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On July 2nd, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in Ohda in the middle of Shimane Prefecture (south-west Honshu, Japan's main island), the mine became Japan's 14th World Heritage Site and the first Industrial World Heritage Site in Asia. Let's take a look at what is so special about the Iwami Ginzan Silver mine.
 The mine retains a certain charm, especially as did not ruin, but rather coexisted with, its natural surrounds. It was the largest silver mine in Japan in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Iwami Ginzan was important not only to Japan,  but also to the rest of the world. During the 16th century, one third of the silver in the world market came from Japan and most of it was produced from Iwami Ginzan.
Iwami Ginzan features three main areas: the silver mine and its town, Kaido transportation routes that were used to transport silver ore to the coast; and the port towns from where the ore was shipped.
 The town of Omori, which was established and flourished alongside the mine, still conveys an atmosphere reminiscent of the end of the Edo Period; a number old samurai and merchant family residences such as Kumagai's House still stand and are well worth a visit.
Here in the town of Omori,  you can find silver accessory shops and a cafe.
Yunotsu Hot Spring area is also a spot you might want to stop by to take a break.
Iwami Ginzan and its surroundings is a great place to discover a piece of the old Japan. |
Access:
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Haneda Airport-Izumo Airport (1h.20min.)
One and a half drive from Izumo Airport to Iwami GinzanSilver Mine.
* It is possible to use bullet train from Osaka, make stops in some tourist spots and get local train to Izumo.
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There are some attractive sightseeing spots in Chugoku district.
For example: Hot springs-Takatsukuri Onsen/Kaiki Onsen/Yuda Onsen
Castle town,-Hagi and Tsuwano, Historical town-Izumo |
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