Publications
A Field Investigation on the Thermal Environment of Traditional Japanese Houses at UNESCO World Heritage Site: A Case Study of Former Oka House at Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in the Omori Area in Oda City
A field investigation of the thermal environment in a 100-year-old wooden house at the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine revealed that while the structure maintained comfortable indoor temperatures during summer, it faced severe thermal challenges in winter. Measurements showed that without air conditioning, indoor temperatures dropped below 1.5°C, and even after five hours of heating, they only reached 15°C—still below WHO recommendations. Thermography further identified that traditional paper partition doors (fusuma) acted as thermal barriers but suffered significant heat loss through joints, suggesting the need for improved insulation to reduce energy consumption while preserving the building's original state.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Sustainable Tourism Developments in an Early Industrial Landscape
A sustainable tourism model for the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan, has emerged as a solution to accessibility challenges. The historic site, known for its early modern urban and mining landscapes, faced significant visitor influx post-inscription (2007), which strained its infrastructure due to limited access in a steep, forested valley. To address this, a green slow mobility initiative leveraging IoT technology was implemented under governmental grants, aiming to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability and inclusive access for both visitors and locals.
Cultural Property and Heritage in Japan
UNESCO World Heritage designation transforms the value and perception of cultural properties, converting symbolic capital into economic assets through branding. This study highlights how official recognition alters property relationships in rural communities, such as Ōmori in Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, exposing heritage sites to reinterpretation by administrators and tourists while restricting their use. Despite local resistance to urban standards, legal frameworks of cultural property inherently involve communities in preservation efforts. The research examines these dynamics through fieldwork conducted post-designation (2007-2009), revealing conflicts between regional traditions and national policies. It also explores the role of heritage in community development programs (machizukuri) and the linguistic nuances surrounding cultural property, offering insights into Japan's broader heritage management challenges.
Satisfaction-non-based Factors in Repeat Demand for Tourism and Its Strategic Implications A Case Sutudy in Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Research on Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine reveals that repeat tourism demand is significantly influenced by non-satisfaction-based factors, such as anticipation and evolving preferences. These findings challenge conventional assumptions about visitor loyalty and highlight the importance of dynamic experiences in sustaining repeat visits. The study employed quantitative analysis to validate these factors' significance and proposed strategic implications for tourism management, emphasizing the need to incorporate non-satisfaction elements into long-term planning.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape