Iwami Ginzan
Silver Mine Heritage
A visit to Iwami Ginzan, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled amid forested hills and valleys in western Shimane Prefecture, is as fascinating for history buffs as it is for nature lovers and design aficionados. In its 17th-century heyday this former silver mine produced one third of the precious metal in circulation worldwide, with Portuguese traders spreading high-quality Iwami silver throughout their maritime empire. Today the charming hamlet of Omori-cho, the mine’s former administrative center, is dotted with stylish shops, the well-preserved homes and gardens of samurai and merchants, and the shrines and temples where they worshipped. Also part of the vast site are mine tunnels and shafts, mountain trails where the remains of medieval fortresses and miners’ settlements can be seen, and the hot-spring port town of Yunotsu. Plan your ideal itinerary for strolling, hiking, and cycling this exciting destination at its gateway, the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center in Omori-cho.
Explore the Origins of Japanese Culture
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Takyo-Akebe
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Enjoy Omori-cho’s Lifestyle like a local
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Stay in a comfortable house near the coast
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Delight in a colorful Shinto ritual dance
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Paint your own Iwami Kagura Mask for good luck
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HISOM
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Walk to the hot springs from your private guesthouse
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Stay in a stylish budget hotel near hot springs
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Watch a lively masked dance for the Shinto gods
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Enjoy local flavors at a stylish lifestyle shop & cafe
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Eat at a retro cafe with the locals
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Soak in hot springs at a World Heritage Site
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Visit a World Heritage silver mine, model of sustainable development
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Get the feel of life in Japan during the silver rush