Japan 47 Prefectures Coin Program

Owner Comments:

Shimane is located in the southwest of Japan's mainland, facing the Japan Sea to the north. Since Shimane is close geographically to China and the Korean Peninsula, it once played an important role as a bridge to those areas in the formation of ancient Japan. As many of Japan's myths are set in Shimane, it is known as "the Home of Gods."


The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, located in Oda City in the center of Shimane, contains a range of remains that depict the history of mining from 1526, when large-scale mining operations started, to 1923, when the mine closed. Even today, much evidence remains of silver distribution and the lifestyles of the people who worked in the silver industry.

Capital City: Matsue
Population in 2007 (thousands): 731
Area in 2007 (square km): 6,708

Shimane Coin

1000 yen silver coin

Image of Shimane design of 1,000 yen
(Obverse design: Otoriosame-Chogin, a silver coin made of silver from the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, and Peony Flowers, the prefectural flower of Shimane)