Iwami Ginzan opened in 1526, and for around 400 years was an active mine. It flourished between 1500 and 1700, and was fought over by many rulers in the area. It came under strict control around the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. At one period, Japan produced a third of the world’s silver, and most [...]

Kigami Shrine is located in the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan area. The main deity of the shrine is Oomononushi (Ookuninushi). It was built in the hope that it would bring prosperity to the silver mine. Inside the prayer hall is a ceiling mural of a dragon. If you sit under the mural and clap your [...]

Shogen-ji Temple was built in 1601 and is the resting place of the local magistrates of Iwani Ginzan. The gate and temple are adorned with stunning carvings. Inside the temple there are pictures and gold statues of the deity Kannon. It is free to walk around the temple grounds, however the admission fee for entering [...]

Rakanji Temple is located in the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan area. There are around 500 statues in front of the temple, which are said to appease the souls of the workers killed in the silver mine. They were made in the 1700s with the cooperation of the local people. Each one has a unique expression, [...]

Toyosaka Shrine is located in the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan area. It is associated with Mori Motonari, the warrior who ruled most of the Chugoku area in the warring states era. Getting to the Iwami Silver Mine area: From Nima Station: Take the bus bound for Omori Daikansho ato. (15 mins). From Oda Station: Take the bus [...]

Sahimeyama Shrine ensrines the deity Kanayama-hiko-no-kami. The deity is worshipped in this area as the protector of the silver mine. Getting to the Iwami Silver Mine area: From Nima Station: Take the bus bound for Omori Daikansho ato. (15 mins). From Oda Station: Take the bus bound for Omori Daikansho ato. (30 mins).

Seisuiji Temple is located in the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan area. It is said the temple was built by Empress Suitenno after she received a divine message in a dream. After the temple was established, silver mining began and the temple became a popular place of worship. Getting to the Iwami Silver Mine area: From Nima Station: [...]

Saishoji-Temple was established before the silver mine and is this area’s oldest and largest temple. The roofs of the gate and main hall are lined with local traditional slate called sekishu-gawara. The kyo-do (scripture storage hall) next to the main hall is a well-known example of the beauty of Japanese architecture with its wall carvings of phoenix and peonies. [...]