Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine – UNESCO World Heritage Site
石見銀山遺跡
In the 16th century, about a third of the world's silver was mined in Japan. Iwami Ginzan is known as the major provider of that silver.
Since it was first discovered in 1527, Iwami Ginzan prospered as one of the top silver mines in the world for 400 years. During the age of exploration, the silver mine was known by the name “Ginzan” in Europe, and Iwami Ginzan was the major provider of silver during Japan’s golden age, when it was producing a third of the world’s silver. In 2007, the remains of the mines were registered as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Asia. It has been highly praised for preserving the surrounding transportation routes, ports, hot springs, and other facilities, and for the fact that the site coexists with the surrounding nature.
Basic Information
| Address | 島根県大田市 |
|---|---|
| Tel. No. for Inquiries | 大田市観光協会 TEL：0854-88-9950 |
| Access | Approx. 30 mins. by Iwami Kotsu Bus (bound for Omori / Oya Line and Omori / Oya) from Odashi Station on the JR Sanin Main Line, then get off at Omori |
| Official Site | http://www.ginzan-wm.jp/ |
