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
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Animatronic miners taking a break
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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 from April to November at 14:00, takes about 80 minutes and costs 1000 yen per person. Tickets must be purchased 30 minutes in advance.
Sado Kinzan Museum
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A real gold bar that you can try lifting
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