Overview:

Iwami Ginzan is a historic silver mine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Shimane Prefecture in Japan’s Sanin region. This site is the largest silver mine in the world, producing an estimated 9 million kg of silver and gold throughout its 400 year history, with silver and gold being shipped to China, Europe, and North America. Iwami Ginzan has been called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and has produced such a great amount of purified silver that it not only made a significant impact on the economy of the country at that time but also still remains as a testament to the excellent mining practices that reflects Japan’s engineering prowess. In 2007, the UNESCO declared Iwami Ginzan as a world heritage site in recognition of its contribution to the world’s cultural heritage, especially during the Edo period. Iwami Ginzan also has some of Japan’s most prestigious natural destinations, including the breathtaking Omori Beach and Hotaka Mountain along with the nearby Sekigane hotspring. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

1. World Heritage Site: Iwami ginzan was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 as a 'cultural landscape'. It was the first silver mine in Japan to be listed, making it an important and well-preserved site. 2. Historical Importance: The mine was built around 1600 by the feudal lord Tanaka Shōgen and was in use until 1923. Its scale was unprecedented in Japan, with 16 pits operating simultaneously and thousands of people working in and around it. 3. Unique Architecture: The mine was constructed using a unique technique, known as ‘Ryoseki-gap’, which was used to construct the entrances, galleries and shafts in the mountain. This created a network of tunnels and passages that dramatically improved its efficiency. 4. Cultural Significance: The mine has a rich cultural history and is associated with legendary haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, who visited the mine and wrote about his experience in the 1689 collection of haiku, 'Oku no Hosomichi' ('The Narrow Road to the Deep North'). 5. Spectacular Landscape: The surrounding landscape of the mine also offers some dramatic and spectacular scenes, with winding rivers, wild monkeys, caves, waterfalls and steep cliffside mineshafts. 6. Local Tours: There are numerous tour companies that will take you to the mine and its surroundings so you can experience for yourself the wonders of Iwami ginzan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is a World Heritage Site located in the former mining town of Oda, Japan. The mine has a history that dates back to the middle of the 16th century when the first major silver vein was discovered near a sacred mountain by a local monk. In the years that followed, the mine was mined extensively for silver, and it quickly grew to be one of the world’s largest and most productive silver mines. By the early 17th century, the silver output at Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was at its highest level. The ore was extracted by thousands of miners, and the silver was used to create coins that circulated throughout Japan, and as far away as Europe. This also led to the development of other businesses in the area such as blacksmiths and miners’ associations. In the 1700s, the output began to decline due to flooding and soil erosion. However, in the 19th century, the mine was brought back into production following the discovery of a rich vein of ore close to the surface. The mine eventually sold its silver to the Meiji government for the creation of currency and made a small fortune from the venture. In the twentieth century, the ore output dropped as the result of repeated flooding and other natural disasters, as well as the depletion of the ore and an increased cost of production. In 1939, the last ore was extracted from the Iwami mine, and it was eventually shut down. The mine and its surrounding town were recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2007, preserving the historic mine and the town with its traditional buildings and traditional lifestyles. The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine stands as a reminder of Japan’s rich mining history and an important part of its cultural heritage. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of only two Japanese sites to be listed for their cultural and historical importance. 2. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is one of the world's greatest medieval silver mines. It was established in 1526 and mined until 1923. The mine is estimated to have produced over 8,800 tons of silver. 3. The mine has over 500 mine shafts and kilometers of tunnels spread out over 32 square kilometers. 4. The mine survived two wars and was abandoned in 1923 after the collapse of the silver mining industry and the currency reform in Japan. 5. The mine was rediscovered in the 1990s and was re-opened as a tourist attraction in 1998. 6. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine became the 16th designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era