The area of the mines is formed by a set of mountains crossed by deep valleys in an area very rich in silver deposits. The site has archaeological remains of mines, smelters, refining factories and mining settlements dating from the sixteenth century to the early twentieth century. In addition to a road network that interconnected the different deposits to transport the silver ore to the port cities for export. The site also contains several fortresses and shrines, and includes the three port cities of Tomogaura, Okidomari and Yunotsu, where the ore was shipped.

The exploitation of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mines began during the first half of the 16th century and continued until the 1920s. During its first century a huge amount of silver was extracted, becoming one of the main silver mines in the world, at the same level as the Cerro Rico de Potosi, in Bolivia. The high quality of the extracted material, mainly used to mint coins, made it highly appreciated and exported to Europe.

In addition to the extraction of silver, the mines were also important for the local economy due to the creation of a series of auxiliary industries, such as the manufacture of silver coins and other silver objects. The silver extracted from these mines was also an important source of revenue for the Japanese shogunate.

However, after a peak of production around the 17th century, the silver lodes were reduced and gradually its production and importance declined. The lack of incorporation of new forms of extraction during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries caused the mine to lag behind technologically, extracting in an almost artisanal manner until its definitive closure in 1923.

In total, this silver area has about 1,000 extraction shafts, some of which can be visited. Among them is Ryugenji Mabu, in operation since the first half of the 18th century, where it is possible to discover the different mining processes that were used for centuries. Entering through its narrow tunnel, hidden in the middle of the forest, will transport us to how the miners worked in the times when their activity was carried out in a completely manual way.

Iwami Ginzan Historical Park, which since 1969 began to be protected for its high historical value, is a popular place to visit and features several sites of interest, including a museum showcasing the history and technology used in silver mining, as well as several walking trails through the old mines, the natural landscapes of the area, and between the port towns and the heart of the deposits. Near the Ryugenji Mabu Mine is Omori, a town that was built around the mining industry and where there was a magistrate's office, former samurai residences, shrines, stores and other historic buildings dating back to the Edo period.

With a total duration of 400 years in operation, the Iwami Ginzan mines have become a tourist destination of high interest due to their historical and cultural value, as well as the stunning natural scenery in which they are embedded. In addition, the Iwami Ginzan mines are a testament to human ingenuity and the importance of trade in the global economy in ancient times.

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