Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, Japan

The Iwami Ginzan was a silver mine in the city of Oda, Shimane Prefecture, on the island of Honshu, Japan. It was added to the World Heritage List in 2007. It was developed in 1526 by Kamiya Jutei a Japanese merchant. It reached its peak production in the early 17th century of approximately 38 tons of silver a year which was then a third of world production. Silver from the mine was used widely for coins. It was contested fiercely by warlords until the Tokugawa Shogunate won control of it in 1600 as a result of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. It was later secured by fences and barricaded by pine trees. Yamabuki Castle was built in the centre of the complex. Silver production from the mine fell in the nineteenth century as it had trouble competing with mines elsewhere and it was eventually closed. Japan travel guides.
GPS travel destinations: 35° 6′ 26″ N, 132° 26′ 15″ E

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