Iwami Ginzan, or the Iwami Silver Mine will be our first visit in a series introducing Japan’s 14 World Heritage Sites.
Iwami Ginzan is first, frankly because it is my favorite.
Shimane Prefecture is hands down my favorite prefecture in Japan to visit, and has so much to offer in terms of beaches, hiking, sites, and hot springs that I am surprised it is so often overlooked.
One of Shimane prefecture’s main sites is the old silver mine in Oda City.
The mine is called Iwami Ginzan (Gin for silver and “zan” for mountain), and mining on this mountain dates back to the 16th century.
It hasn’t been actually mined for a long time, but it is a very significant part of the history of Japan, and would make for an interesting visit for any history buff.
The tiny holes in the mountain and unfinished caves where the workers spent most of their day eating, resting, talking and looking for silver can be seen first hand by visitors. The design of the mine allows us to just walk right in and through the cool dark mountain.
While in Shimane, there are other things to do, not the least of which is a visit to one of the many beaches on the Japan Sea, or a hike in the mountains.
Last but not least on my recommendations is that you stay in one of the wonderful, small ryokans, inns, or hot spring resorts in nearby Yunotsu (still called Yunotsu, this small hot spring town was recently absorbed into Oda city). Yunotsu is very quaint, very quiet, and very beautiful. It is located near a JR Sanin line, and is somewhat convenient if you don’t mind walking or taking a cab.
If you are making a trip and want to travel around Shimane for the scenic drives, or just a quick and fun trip to the Nima Sand Museum (conveniently located between Iwami Ginzan and Yunotsu) you may want to consider renting a car in Japan. The sand museum has fancy hourglasses, samples of sand from around the world, and is a very nice place to take pictures, relax, and enjoy something unique.
I’ll expand on some of these in coming weeks, but if people have questions (or corrections) about some of the sites in the Oda, Shimane area, feel free to write in!