Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Starting with its discovery in 1526, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was one of the world’s most prominent silver mines for 400 years. During the Age of Exploration it was known as “The Silver Mine” to Europeans and at its peak was responsible for a majority of Japan’s silver production which made up one-third of the world’s silver output. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the first such mine to be registered in Asia. It was praised especially for coexisting peacefully with the surrounding nature. The site also includes the surrounding transportation routes, ports,s, and hot springs.