[2025 Sado Attraction] Travel Guide for Sado Kinzan (Sado gold mine) (Updated Jul)

Sado Gold Mine is a gold mine that is said to have been opened in 1601. Unfortunately, it ceased operations in March 1989 due to resource depletion, but it has a long history spanning nearly 400 years. When you enter the mine, you can see exhibits showing the state of gold mining at the time, so you can get a feel for what it was like back then 😌 Access: 1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture #Niigata #Sado Island #Sado Gold Mine #Gold Mine #Remote Island Trip

#Summer trip Sado Island can be reached by ferry from Niigata. The ruins of the Sado Gold Mine, also known as Japan's Laputa Castle in the Sky. At night, the area is lit up, creating a fantastical sight. #Historic site with a sense of history#Summer trip#Breathtaking views

The gold mine is undoubtedly the symbol of Sado Island, attracting visitors from far and wide. Many people may have never seen or touched real gold before, but here, you can! The Sado Gold and Silver Mine was established in 1601 and operated until its closure in 1989. Over several centuries, the total gold production from the mine amounted to just over 2,000 tons. Today, two tunnels are preserved for public visits. One of them, the Sōdayū Tunnel, dates back to the Edo period. Inside, there are human figures demonstrating how miners extracted ore and dealt with underground water challenges. The other tunnel, the Dōyū Tunnel, is from the Meiji era and showcases more advanced mining techniques. As for the symbol of the gold mine, it is the Dōyū no Kiritō (pictured in image 2). This unique feature is a mountain split into two at its peak, where the gold vein was first exposed. Mining then gradually extended downward. Surprisingly, visitors can follow the signs and walk right next to the Kiritō. If you want to touch gold, head to the exhibition hall at the exit of the Sōdayū Tunnel. There, you'll find a small piece of pure gold weighing 12.5 kg that you can freely touch. Visiting the gold mine is truly a must when in Sado. Admission is 1,500 yen, and there is a large parking lot available free of charge.

Go deep into history. Feel the golden memories that transcend time at Sado Kinzan⛏️ Sado Kinzan, located in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of the largest gold and silver mines in Japan, where mining continued for about 400 years from the Edo period to the Showa period. Inside the mine, dolls and exhibits that recreate the mining scene of that time are lined up, and you can feel the weight of history in a quiet space⛏️ In particular, the "Soutayu Mine" realistically recreates the hand-digging techniques and harsh labor of the Edo period, making it an experience that feels like traveling through time. Outside, "Doyu-no-Warito" is a magnificent view of the mountain splitting into a V shape, and is a place that can be said to be a symbol of the gold mine🏞️ I visited on a solo trip, but the time I spent in the quiet mine tunnel thinking about the activities of people of the past left a deep impression on me. It is also recommended for couples to explore history. There is an entrance fee, but a worthwhile experience awaits. Why not find the meaning of travel at this place, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site? [Access] 📍Take the Sado Kisen ferry from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port (about 2.5 hours) → About 50 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port 📍Address: 1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 🕒Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (open all year round) 📞Phone: 0259-74-2389 Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Sado Gold Mine #World Heritage Site #History exploration #Niigata sightseeing #Doyu no Warito

I originally thought it was a small island similar in size to Taiwan's Xiaoliuqiu, but it turned out to be even larger than Okinawa! It was my first time renting a motorbike in Japan, and the sea breeze was incredibly strong, with crystal-clear waters! We visited a beautiful train station and also went to the gold mine for a gold panning experience. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I couldn't pan for more gold. The famous tarai-bune (tub boat) was too far away, and it was impossible to make a round trip by motorbike in one day! If you want to ride the tarai-bune, you definitely need to stay overnight on Sado Island—it’s absolutely worth it!

Sado Gold Mine was registered as a World Heritage Site last year. It is a place that once supported the finances of the Edo Shogunate. Many people would like to go there. Currently, there are no regular flights to Sado Airport, but it can be accessed by boat from Niigata or Naoetsu. It takes just a little over an hour by high-speed boat from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port. From there it is about an hour by bus to Sado Gold Mine. There are two types of tunnels, one from the Edo period and one from the Meiji period, and it costs 1000 yen to visit either one, and 1500 yen to visit both. It would be good to go into both and compare the difference. There are also interesting remains of the trolley tracks, which were very worth seeing. Why not give it a visit? #Spring0YenTrip

#Spring0yenTrip Sado Island is a remote island about 2.5 hours away by ferry from Niigata. The first place we visited when we arrived on Sado Island was a crested ibis breeding facility. Although we were not able to see wild crested ibises, it was a valuable experience to see their beautiful appearance at a facility where conservation activities are carried out. After that, we went to Sado Gold Mine and were able to feel the history. We visited the remains of the gold mining site and thought about the old mining techniques and the lives of the people who worked at the gold mine. On the way back, we saw many seagulls gathering and chasing after the boat, which was very fun and helped us to take a break during our sea trip. Sado Island is a place where nature and history are beautifully integrated, and it was a memorable trip.

The Sado Gold Mine, which spreads out in the great outdoors of Sado Island, is a historic site that flourished as Japan's largest silver mine during the Edo period. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site, and the remains of the mining sites and old tunnels from that time still remain, allowing you to feel how people worked in the past. In particular, the Imperial Estate and the Mining Museum allow you to learn about the working environment, tools, and silver mining process of the time, making it perfect for those interested in history. The contrast with the surrounding abundant nature further enhances its charm. Visit the Sado Gold Mine and spend some time surrounded by the weight of history and the beauty of nature. #historicaljourney #worldheritage #sadoisland #domestictraveltrip #sadogoldmine

❄️1. The charm of the snow country and the land of rice Niigata is both a "snow country" and a "land of rice." It is not only the source of inspiration for Yasunari Kawabata's "Snow Country," but also an ideal place to taste the "World Rice King" Koshihikari rice.🌿 ⛷️ 2. The perfect combination of skiing and hot springs Niigata is located near the Sea of Japan, with a high amount of snow in winter, making it a skiing destination for the Japanese. The ski season lasts from November to May, with more than 50 ski resorts, among which Gala Ski Resort is popular for its convenience.🌿 🏊 3. The land of hot springs Niigata is not only a skiing destination, but also a hot spring paradise, with about 100 hot springs for visitors to choose from. Various open-air hot springs and hot spring water with different minerals allow you to get close to nature and relax.🌿 🚣4. Quiet coast Niigata is a quiet port city with a unique charm away from the hustle and bustle. Walk to the seaside, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the quiet and open sea view.🌿 🌲5. Sado Island, the island of performing arts Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture is known as the "island of performing arts," inheriting a rich culture and performing arts, such as Oni Daiko and Sado OKESA folk songs. Experience the fun of gold panning by riding a tarai-bune boat and exploring Sado Kinzan, the largest gold and silver mine in modern Japan.🌿 🌲 6. The nature and art of Tokamachi Tokamachi City is located in the southern part of Niigata Prefecture, with the most beautiful natural scenery in Japan, including Kiyotsu Gorge, Bijinbayashi Forest, and Hoshitoge Rice Terraces. The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is held every three years, with nearly 300 artworks complementing nature. ⛷️7. Winter snow festival The Tokamachi area is covered with about 2–3 meters of snow every year, and a snow festival is held, including giant snow sculptures, entertainment programs, fireworks shows, art exhibitions, and other activities.🌿 🌴 8. Kimono making experience Tokamachi has a long history of kimono making, and every May, visitors are organized to visit kimono factories to learn about the kimono making process in Tokamachi.🌿 🥗 9. Local cuisine Niigata's cuisine is also a highlight of the trip. The winter snow has nurtured many local specialties, such as Koshihikari rice and special soba noodles.🥗🥎🥎🥎 🌲10. Ancient national treasure Tokamachi has one of the oldest national treasures, the flame-shaped pottery, dating back to 3400–2400 BC.🌿 🏞Niigata, a place full of natural beauty, traditional culture, and modern vitality, is waiting for you to explore. Whether it's skiing, soaking in hot springs, tasting food, or experiencing art and history, Niigata can meet your expectations.🌈🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

A popular tourist attraction on Sado Island is an old gold mine from ancient times. Inside, there are 2 mines to walk around, divided into an ancient mine and a modern mine. It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk around each mine. Along the way, we will learn about the history of mining, the beginning of mining, and the various processes. You can take a bus or drive yourself. It takes about 40 minutes from the port.