basic information

Sado Kinzan was the most productive mine in Japan, annually producing nearly 400 kg of gold as well as smaller amounts of silver and copper. The mine was in operation throughout the Edo Period and served as a major source of funding for the Tokugawa Shogunate which directly controlled Sado Island and its mines.

Today the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine is open to the public with a good museum showing displays and models about its operation. However, the mine's main attractions are the two walking courses that lead through the mining tunnels.

The first course goes through a number of restored Edo Period tunnels populated by well done, life-size displays of animatronic miners "working" the mines. Informative bilingual signs provide further details about the hard work conditions and the tools and techniques used.

Edo Period Mine

Animatronic miners taking a break

The second walking course, recently opened in early 2008, goes through the newer mines, which were worked during the Meiji Period and up until the end of mining operations in 1989. This area displays more modern mining techniques, tools and machines.

A third attraction, also recently added in early 2008, is the Industrial Inheritance Tour, a guided walking tour of the areas surrounding the mine in Japanese. The tour is held only on weekends and during the summer holidays at 14:00, takes about 80 minutes and costs 1000 yen per person.

Sado Kinzan Museum

A real gold bar that you can try lifting

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how to get there

The Sado Gold Mine can be reached in about 45 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port via Sawata. Alternatively by bus, take the Main Line bound for Aikawa from Ryotsu to Aikawa (one hour, 780 yen, 1-2 buses per hour), from where the Gold Mine is a short taxi or additional bus ride (infrequent departures) or a 30 minute walk.

How to get to and around Sado Island

hours and fees

Edo Period Mine Course
Hours:	8:00 to 17:00 (Apr to Oct), 8:30 to 16:30 (Nov to Mar)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	800 yen (combination ticket: 1200 yen)

Modern Mine Course
Hours:	8:00 to 17:00 (Apr to Oct), 8:30 to 16:30 (Nov to Mar)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	600 yen (combination ticket: 1200 yen)

travel community

Popularity of Sado Gold Mine:
Users who have been to Sado Island: 34
Users who have been to Sado Gold Mine: 12

1st of 7 most visited sights in Sado Island.
440th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Sado Gold Mine:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating (by 8 users):	88/100	recommended

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