Omori Townscape

The Omori district, located in the mountains southwest of the urban area, is the heart of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine World Heritage Site. Records indicate that 200,000 people lived here during its peak period, when it was run by the government during the Edo period. The townscape here preserves the nostalgic atmosphere of that heyday, with samurai residences and the remains of Omori Magistrate Office. Must-sees include the Former Kawashima Residence, which housed officials employed at the Omori Omori Magistrate Office, the House of the Kumagai Family, owned by the largest merchant family of the Omori area, and the Former Omori Magistrate Office (Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Museum), which still has the front gate and Mon-nagaya terrace house built in 1815. In recent years, more modern cafes and shops have been increasing, while people still preserve the kominka (old houses).