Sado Island’s classic tourist spot! Introducing the charm of the Sado Gold Mine historic site!

Sado City is a remote island located in the northwestern part of Niigata Prefecture. Overflowing with nature, Sado Island is packed with attractions, and in 2018, the annual number of tourists increased by 3,000 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 491,000 visitors.

The "Sado Gold Mine," which has existed in Sado City for centuries, is a representative tourist spot with a history of 400 years. Inside the towering mountain before you, many hidden secrets await discovery. Now, let's explore the mysteries of the Sado Gold Mine, home to Japan’s largest gold vein and a candidate for World Heritage status.

1. The Four courses

As a designated National Historic Site, the Sado Gold Mine is open for visitors to explore its tunnels within the mountains. There are four different courses, allowing visitors to experience different aspects of the mine while enjoying a variety of attractions.

◆ Sodayu Tunnel – Edo Gold Mine Picture Scroll Course

This course offers a glimpse into tunnels and mining remnants from the Edo period, when excavation was done by hand. The mining sites and work scenes depicted in the Sado Gold Mine Picture Scroll are faithfully recreated using mannequins, providing a realistic impression of the difficult working and living conditions inside the narrow tunnels.

◆ Doyu Tunnel – Meiji Government-Operated Mine Course

This course showcases mining remains that were developed between 1899 (Meiji 32) and 1989 (Heisei 1). The excavation site is vast, with tunnels, carts, and other mining equipment still preserved in their original state. Visitors can freely explore Japan’s largest gold mining excavation site, and once outside, they can enjoy a breathtaking view of Doyu no Warito, a famous scenic point.

◆ Guided World Heritage Tour

The Guided World Heritage Tour takes visitors to various locations related to the production of gold and silver, including mining, ore crushing, and port facilities. Participants can explore Japan’s largest open-pit mining site, enjoy the spectacular view of Doyu no Warito, and walk along Kyomachi Street, which retains remnants of the gold and silver production era. This tour offers a deep dive into the 400-year history of the Sado Gold Mine.

Note: This tour is available only for groups of 10 or more.

◆ Guided Yamashi (Miner) Tour

The Guided Yamashi Tour allows visitors to explore the Otasuyama Tunnel, which was excavated in the early Edo period and remains in its original form. Equipped with helmets, flashlights, and rubber boots, participants can embark on an adventure, immersing themselves in the experience of being a miner.

2. Exhibition Museum

The Exhibition Museum provides detailed insights into gold ore excavation and the production of koban (gold coins). The processes of gold mining, refining, and the making of Sado koban—as depicted in the Sado Gold Mine Picture Scroll—are recreated through miniature models. The layout of the mining town is also visually represented, allowing visitors to follow the various steps involved in gold coin production.

In another exhibition room, visitors can learn about the manufacturing process of koban, view various types of koban and oban (large gold coins), and see a pure gold ingot worth approximately 60 million yen. The wide array of exhibits is sure to capture visitors' attention.

3. Kinzan Chaya (Gold Mine Tea House)

Located just a five-minute walk from the Sado Gold Mine, Kinzan Chaya is a dining spot where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes made with fish caught off the coast of Sado. Though it is conveniently close to the gold mine, it also has a parking lot, making it a great place to stop for a meal.
The top recommendation is the limited-quantity Special Seafood Bowl, featuring fresh seafood arranged on a bed of premium Koshihikari rice, offering an authentic taste of Sado. In addition to seafood bowls, the menu includes Kinzan Curry, tempura rice bowls, hot soba, and udon, allowing visitors to choose their preferred dish.

4. Hands-on Workshop

◆ Silver Clay Crafting Experience

This activity allows anyone to easily create their own silver accessories using PMC, a metal material that turns into silver when fired. You can craft a one-of-a-kind original silver accessory.

◆ Gold Leaf Application Experience

In the Gold Leaf Application Experience, you can apply gold leaf onto a plate featuring a design of Sado Island. While it is technically a plate, the gold leaf is not washable, so it is best used as a decorative dish or small item holder rather than for food.

5. Access

◆ How to Get to Sado Island

・Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port
Jetfoil: 65 minutes / Car Ferry: 150 minutes

・Naoetsu Port to Ogi Port
New high-speed car ferry: 100 minutes

・Teradomari Port to Akadomari Port
High-speed boat: 65 minutes

◆ How to Get to Sado Gold Mine from the Ports

・From Ryotsu Port
By car: Approx. 60 minutes
By bus: Take the route bus bound for Sado Gold Mine (approx. 70 minutes)
Alternatively, take the bus bound for Aikawa, then transfer to the Sado Gold Mine bus at Aikawa. The total travel time is approximately 70 minutes.

・From Ogi Port
By car: Approx. 80 minutes
By bus: Take the bus bound for Aikawa, then transfer to the Sado Gold Mine bus at Aikawa. The total travel time is approximately 90 minutes.

・From Akadomari Port
There are no direct bus routes, so travel is only possible by car. It takes approximately 100 minutes. If visiting Sado Gold Mine is your main goal, it is recommended to arrive via Ryotsu Port or Ogi Port instead.

◎ Finally: Souvenir Information

Sado Gold Mine, with its vast scale, offers an experience full of history and intrigue, but Sado Island is also home to a variety of unique souvenirs. The Buried Treasure Juryo Koban is a chocolate replica of an actual koban, with the same size and weight. Meanwhile, Gold Leaf Sesame Yubeshi is a traditional Japanese confection that incorporates sesame to resemble the black portions of gold ore.

Other gold-related souvenirs include Jun-Kin no Shizuku, a yuzu tea infused with pure gold flakes, and Kakichu, a shochu finished with deep-sea water and containing pure gold. There are plenty of fascinating options, so be sure to pick out your favorite souvenir before leaving!

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Sado Island’s classic tourist spot! Introducing the charm of the Sado Gold Mine historic site!