Iwami Ginzan: Walking the UNESCO World Heritage Silver Mine Ruins and Gentle Townscape of Omori

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Oda City, Shimane is one of the world's largest silver mines said to have accounted for approximately one-third of global silver output from the 16th to 17th centuries. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as "Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape."

Ryugenji Mabu: Visiting the Mine Shaft Interior

Among the many mabu (mine shafts) of the Iwami Ginzan ruins, visitors can tour the publicly accessible "Ryugenji Mabu." Approximately 275 meters of the 600-meter total shaft length is the viewing route, allowing close-up viewing of the shaft rock walls conveying period mining conditions.

Omori District: Townscape Where Silver Mine Workers Lived

The Omori district adjacent to the silver mine still retains many Edo-period magistrate offices, samurai residences, and merchant houses. The white-walled building townscape designated as a National Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District strongly conveys the atmosphere of the Edo-period silver mine town. Today, distinctive shops and cafes also occupy the buildings, making it an enjoyable strolling area.

Gourmet and Crafts Associated with the Silver Mine

Silverware using silver mined at Iwami Ginzan, and gourmet utilizing local ingredients are enjoyable. "Shijimi" clams known as an Oda City specialty are also indispensable to this area's food culture.

Access

About 30 minutes by Iwami Kotsu bus from JR Oda-shi Station to Omori (silver mine).