Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was a silver mine in the Shimane Prefecture of Honshû, Japan. It was developed in 1526 by Kamiya Jutei, a Japanese merchant. It reached its peak production of 38 tons in the early 17th century of approximately 38 tons of silver a year which was then a third of world production.

Silver from the mine was used widely for coins. It was contested fiercely by warlords until the Tokugawa Shogunate won control of it in 1600 as a result of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. It was later secured by fences and barricaded by pine trees. Yamabuki Castle was built in the centre of the complex.

Silver production from the mine fell in the nineteenth century as it had trouble competing with mines elsewhere and it was eventually closed.


Year Decision Comments
2007 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

John Booth (New Zealand):
To reach the main part of the Iwami Ginza silver mine I took a bus to Omori Ginzan from Odashi station. The walk up to the Ryugenji shaft was interspersed with interesing buildings related to the operation of the mine. The Ryugenji shaft has been enlarged and illuminated to accommodate visitors, but what amazed me were the other shafts visible in the bush, but closed off with steel barriers. These were tiny by comparison, and the miners had to crawl through these with candles for illumination, and chip away at the silver ore.
Another part of this WHS that I visited was Yunotsu, a port from which the silver was exported to Korea and other parts of the world. Today it is a sleepy fishing village, and still contains many old wooden houses, inns and commercial buildings. It is just a short walk from Yunotsu station.
Date posted: May 2010
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I have visited this wonderful place with two japanese friends last september. The area is absolutely beautiful, a complete valley to walk around.
The path to the tunnel that is possible to visit is a very pleasant walk of about 5 km from the parking lot and indications are in both english and japanese. People are very friendly and everywhere you can see beautifully preserved houses as well as exuberant nature.
It was a great experience, since the town is very well conserved and it is possible to find a lot of information about the history of the place. There are also plenty of cafes where one can eat soba (buckwheat noodles) or rice as well as an incredible wasabi (type of japanese spice root) ice cream.
 


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