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Iwami Ginzan, Omori area and Ginzan Area

The closed silver mine registered as a World Heritage Site.

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This mine was Japan’s major producer of silver, known not only domestically but also globally. Iwami silver mine was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2007. Omori district and Ginzan district were the center of mining and economy in Sennoyama area. Between the two districts, there is the Iwami Ginzan Tourist Information Center.

Omori district was the heart of politics and economy based on silver mining management. A magistrate’s office and samurai residences line the nostalgic towns which prospered with silver production. Enjoy visiting shops and cafes in traditional Japanese homes. The former Omori magistrate’s office which managed the silver mine now become the Iwaimi Ginzan Museum and the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center which show the history of the Iwami Silver Mine and the life of miners. Stop by before you visit the mining district.

In the silver mine district, from mining to smelting, everything was done by hand from the age of provincial wars to the Taisho Period. 900 mining tunnels from those days, smelters, many miners’ housings and temples still remain. More than 13,000 homes are said to have housed 200,000 people here. Guided tours by the Iwami Ginzan Guide service Organization are popular.

Cars in the mining area are restricted. If you are coming by car, park at the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center and get on the bus (Park & Ride).

Highlights

  • World Heritage site that used to prosper as a global silver mine.
  • Enjoy strolling through the townscape in Omori district, the center of economy.
  • Ginzan district, where mining and smelting were taking place, Mabu, the tunnels dot the area, hinting how prosperous they were back then.
  • Cars are not allowed to come through. Use the Park & Ride service.

Photos

  • Shimizudani Smelter Ruins in the Ginzan district

    Shimizudani Smelter Ruins in the Ginzan district

  • Omori district where samurai and merchant residences and temples still remain

    Omori district where samurai and merchant residences and temples still remain

  • Tranquil Omori townscape

    Tranquil Omori townscape

  • Ryugen-ji Temple’s tunnel into the silver mine

    Ryugen-ji Temple’s tunnel into the silver mine

  • Rakan-ji Temple in Omori district hosts intricate 500 Rakan statues

    Rakan-ji Temple in Omori district hosts intricate 500 Rakan statues

Reviews

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  • Lurk0901

    在大森地區遊覽了一整天時間,沿途參觀銀山小鎮之旅。

Details

Name in Japanese
石見銀山 大森エリア・銀山エリア
Postal Code
694-0305
Address
Omoricho, Oda City, Shimane
Telephone
0854-88-9950 (Oda City Tourism Association)
Hours
Free to walk around any time
Directions
1) From JR Oda-shi Station, ride the Iwami Kotsu Bus for 26 min. et off at Omori Daikansho Ato Stop, and walk a short distance
2) From San-in Expressway, Oda-Chuo/Sanbesan Interchange, drive 25 min. to the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center. Ride the Iwami Kotsu Bus for 7 min., get off at Omori Daikansho-ato Stop and walk a little.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)