About Iwami Ginzan

Iwami Ginzan is a historical mining site located in Shimane Prefecture, which prospered as one of the world's leading silver-producing areas from the 16th to 17th centuries. 2007 Iwami Ginzan was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as “Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Site and its Cultural Landscape” and its cultural and historical value is highly evaluated.

One of the features of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is its vast area of ruins. Not only the mine itself, but also the facilities for refining ore and the townscape related to the mine are spread out. In particular, the historical streets of Omorimachi retain a strong Edo Period atmosphere, offering a glimpse of life in those days. With its stone-paved streets and traditional buildings, this area offers visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.

Iwami Ginzan is also noted for its environmental protection efforts. From the time the silver was mined, efforts were made to minimize the impact on the natural environment by using sustainable methods. Today, the area remains a beautiful blend of nature and history, and offers opportunities for hiking and nature observation. In particular, “Ryugenji Mabu,” the remains of the silver mine shafts, are important remains that tell visitors how the miners worked in those days.

One of the attractions of Iwami Ginzan is its diverse tourist attractions. In addition to the mining remains, there are a variety of facilities nearby, such as Iwami Ginzan Museum and Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center, where visitors can learn about the history and culture in depth. At these facilities, visitors can learn about the history of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, mining techniques, and the lives of people in those days through exhibits and videos.

In addition, visitors can enjoy local specialties and crafts around Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. In Omorimachi, there are many restaurants that serve pottery made using traditional methods and dishes made with local ingredients. The charm of Iwami Ginzan is that visitors can enjoy walking around the history of the area while experiencing the culture of these local communities.

All in all, Iwami Ginzan is a special tourist destination that combines its rich historical heritage and natural environment. It offers visitors deep historical impressions and beautiful scenery, and its unique atmosphere is an unforgettable experience once you visit.