About
Interior of the Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft, showing the hand-carved tunnel from the Edo period - Wikimedia Commons
The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007, representing Japan's largest and most significant silver mining operation. Active for nearly 400 years from its discovery in 1526 until closing in 1923, this mine complex once produced approximately 38 tons of silver annually during its peak in the early 1600s - contributing to Japan's total output of 200 tons, which represented one-third of global silver production. 🔗 🔗
During the Age of Discovery in the 16th and early 17th centuries, Iwami Ginzan's large-scale silver production resulted in significant commercial and cultural exchanges between Japan and the trading countries of East Asia and Europe. 🔗 The silver produced was of exceptional quality and became known as "Soma Silver," receiving the highest trading credit in East Asia. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
What distinguishes Iwami Ginzan from other mining heritage sites worldwide is its exceptional environmental sustainability. A decisive factor in the UNESCO designation was that the silver mine existed within an expansive natural environment and co-existed side-by-side with nature over a long period. The development resulted in less deforestation and erosion due to sustainable control of logging, and also less soil and water pollution - practices revolutionary for their time. 🔗 🔗
The UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses extensive remains including archaeological remnants of large-scale mines, smelting and refining sites, mining settlements worked between the 16th and 20th centuries, routes used to transport silver ore to the coast, and port towns from where it was shipped to Korea and China. 🔗
The preserved town of Omori stretches 1.5 kilometers along a river valley, with a population of around 450 people still living among preserved old houses, samurai residences, shops, shrines, and temples. 🔗 This authentic historic townscape represents one of Japan's best-preserved examples of an Edo-period mining settlement.
Visiting Information
Access: From San-in Expressway, take Oda-Chuo/Sanbesan Interchange or Nima Iwami Ginzan IC. Drive 25 minutes to Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center. Park at World Heritage Center parking lot (free) - private cars banned from Omori Town and mining area. 🔗 🔗
World Heritage Center Hours:
- Building: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (8:30 AM - 5:30 PM December-February)
- Exhibition Room: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM) March-November
- Exhibition Room: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) December-February 🔗
Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft Hours:
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Winter hours (December-February): 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 🔗
Admission Fees:
- World Heritage Center Exhibition Room: ¥400 adults, ¥200 children
- Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft: ¥410 adults (¥200 with passport discount)
- Ginzan Cart (golf cart shuttle): ¥400-500 one way (optional, runs every 30 minutes except Wednesdays) 🔗
Public Transportation from Parking: Iwami Kotsu buses run 1-3 times per hour between World Heritage Center and "Omori Daikansho" bus stop in Omori Town (7 minutes, included in parking). 🔗
Route Context: 30+ minutes detour from San'in coastal route main corridor. Only feasible if choosing western routing through Shimane Prefecture. Not practical as a detour from eastern routing or direct highway routes. 🔗
Seasonal Considerations: Late October offers pleasant walking weather with comfortable temperatures (15-22°C), though peak autumn foliage arrives in early November. 🔗
The Experience
Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center
Begin your visit at this modern facility which provides essential context for understanding the mine's historical and cultural significance. The exhibition room features detailed information about the mining techniques, global trade connections, and environmental sustainability practices that made Iwami Ginzan unique. 🔗
Omori Historic Town
The 1.5-kilometer main street showcases exceptional preservation of Edo-period architecture, with traditional homes, samurai residences, temples, shrines, and shops lining the valley. The town maintains an authentic atmosphere with approximately 450 residents still living among the historic buildings. 🔗
Notable sites include Gungendo (modern lifestyle store and café with courtyard garden), Gin no Mise (traditional silver shop), Kigami Shrine (large shrine with spacious grounds), and various cafés, bakeries, gelato shops, and traditional snack vendors. 🔗
Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft
The only publicly accessible shaft among over 600 that honeycombed the mountain, this 273-meter tunnel was hand-carved during the Edo period. Visitors can explore freely, observing original chisel marks on the walls and the ingenious drainage systems that kept the tunnels operational. The 20-minute self-guided tour provides intimate connection with the mining techniques that produced one-third of the world's silver. 🔗 🔗
Access to Mine Shaft:
- 2-kilometer walk from Omori Town (30-45 minutes) along a pleasant forest trail beside a beautiful stream 🔗
- Ginzan Cart golf cart service: 25-minute ride, ¥400-500 one way (runs every 30 minutes except Wednesdays)
- Bicycle rental available at Omori bus terminal 🔗
Shimizudani Refinery Ruins
Located near the mine shafts, these archaeological remains demonstrate the smelting and refining processes used during the mine's operational period. The site is now reclaimed by forest, illustrating the environmental regeneration that impressed UNESCO evaluators.
Practical Visiting Tips
Driving Considerations: Park at World Heritage Center (free), then use park-and-ride bus system (private cars banned from Omori Town and mining area). Parking availability displayed inside World Heritage Center building. 🔗 🔗
Route Integration: This is not a quick roadside attraction. Meaningful visit requires 4-5 hours minimum. Plan accordingly within daily driving schedule. 🔗
Cultural Etiquette: Omori Town is a living community - respect residents' privacy. No loud conversations on residential streets. Ask permission before photographing people or private property. Support local businesses (cafés, shops) to contribute to preservation. Stay on designated paths at archaeological sites.
Budget Considerations: Show passport for 50% discount at mine shaft (¥200 instead of ¥400). Walk to mine shaft instead of paying for Ginzan Cart (saves ¥800-1000 round trip). Free parking at World Heritage Center. Bring water and snacks (limited options at mine area). 🔗
Route Traveler Strategy:
- Start at World Heritage Center - Park here, tour exhibition (1 hour)
- Take Bus to Omori Town - Free shuttle from parking area
- Explore Omori Town - Walk main street, visit shops and cafés (1-2 hours)
- Choose Mine Shaft Access - Forest walk (40 minutes) or Ginzan Cart (¥400-500)
- Visit Ryugenji Mine Shaft - Allow 30 minutes including time inside tunnel
- Lunch in Omori Town - Gungendo café or local eateries
Physical Requirements: Extensive walking required (2-4 km depending on choices). Forest trail to mine shaft is "easy and pleasant" but requires moderate fitness. Consider Ginzan Cart for those preferring to conserve energy. Mine shaft temperatures cool year-round; bring light jacket. 🔗
Managing Expectations: Iwami Ginzan rewards those who invest time to understand its significance. This is not a flashy tourist attraction - it's an authentic historic landscape. Visitors report "a heritage site of high historical and cultural value" that requires spending "a day soaking up its atmosphere." 🔗
Best For:
- History and UNESCO World Heritage enthusiasts
- Visitors interested in industrial heritage and global trade history
- Those appreciating authentic, less-touristy historic towns
- Active travelers comfortable with 4-5 hours of walking and exploration
- Western routing itineraries with flexible time
Skip If:
- Taking eastern or direct highway routing (too far out of way)
- Limited time in San-in region (prioritize Izumo Taisha, Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji)
- Prefer car-based sightseeing with minimal walking
- Seeking dramatic visual spectacles over historical depth
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kinosaki-to-fukuoka-sanin-coastal-route/iwami-ginzan-silver-mine.md