Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Discovered in 1527, Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Shimane Prefecture flourished as one of the world’s greatest silver mines for nearly 400 years. At its peak, it supplied much of the silver that underpinned Japan’s economy and global trade. In the past, it is said that approximately one-third of the silver produced worldwide came from Japan, and most of that silver was from the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Today, the mine and its cultural landscape—spanning the castle ruins that guarded the area, old transport routes, and port towns—are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you walk through the Ryugenji Mabu mine shaft, you can see the chisel marks left from when it was dug during the Edo period, allowing you to feel the scale, history, and mining techniques of that era firsthand. Nearby you can also visit Omori, the historic mining town where magistrates, samurai, and merchants once lived. Its preserved streets now house cafés and shops.
There are also hands-on activities like silver coin making to get to know more about the legacy of Japan’s “Silver Mountain.” If you want to experience the true essence of Iwami Ginzan, consider taking a leisurely guided walk where you can learn about its nature, history, and the daily lives of its former inhabitants.