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Iwami Ginzan

(Source : 晴徨雨読)
Iwami Ginzan was the largest silver mine in Japan which experienced its golden age from the end of 16th to the end of 18th century, located in Ota city, Shimane prefecture. The mine is currently closed, but it is said at its peak, Japan produced one-third of the silver in the world and most of the silver is from Iwami Ginzan. "Iwami Ginzan site and its cultural view" was highly valued for their operation with consideration for environment and nature, and was designated as a World Heritage in 2007. In Omori Ginzan, there are two areas called Omori region and Ginzan region, and it takes some time to visit both areas. We recommend you decide which places you would like to visit and go explore.

(Source: Diary of my trip)

Ryugenji-mabu, where the marks of a chisel still remain

Ryugenji-mabu is one of the mabu, the entrance of the mine, called "Ojiki-yama" that was controlled by the government of Edo. This is the only mabu where you can pass through among the mabu that are open to the public. With the technology at that time, the laborers could only dig 30 centimeters a day. From the remains of chisel marks in the pit and Iwami-Ginzan Emaki, a paper scroll written during the Edo period, you can see how hard the work was for the laborers. (Entrance fee: 410 yen)

(Source: 晴徨雨読)

Overwhelming and distinctive atmosphere "Shimizudani Seirenjo-ato"

Shimizudani Seirenjo-ato is the remains of a modern smelting factory built in 1895. Since they couldn't make profit due to the quality of ores, the factory was closed after a year and half later. The eight-stepped stone wall is 33 meters high and was created by using the slopes of the valley. Currently, it is a ruin covered by plants and has a distinctive atmosphere. The actual appearance is spectacular and you will surely be overwhelmed.

(Source: pixta)

Omori region with a retro townscape

In Omori region, the townscape of the ancient period still remains. You can find many retro motifs all around the town, you will feel as if you traveled back in time. Let's take a stroll and indulge in the atmosphere of old Japanese houses. There are many cafes and shops where you can enjoy shopping.

(Source: pixta)

Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center

In Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center, you can learn about the history and mining technology with a diorama of the whole site of the silver mine, experience of holding 30 kilograms of silver chunk and visiting exhibition room where they replicated the part of “Okubo mabu” down to the smallest detail. Since this is an experience-based facility, people of all ages can enjoy. (Admission fee 300 yen)

(Source: ねこカンの自転車日本一周生存報告書)

Yunotsu Onsen where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a historical onsen town

Yunotsu Onsen thrived since a long time ago because of the location near Iwami Ginzan. This is the hot spring that only enthusiasts know about and the onsen town is also elegant. The retro town where old buildings are crammed is a prime spot to take a stroll after taking a bath.

(Source: とりあえずコーヒーでも。)

Address
1597-3 I, Omori-cho, Oda-shi, Shimane
Contact No.
+81-854-88-9950
+81-854-88-9950
Access
30-min bus ride on fixed-route bus bound for Iwami Ginzan direction from Otaichi Station on JR, followed by a minute walk from “Omori Daikansyo Ato” Bus Stop
Opening Hours / Holidays
Ryugenji‐mabu 9:00‐17:00 (Closes at 16:00 from December to February) Closed: Year‐end Holidays Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center 8:30‐17:30 (Closes at 16:00 from December to February) Closed on last Tuesday every month, year‐end Holidays
Time Required
Admission fee

(Source: Diary of my trip)

Ryugenji-mabu, where the marks of a chisel still remain

Ryugenji-mabu is one of the mabu, the entrance of the mine, called "Ojiki-yama" that was controlled by the government of Edo. This is the only mabu where you can pass through among the mabu that are open to the public. With the technology at that time, the laborers could only dig 30 centimeters a day. From the remains of chisel marks in the pit and Iwami-Ginzan Emaki, a paper scroll written during the Edo period, you can see how hard the work was for the laborers. (Entrance fee: 410 yen)

(Source: 晴徨雨読)

Overwhelming and distinctive atmosphere "Shimizudani Seirenjo-ato"

Shimizudani Seirenjo-ato is the remains of a modern smelting factory built in 1895. Since they couldn't make profit due to the quality of ores, the factory was closed after a year and half later. The eight-stepped stone wall is 33 meters high and was created by using the slopes of the valley. Currently, it is a ruin covered by plants and has a distinctive atmosphere. The actual appearance is spectacular and you will surely be overwhelmed.

(Source: pixta)

Omori region with a retro townscape

In Omori region, the townscape of the ancient period still remains. You can find many retro motifs all around the town, you will feel as if you traveled back in time. Let's take a stroll and indulge in the atmosphere of old Japanese houses. There are many cafes and shops where you can enjoy shopping.

(Source: pixta)

Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center

In Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center, you can learn about the history and mining technology with a diorama of the whole site of the silver mine, experience of holding 30 kilograms of silver chunk and visiting exhibition room where they replicated the part of “Okubo mabu” down to the smallest detail. Since this is an experience-based facility, people of all ages can enjoy. (Admission fee 300 yen)

(Source: ねこカンの自転車日本一周生存報告書)

Yunotsu Onsen where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a historical onsen town

Yunotsu Onsen thrived since a long time ago because of the location near Iwami Ginzan. This is the hot spring that only enthusiasts know about and the onsen town is also elegant. The retro town where old buildings are crammed is a prime spot to take a stroll after taking a bath.

(Source: とりあえずコーヒーでも。)