🗺️ Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Site

Iwami Ginzan, renowned as Japan's representative silver mine, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2007, with mining areas scattered around the surrounding mountains. The Omori and Ginzan areas were once the centers of mining operations and political economy for Iwami Ginzan. The "Omori Tourist Information Center" is situated between these two major areas. The "Omori area," which preserves the remnants of Iwami Ginzan, served as a political and economic center based on silver mining, retaining traditional buildings such as the magistrate's office and samurai residences. This once-prosperous small town, thriving due to the silver mining industry, still retains its former appearance, with many shops and cafes converted from old houses lining the streets, making it ideal for leisurely strolls. The "Iwami Ginzan Museum" and the "Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center" in the old town provide detailed accounts of the rise and fall of the silver mine and the smelting methods, along with precious artifacts. It is recommended to visit these places to learn about the history and knowledge related to Iwami Ginzan before heading to the mining area. The "Iwami Ginzan Museum" is built on the site of the former Omori magistrate's office, which managed the silver mine. The other area of the Iwami Ginzan ruins, the "Ginzan area," was where mining and smelting operations took place during the Sengoku period and the Taisho era, with the entire production process carried out manually. Over 900 sites from that time are preserved here, including various mining tunnels, miners' residences, as well as temples and shrines. It is said that there were once over 13,000 houses, with around 200,000 people living there. It is recommended to participate in guided tours offered by the "Iwami Ginzan Guide Association" to explore various locations. Vehicles are prohibited from entering Iwami Ginzan. Visitors driving should first park at the "Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center" parking lot and then take a bus to the various attractions.

As one of the world's most renowned silver mines, it once thrived as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Omori area, filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, served as the political and economic center of the Iwami Silver Mine at that time, making it perfect for leisurely strolls. The silver mine area was the site of mining and smelting operations, preserving remnants such as the mining tunnels known as "kanpo," offering a glimpse into its former prosperity. Vehicle entry is prohibited in the Iwami Silver Mine area; please park and visit on foot.