and Hiroshima Bus Center. Local attractions Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Ōda is home to the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a World Heritage Site. Iwami Ginzan was the largest silver mine in Japanese history. Active for almost four hundred years, it operated from the discovery of silver in the area in 1526 until 1923. Iwami Ginzan was the most important source of silver to the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603 – 1868), and was directly controlled by the Tokugawa government. The mine is a popular tourist destination in Shimane, and can be reached by bus from Ōda Station on the JR West Sanin Main Line. Nima Sand Museum The Nima Sand Museum features a large hourglass mechanism that automatically rotates from December 31 to January 1. It is designated the largest hourglass in the world, but is not officially registered in Guinness World Records. This museum officially opened in March 1991. Sand_p1 This museum features sand comprising six large and small pyramids made of crystal glass. The world's largest hourglass Sunagoyomi measures the duration of a year and is displayed in the center of the building. Address 975, Amagouchi, Nima-cho, Oda-City, Shimane-Prefecture Access 10 minutes walk from JR Nima Station Opening hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (entry by 4:30 p.m.) Closed:The 1st Wednesday of every month, year-end and new year holidays URL http://www.sandmuseum.jp/ Sister cities Daejeon (since November 14, 1987) Kasaoka, Okayama (since April 14, 1990) References External links Ōda City official website Cities in Shimane Prefecture