What to know
Iwami Ginzan (石見銀山) is a historic silver mine located in the mountains of Oda City, Shimane Prefecture. As the most significant silver mine in Japanese history, it was established in the early 16th century and operated for nearly 400 years.
The main attractions are split into three zones. The Silver Mine area features mine shafts and ruins from the mining era, along with several temples and shrines. The Omori Town area contains museums, historic residences, and more religious sites.
The third zone includes the hot spring town of Yunotsu and nearby port towns, which offer attractions like the mooring stones of Okidomari. Two hiking trails connect the port towns to the mining area, passing castle ruins along the way.
Preservation and revitalization of Iwami Ginzan's historic sites began over 50 years ago as a local initiative. With subsequent prefectural and national support, the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2007.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Original name
- Iwami Ginzan
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.