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Sado Kinzan Gold Mine: A Journey Through Japan's Golden Past

Discover Japan's golden heritage at Sado Kinzan Gold Mine, a historic site with tunnels, museums, and stunning industrial ruins.

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Explore the historic Sado Kinzan Gold Mine, once Japan's largest gold mine, which supported the Tokugawa Shogunate for centuries. Now a World Heritage Site, visitors can tour the old mining tunnels, view industrial ruins, and even touch a real gold bar.

A brief summary to Sado Kinzan (Sado gold mine)

  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear warm clothing, as the temperature inside the mine tunnels remains around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round.
  • Allow at least 1.5 hours to explore the mine and museum adequately.
  • Consider purchasing a combined ticket to access both the Sodayu and Doyu Mines for a comprehensive experience.
  • Visit the Kitazawa Flotation Plant ruins, a short drive from the mine, to see more of Sado's industrial heritage.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Ryotsu Port, the main ferry terminal on Sado Island, take a Niigata Kotsu Sado bus bound for the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check the bus timetable in advance as services may be infrequent. A one-day bus pass costs ¥1,500.

  • Car

    From Ryotsu Port, follow Route 45 towards Aikawa. The Sado Kinzan Gold Mine is approximately a 45-minute drive. Free parking is available at the mine. Be aware that roads on Sado Island can be narrow with many tunnels.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at Ryotsu Port. A taxi to Sado Kinzan Gold Mine will take approximately 45 minutes. Expect to pay around ¥8,000-¥10,000.

Unlock the Best of Sado Kinzan (Sado gold mine)

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Discover more about Sado Kinzan (Sado gold mine)

The Sado Kinzan Gold Mine, located on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, stands as a testament to Japan's rich mining history. For nearly 400 years, from 1601 to 1989, this mine was a major source of gold, silver, and copper, significantly contributing to the wealth and power of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Designated as a World Heritage Site in 2024, Sado Kinzan offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the world of gold mining and explore the industrial heritage of Japan. The mine is divided into two main sections: the Sodayu Mine, representing the Edo period, and the Doyu Mine, showcasing more modern mining techniques. The Sodayu Mine features life-size animatronic miners that recreate the atmosphere and working conditions of the 17th century. Bilingual signs provide detailed information about the tools, techniques, and hardships faced by the miners. The Doyu Mine, developed in 1899, displays machinery and equipment used in the later years of operation, offering a glimpse into the modernization of the mining process. Visitors can walk through the old mining tunnels, experiencing the cool temperatures and imagining the bustling activity of the past. The walking course leads to a museum that showcases the history of the mine, the mining process, and the evolution of mining technology. One of the museum's highlights is a large gold bar, worth over 100 million yen, which visitors can touch and lift. Beyond the tunnels, the Sado Kinzan complex includes other significant sites, such as the Kitazawa Flotation Plant ruins, once the largest ore processing plant in East Asia. Visitors can also view the Doyu no Warito, a mountain split by past mining activities, which serves as a symbol of the Sado Gold Mines.

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