Omori Town in Shimane Prefecture

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

Cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, galleries, temples, and shrines stand along Omori Street, which has a length of 1,5 km. The street leads to the Iwami Ginzan Park. Omori was once a boomtown when the Silver mine’s production started. It was a bustling place full of merchants, craftsmen, government employees, and samurais.  Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country. Today the town has a population of approx. 450 people. Nearby you could find hundreds of silver mines of various sizes. The town quickly became the management and administration center of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Since Omori achieved the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site hundreds of visitors come here on a daily basis. Omori has one of the best-preserved historical districts in Japan. You won't see any modern buildings from the 21st century during your sightseeing tour and all the power and telephone lines are buried. As a first point of contact, you should visit the Tourist Information. The staff is really helpful and English speaking. My tip: Rent a bicycle there and explore this place on your own.

History

Omori town was once home to a silver mine which provided employment for residents in the region centuries ago before it finally closed its doors in 1923. Like most historical boomtowns, Omori Street was doomed to suffer after the mine’s production started to decrease in the early 1920’s. This sharp decline caused a huge chunk of the population to move away, which led to the steady decline of what used to be one of the most vibrant streets in Japan. Today, Omori Street is still inhabited by a few elderly residents, most of whom still care for the main street. In 2007 after intense lobbying by the Japanese government, Omori Street and the Iwami Silver Mine, in particular, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sightseeing spots

in Omori and nearby:

Gohyakurakan - Explore 500 stone statues of Buddha's disciples located in man-made caves.

Shogenji Temple - Inside you will find a museum, a main hall with amazing paintings, and an altar.

Kigami Shrine - You will find the shrine at the northern end of the town. The shrine is famous for a dragon painting on its ceiling. Clap your hand underneath the painting and the echoes sound like the roar of the dragon:)

Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft - the tunnel, built in 1715, is 273 meters long and it is one of the largest (out of 600)

Okubo Mabu Mine Shaft - take a guided tour from the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine World Heritage Center and explore the by far largest mineshaft ruin in the area

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine World Heritage Center - consists of three wings: the exhibition wing, guidance wing, and collections and experience wing

Iwami Ginzan Museum - the former Magistrate’s Office is housing the museum, located in Omori

Shimizudani Refinery Ruins - the refinery was only active for one year, explore the huge stone walls there

Kumagai Family Residence - built in 1801 and designated as an Important Cultural Asset, is the largest surviving Japanese-style house in the Iwami Ginzan area

Rakan-ji Temple - the temple, founded in 1766, belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism and houses 501 arhat figures (known as Gohyaku-rakan), showing various expressions of happiness, sadness, and anger

Yunotsu Hot Springs - part of the World Heritage Site with a history of over 1300 years, enjoy a healthy hot bath there

Kawashima Residence - is the only samurai house open to the public

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

June

Aoba matsuri (festival) (15th)
Traditional ceremonies and processions are performed at temples all over the town to celebrate Kobo Daishi's birthday.

August

Mando-kuyo-e (Candle Festival) (13th)
Thousands of candles are placed along the paths of the Okunoin cemetery.