How to travel between Iwami Ginzan and Tokyo
Iwami Ginzan is most easily accessed from nearby Izumo City:
By daytime trains to Izumo
Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama and transfer to the JR Yakumo limited express to Izumo (Izumo-shi Station). The one way journey, using a nozomi train along the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen, takes about seven hours, while an additional hour is required when using a hikari train.
The regular one way fare for the journey is slightly under 20,000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on hikari, but not on nozomi trains.
By night train to Izumo
The "Sunrise Izumo" night train operates daily between Tokyo and Izumo. One way fares, including berth fees, start at around 21,000 yen.
Japan Rail Pass holders have to pay around 9500 yen additionally for using a berth, except when using so called "nobi nobi" compartments, a carpeted space to lie down in, which can be used for free with the pass. Nobi nobi compartments are popular and often book out in advance.
By air to Izumo
JAL operates multiple flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Izumo Airport (flight time 90 minutes). The regular one way fare is about 29,000 yen, but by using a discount offer, you can usually fly for between 15,000 and 25,000 yen. Air passes for foreign visitors are even cheaper.
Airport buses connect Izumo Airport with the city center in 25 minutes and for 700 yen (one way).
By bus to Izumo
The one way journey between Tokyo and Izumo by overnight bus takes roughly 12 hours and costs 12,070 yen. The buses are operated by Ichibata Bus and JR Chugoku Bus.
From Izumo to Iwami Ginzan
Take a local train from Izumo (JR Izumo-shi Station) to Oda-shi Station (40 minutes, 570 yen) and transfer to a bus to Iwami Ginzan (25 minutes, 560 yen).