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| > World Heritage Site : Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine |
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 It is understood that in 1309 Hiroyuki Ouchi, a feudal lord from Suo (an area in Yamaguchi prefecture), discovered Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. In 1533, a wealthy merchant named Kamiya Jutei from Hakata (northern Kyushu) introduced the ”Haifuki” (Cupellation) Method as a means of extracting silver from the mine. The Haifuki Method involves passing air over a mixture of lead and silver in order to sort the silver from the raw ore. A “silver rush” then began, and it is believed that at this time one third of the world’s mined silver was produced in Japan; the majority of that being Iwami silver.
During the Warring States Period, feudal lords Ouchi, Amako and Mori fought over the possession of the Iwami Ginzan silver mine. During the 16th Century European Age of Discovery, Iwami Ginzan straightaway appeared on maps as a silver mine of Cipangu (Japan, meaning a “Golden Country”, as introduced by Marco Polo), an indication of the importance of the area. Iwami Ginzan became Tokugawa Bakufu (Government) lands, directly controlled by the Edo Shogunate. The large silver mine became a symbol of the nation and in 1610 the population of Ohmori peaked at approximately 200,000. There were also around 100 Buddhist temples in the area and Iwami Ginzan was as prosperous as the likes of Sakai, Osaka and Kyoto. In 1923 this spectacular history ended and the operations of the mine were at last brought to a close.
In 1969, 700 years of historical remains were recovered and the Ministry of Education (as it was then known) named Iwami Ginzan as an Important Historical Mine Site. In 1987 some of the the shops and houses that line the streets of Ohmori were designated as buildings belonging to the Important Historic Buildings Preservation District. Valuable mining town ruins were excavated at the Ishigane area and the summit of the nearby Sennoyama mountain. The mining town was prosperous during the Middle Ages. In July 2007, the entire area “Iwami Ginzan and its Cultural Landscape” was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Cultural Landscape area includes the ruins, the transportation routes connecting Iwami Ginzan with two shipping ports, and the ports. It is the 14th World Heritage Site in Japan and the first mining site to be inscribed in Asia. As of July 2007, 851 properties in 141 countries had been inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Now the historical sites in and around Ohmori, as well as the Iwami Ginzan ruins can be enjoyed in all seasons. Ohmori, home to Nakamura Brace, is nestled in the hills of Ohda city, roughly in the centre of Shimane prefecture. The surrounding mountains are spectacular and a beautiful coastline is nearby. Ohmori is blessed with warm temperatures, people and atmosphere. We recommend a leisurely stroll through the history-filled streets of Ohmori. |
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| Please click on the places written in orange for further information. |
 
For further information about Ohmori and Iwami Ginzan, please see the following links:
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Detailed information about the history of Iwami Ginzan, mining artifacts and exhibits are on display
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Iwami Ginzan map and guide to the hiking trails around the area
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The official Shimane tourist information website, featuring information on Iwami Ginzan and the surrounding area
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Information regarding accommodation, road access and facilities and services
(in Japanese only)
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Information about the history of the Yunotsu area
(in Japanese only) |
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