Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine - Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
On July 2nd, 2007, UNESCO formally granted World Heritage Site status to the Iwami-Ginzan Silver Mine near Ooda city in central Shimane prefecture.
From its opening in 1526, Iwami Ginzan was one of the world’s most productive silver mines for 400 years. It's believed that at the mine’s peak Japanese silver amounted to one third of the world’s production, with the bulk of that coming from this single mine. The site includes over 600 mineshafts, called mabu, both large and small. Presently, two of the shafts are open to the public, Ryugenji Mabu and Okubo Mabu, the site’s largest mineshaft.
The walls still bear the chisel marks of the miners.
The mine won World Heritage classification partly for its contribution to world trade and currency during the period when, briefly, it seems to have been the only working silver mine known to Europeans. So much of Iwami's silver was exported that efforts are underway to reclaim examples of coinage and utensils made with the silver, little of which is present in Japan. Additionally, the mine has been praised for the care taken throughout its operation not to spoil the surrounding landscape. Until you are standing directly in front of the entrances to the mines, its virtually impossible to tell that there was ever such a massive industrial project here. A fascinating trip for nearly any visitor, but especially for those interested in World Heritage Sites or the history of mining and precious metals.
More Info.(Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine):
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Rakanji Temple
Omori Town
Yunotsu Hotspring
From its opening in 1526, Iwami Ginzan was one of the world’s most productive silver mines for 400 years. It's believed that at the mine’s peak Japanese silver amounted to one third of the world’s production, with the bulk of that coming from this single mine. The site includes over 600 mineshafts, called mabu, both large and small. Presently, two of the shafts are open to the public, Ryugenji Mabu and Okubo Mabu, the site’s largest mineshaft.
The walls still bear the chisel marks of the miners.
The mine won World Heritage classification partly for its contribution to world trade and currency during the period when, briefly, it seems to have been the only working silver mine known to Europeans. So much of Iwami's silver was exported that efforts are underway to reclaim examples of coinage and utensils made with the silver, little of which is present in Japan. Additionally, the mine has been praised for the care taken throughout its operation not to spoil the surrounding landscape. Until you are standing directly in front of the entrances to the mines, its virtually impossible to tell that there was ever such a massive industrial project here. A fascinating trip for nearly any visitor, but especially for those interested in World Heritage Sites or the history of mining and precious metals.
More Info.(Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine):
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Rakanji Temple
Omori Town
Yunotsu Hotspring
Omori-cho, Ohda City, Shimane
JR Ohda Station===(25 min. by bus)===Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
JR Nima Station===(20 min. by bus)===Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
JR Nima Station===(20 min. by bus)===Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Open Hours:
9:00 - 17:00 (Entry until 16:00, 24 November - 19 March)
9:00 - 17:00 (Entry until 16:00, 24 November - 19 March)
Adult: 400 yen
Child: 200 yen
Child: 200 yen
Sightseeing in Shimane: http://www.kankou.pref.shimane.jp/index.html
