Iwami Ginzan, Shimane
Iwami Ginzan, is the latest addition to the World Heritage’s lists of old treasure collection. This silver mine used to be the busiest silver mine in the world, produce 1/3rd of the world’s silver production in the 1500’s. The silver mined from Iwami Ginzan was used mainly 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.
Today, the mine is a just a lonely little hole in surrounded by shrubs and a huge tablet in front. At a glance, one may not realize it’s historical value but it does have an air of mysteriousness to it.
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