detailed exhibits displaying replica coins, archaeological findings, and materials explaining Nara period economic systems and copper extraction and coin production processes.
Wado Ruins are in Kuroya area of Chichibu City, accessible from Chichibu Railway Wado-Kuroya Station on the Chichibu Main Line, approximately 10 to 15 minutes walking. From Tokyo, take Seibu Chichibu Line from Ikebukuro Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station (approximately 80 minutes by limited express), then transfer to Chichibu Railway. From JR Kumagaya Station, take Chichibu Railway to Wado-Kuroya Station.
