Iwami Ginzan, the first mining site in Asia to be registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site, is truly a place worth wandering through. The local people take great pride in preserving their culture, and everything you see has been carefully kept as it was 200 to 300 years ago during the Edo period. There’s no sense of commercialization at all.
We learned a lot from our friendly guide and had a wonderful afternoon stroll. Because of time, we didn’t make it to the mining area farther back, but I’d definitely love to visit again someday!
Iwami Ginzan, Omori area and Ginzan Area | Review by Aeris
Other Reviews by Aeris
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Cruise Ferry / Super Jet
From Hiroshima, Kure and Hatsukaichi Cities in Hiroshima Prefecture to Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. Step into four different destinations steeped in history and local food delights across the Seto Inland Sea with two vessels, the Cruise Ferry and Super Jet, connecting Hiroshima and Matsuyama Ports.
I’ve eaten oysters before, but I’d never seen how they’re harvested...
This time, we headed out before dawn to join Shimada Suisan’s tour, and it was truly eye-opening! Besides seeing Itsukushima Shrine from the water, we also got to watch the oyster harvesting and cleaning process. To top it off, we had a warm, comforting breakfast of fresh oyster porridge and plump grilled oysters.
Huge respect to all the hardworking staff! Thanks to them, we get to enjoy delicious oysters! -
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Mizuki Shigeru Road
Mizuki Shigeru Road was established in 1993. The 800-meter-long street from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum is lined with 177 bronze yokai sculptures.
Mizuki Shigeru Road at night feels even more ghostly~~~~ The colors are intentionally eerie, but it’s actually a lot of fun!
People who scare easily might really get startled! The creative lighting along the street kept making us smile, and we were constantly wondering what fun thing would appear next. If you happen to be staying near the station, come take a walk at night and experience it for yourself! -
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Akiyoshidai, Akiyoshido
Akiyoshidai is Japan’s largest karst plateau spread in the middle of and eastern of Mine city, the central city of Yamaguchi prefecture. A coral reef which was born about three hundred million years ago in the warm sea became limestone while moving on the plate over a huge time, and the limestone accumulated and moved from the sea to the mountain became Akiyoshidai.
The cave exploration at Akiyoshido is a must-try activity for travelers who love adventure!
It was my first visit, and instead of taking the standard route, we headed down underground. My favorite part was when the guide asked us to turn off all our headlamps so we could experience the deep darkness and silence inside the cave. All we could hear was the gentle sound of flowing water, and it really helped us slow down and feel calm.
Along the way, we also learned how to look at rocks and stalactites. I had no idea that the material used for Todaiji Temple’s bronze Great Buddha also came from here! The whole activity took about two hours. It was physically demanding and we were drenched in sweat, but seeing the stunning blue-green underground lake at the end was the best reward and surprise. Highly recommended!!! -
