Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine: A Journey Through History

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Explore Japan's rich mining history at the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shimane Prefecture. Discover preserved mines and cultural landscapes.

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Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flourished from the 16th to the 20th centuries as one of the world's leading silver producers. Located in Oda, Shimane Prefecture, the mine offers a glimpse into Japan's rich mining history and the cultural landscape that developed around it. Visitors can explore preserved mineshafts, refinery ruins, and the charming town of Omori, which once thrived as a mining settlement.

A brief summary to Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Omoricho, Oda, Omoricho, Shimane, 694-0305, JP
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.

Visit during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for mild weather and scenic beauty.
Start your tour at the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center to learn about the mine's history and significance.
Explore the Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft to experience the mining conditions of the past.
Take a walk through the charming town of Omori, with its traditional shops, cafes, and temples.
Consider renting a bicycle to explore the surrounding area and the walking trails to the port towns.

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Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center

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Iwami Castle Ruins

Iwami Castle Ruins: A Glimpse into Feudal Japan

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine using public transport, start at Oda-shi Station. From there, take a local bus directly to the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Buses run regularly throughout the day, and the ride takes approximately 40 minutes. The bus fare is approximately ¥760 one way to the World Heritage Center bus stop, or ¥640 to the Omori Daikansho bus stop. The Japan Rail Pass does not cover this bus route.
Walking

From the Omori bus stop, the mining area is a 30-45 minute walk into the valley along an easy and pleasant walking trail. The trail is about two kilometers one way. Alternatively, from the World Heritage Center parking lot, you can walk to the Omori bus stop in about 20-30 minutes.
Ginzan Cart

A unique golf cart service, called Ginzan Cart, operates between Omori Town and the Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft. The one-way ride takes about 25 minutes and costs ¥400-500. The carts operate every 30 minutes, except on Wednesdays.
Car

If driving, the mine is accessible via the Chugoku Expressway. Exit at the Oda IC and follow the signs to Iwami Ginzan, which is about a 30-minute drive. There is a large parking lot at the World Heritage Center. From the parking lot, you can take a bus to Omori (5 minutes, ¥200) or Omori Daikansho (7 minutes, ¥240). Private cars are banned from Omori Town and the former mining area.

Discover more about Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Nestled in the verdant mountains of Shimane Prefecture, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine stands as a testament to the ingenuity and prosperity of feudal Japan. Discovered in 1526, it rapidly became a major source of silver, contributing significantly to global trade. During its peak in the early 17th century, the mine was said to produce a third of the world's silver.The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine played a pivotal role in East Asian trade, where silver was a key currency. The mine's prosperity was such that it was known as the "Silver Mine Kingdom" on maps of the period. What sets Iwami Ginzan apart is its sustainable approach to mining, which resulted in less deforestation, erosion, and pollution, earning it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft, a 273-meter-long tunnel that offers a glimpse into the past. The Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center provides insights into the mine's history and its impact on global trade through interactive exhibits and detailed models. The surrounding cultural landscape includes the serene Sahimeyama Shrine, the Shimizudani Refinery Ruins, and the charming town of Omori, with its traditional shops, cafes, and temples. A visit to the Caves of the 500 Arhats is also highly recommended.Walking trails connect the mine to the ports of Okidomari and Tomogaura, offering scenic routes through the surrounding countryside. The 12-kilometer route to Okidomari is part of the Chugoku Nature Trail, while the 8-kilometer route to Tomogaura offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan.