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Silver Town Museum Center: Echoes of Ikuno's Silver Boom

Explore the legacy of silver mining and cultural exchange in Asago at the beautifully preserved Silver Town Museum Center.

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Step back in time at the Silver Town Museum Center, nestled in Asago, Hyogo. This charming museum complex, comprising the former Asada and Yoshikawa residences, showcases a unique blend of Western and traditional Japanese architecture, reflecting the area's prosperous silver mining history and its cultural exchange during the Meiji and Showa eras.

A brief summary to Silver Town Museum Center (Former Asada Residence, Former Yoshikawa Residence)

  • 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

Local tips

  • Take your time to explore both the Asada and Yoshikawa residences to fully appreciate the blend of architectural styles and historical exhibits.
  • Engage with the volunteer commentators to gain deeper insights into the history of the silver mine and the families who lived in the residences.
  • Enjoy a relaxing break in the museum's serene garden with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Ikuno Station, the Silver Town Museum Center is approximately a 10-minute walk. Upon exiting the station, follow signs towards the Ikuno Silver Mine. The museum is located in the Kuchiganaya district, a short distance from the mine. Local buses also operate from Ikuno Station to the Ikuno Ginzan Yamaguchi bus stop, which is a 10-minute walk to the museum. Bus fare is around ¥200-300.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Ikuno Station. The ride to the Silver Town Museum Center is short, approximately 5 minutes, and should cost around ¥700-¥900. Taxis can usually be found waiting at the station or can be called from the station.

  • Walking

    From Ikuno Station, walking to the Silver Town Museum Center takes about 10 minutes. Exit the station and follow the main road towards the Ikuno Silver Mine. The museum will be on your right, in the Kuchiganaya district. The walk is relatively flat and straightforward.

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Discover more about Silver Town Museum Center (Former Asada Residence, Former Yoshikawa Residence)

The Silver Town Museum Center, located in Ikunocho Kuchiganaya, Asago, Hyogo, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Ikuno Silver Mine and the lives of those who shaped the town. The complex consists of the preserved former residences of the Asada and Yoshikawa families, both of whom played significant roles in the modernization of the Ikuno Silver Mine. The main building, the former Asada residence, is a striking two-story wooden structure that exemplifies the fusion of Japanese and Western architectural styles. Its unique design features a gently arcing gambrel roof, a decorative board (gegyo) above the entrance, a terraced entrance, and Western-style scratched-tile outer walls beneath a triangular roof. The Yoshikawa residence complements this with its own distinct charm, offering further insights into the lives of the families who contributed to Ikuno's development. Inside, the museum displays artifacts and exhibits that detail the history of the silver mine, the modernization efforts led by French engineers, and the daily lives of the people who lived and worked in Ikuno during its boom years. Knowledgeable volunteer commentators are often on hand to provide insightful explanations of the site's heritage and the contributions of the Asada and Yoshikawa families. The museum also provides a serene garden where visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Ikuno itself is a town steeped in history, with its roots tracing back to the discovery of silver deposits in 807 AD. Full-scale mining began in 1542, and for centuries, the Ikuno Silver Mine was a vital source of wealth for Japan, attracting the attention of powerful figures like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The mine's modernization in the late 19th century, with the help of French engineer Jean Francisque Coignet, further solidified Ikuno's importance as an industrial center. Although the mine closed in 1973, its legacy lives on in the town's architecture, museums, and the stories of its people.

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