Visit HYOGO

The historic Ikuno Ginzan silver mine in Asago City in Hyogo Prefecture is one of Japan’s best old mines, with a history that is said to have started in 807.

During the Sengoku period (the “warring states” period from the middle of the 15th century to the start of the 17th century when Japan experienced civil wars and social upheaval), this mine was a such an important source of mineral resources that powerful samurai such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu managed it directly.

One of the greatest reasons for visiting Ikuno Ginzan is the ability to tour the mine by actually walking through the tunnels, as some of the vast 350-km tunnel network is open to the public.

You’ll discover the marks of hand-excavation from the Edo period (1603–1868), while modern machine-excavation is reproduced using realistic human models. Experience the harsh work environment of the people who worked in the mines in the past and the passion of the people who supported the development of industry in Japan.

The temperature in the tunnels is a bracing 13 or so degrees all year round, a feature that makes them a comfortable place to spend a cooling time on hot summer days.

Ikuno Ginzan has also been designated as Japan Heritage as “the Silver Mine Carriage Road (Gin no Bashamichi) and ore road running through Bantan.”

This refers to the approximately 75-km road that connects Ikuno Ginzan and Himeji Port in Hyogo Prefecture. The ore was carried down this road, and this designation recognizes its value as industrial heritage that supported the modernization of Japan.

During its long history spanning 1,200 years, Ikuno Ginzan has continued to greatly influence Japan’s economy and culture. Make sure you visit this once-prosperous mine.