Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Iwami Ginzan)

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About Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Iwami Ginzan)

Iwami Ginzan is an old silver mine inland from Oda on Shimane’s central coast, worked from the 16th century until the early 20th century. At its peak in the early 17th century, Japanese silver supplied much of Asian trade, and Iwami was a major source. The mine, miners’ village, roads and shipping ports were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Forest has reclaimed the slopes where hundreds of mining tunnels, mabu, once ran. The best‑known tunnel open to visitors is Ryugenji Mabu, with an illuminated section showing tool marks on the walls and narrow side galleries. The path to it follows a stream for about 2 km from the village, passing woods, temples and kiln ruins.

The village of Omori, along a narrow valley, preserves wooden merchant and samurai houses, the former shogunate office and temples. The main street has cafés and craft shops, and visitor cars are not allowed: they park at the World Heritage Center, from which buses run to the village. Electric bicycles can be rented for the route to the tunnel.

Silver was shipped from the ports of Yunotsu and Tomogaura. Yunotsu is also a hot‑spring village with two old bathhouses and wooden streets. A full visit takes a day, with some gentle uphill walking.