Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

With a history of about 400 years in mining, this is Japan’s most well known silver mine. It is estimated that 30% of the silver that was in circulation during the 100 years between the middle of the 16th and 17th century in the world had its origin in Japan. Iwami Ginzan (石見銀山) silver mine is different than many other mines, in that it managed to keep the natural landscape and forests that surround it intact. In fact, combining mining operations while conserving the environment is one of the main features of the Iwami mine.