Guide
Okidomari is a historic port town and bay located in Yunotsu, Oda City, Shimane Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. It once functioned as a crucial hub for exporting silver produced at the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine to both domestic and international markets. The area features a unique topography—a two-pronged valley surrounded by mountains—which, combined with the natural protection of the surrounding land, made it an excellent harbor. Today, visitors can experience a journey back in time by exploring the remaining historical town layouts and the 'Hanaguri-iwa' (nose-piercing rocks), which served as ancient mooring structures for silver-carrying ships.
The history of this area underwent a significant shift during the 16th century under the rule of the Mori clan. Once the Mori clan established full control in 1562 (Eiroku 5), a new transport route was developed to connect the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine to the Sea of Japan. Okidomari served as both a commercial port and a naval base, where silver transported by land from the mines was loaded onto ships to be sent across the world. By 1570, a fort was constructed at the entrance of the port, and a town with characteristic rectangular land plots began to take shape.
In the early 17th century, when the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine came under the control of the Edo Shogunate, the silver transport routes shifted toward land-based paths leading to Onomichi, Osaka, and the capital. However, the historical atmosphere of Okidomimari remained deeply preserved. Even today, the 16th-century town divisions are maintained, and local shrines—built by residents to pray for maritime safety—continue to pass down the region's spiritual and historical heritage.
The greatest charm of Okidomari is the scenic landscape that allows you to feel fragments of history firsthand. A particularly notable sight is the more than 60 'Hanaguri-iwa' (nose-piercing rocks), which were used to moor silver ships and serve as a testament to the area's former prosperity. Walking to the edge of the harbor offers a view of the island that once served as a fort. Nearby, you can also find sites that reflect the region's defensive history, such as Kushijima, which acted as a sea castle, and the ruins of Unomaru Castle on the cape. Within the settlement, traditional earthen storehouses (dozo) still stand, allowing visitors to observe the beauty of the historical town layout.
As an open-air scenic area, Okidomari can be enjoyed in any season. The calm scenery of the Sea of Japan is beautiful year-round. On clear days, the harmony between the blue sea and the historic townscape is especially striking. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended, as it makes it much easier to observe the intricate details of the topography and the historical 'Hanaguri-iwa' ruins.
Most visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic town, following the paths that once served as the silver transport route. Walking through the narrow streets and historical land plots allows you to observe the structural layout of living spaces from the Edo period and earlier. Walking toward the coastline also provides a sense of the natural beauty of the rias coast and the protective role of the nearby islands.
Adjacent to Okidomari is the Yunotsu area, a famous hot spring district. To deepen your understanding of the Iwami Ginzan history, it is highly recommended to also visit the Omori area, which features preserved historic streets and the ancient silver mine roads. These locations were all vital components of the historic silver transport network.
Since Okidomari is an outdoor scenic area involving walking through residential settlements, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. As the terrain is near the coast and mountains, it is wise to bring clothing suitable for changing weather. When exploring the local streets, please be mindful that you are in a residential area; please maintain a quiet and respectful presence to avoid disturbing the local residents.