Japan - Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

"The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in the south-west of Honshu Island is a cluster of mountains, rising to 600 m and interspersed by deep river valleys featuring the archaeological remains of large-scale mines, smelting and refining sites and mining settlements worked between the 16th and 20th centuries. The site also features routes used to transport silver ore to the coast, and port towns from where it was shipped to Korea and China. The mines contributed substantially to the overall economic development of Japan and south-east Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries, prompting the mass production of silver and gold in Japan. The mining area is now heavily wooded. Included in the site are fortresses, shrines, parts of Kaidô transport routes to the coast, and three port towns, Tomogaura, Okidomari and Yunotsu, from where the ore was shipped.” 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
Aerial view of the surrounding forest and the towns of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Thanks to Phoebe of Hong Kong for mailing this wonderful postcard from there.

Postcard 2

Another view of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine area. Thanks to Phoebe of Hong Kong who was visiting this heritage site.

Postcard 4 - Ryuenji Mabu Mine Shaft.

Thanks so much to Rie-san of Japan for sending all 4 wonderful postcards of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.



Postcard 5 - Interior view of Ryuenji Mabu Mine Shaft



Postcard 6 - Omori Historical Landscape



Postcard 7 - Gohyakurakan Sori Bridge

Postcard 8 - Autumn leaves in Iwami Ginzan

Changing autumn in this region. Thanks to Keiko of Japan.

Postcard 9 - Painting of town of Iwami Ginzan

Illustration postcard of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine town with Year of Rat stamp used. Thanks to Kate for mailing from Japan.