For roughly 400 years, from the 17th century, when full-developemnt began, until its closure in the latter part of the 20th century, Sado was one of the largest producers in Japan, yielding an estimated 78 tons of gold and 2,330 tons of silver through the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine alone. From the 16th to the mid-19th century, a period when mechanisation was advancing elsewhere in the world, Japan deepened and continued advanced manual mining and smelting techniques for over 250 years under an isolation policy that restricted access to foreign technology and information. This historical value was recognized and the “Sado Island Gold Mines” was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

The Sado Island Gold Mines consists of two main areas: the Nishimikawa Placer Gold Mine and the Aikawa-Tsurushi Gold and Silver Mine. The latter is further divided into the Tsurushi Silver Mine, discovered in 1542 and the foundation for the development of the Sado mines, and the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine, which led to Aikawa becoming the center of development of the mines on the island after the discovery of major veins of gold and silver.

Kirarium Sado has a tourist information center where you can get maps and information on guide apps (available in English, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, and Korean) to help you explore the historic sites and surrounding towns. It’s the perfect place to begin your trip.

Kirarium Sado

• ・Address: 18-1, Aikawa Sanchome Hamamachi, Sado-shi, Niigata
• ・Access: An approx. 50-minute drive from Ryotsu Port Sado Kisen Terminal; a short walk from the “Kirarium Sado” bus stop (served by the Honsen Line, Nanaura Kaigansen Line, Kaifu Line).
• ・Phone: 0259-74-2215
• ・Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Last entry to exhibition hall at 4:30 pm)
• ・Closed: Beginning and end of year holidays (December 29 – January 3)
• ・Price: Free entry (Exhibition rooms: Adults – 300 JPY, Elementary and middle school students – 150 JPY / Groups of 15 or more: Adults – 250 JPY, Elementary and middle school students – 100 JPY)
• ・Parking: 157 passenger car spaces, 3 large bus spaces

Today, the buildings on the site have been meticulously reconstructed based on historical documents from the Edo period, using the same materials and techniques as the originals.

Sado Bugyosho

• ・Address: 1-1, Aikawa Hiromamachi, Sado-shi, Niigata
• ・Access: An approx. 50-minute drive from Ryotsu Port Sado Kisen Terminal. A 2-minute walk from the Sado Hangamura bus stop (served by the Honsen Line and Nanaura Kaigansen Line).
• ・Phone: 0259-74-2201
• ・Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Last entry at 4:30 pm)
• ・Closed: Beginning and end of year holidays (December 29 – January 3)
• ・Price: Adults – 500 JPY, Elementary and middle school students – 200 JPY / Groups of 15 or more: Adults – 400 JPY, Students – 160 JPY
• ・Parking: 10 spaces

Kitazawa Flotation Plant

• ・Address: 3-2, Aikawa Kitazawamachi, Sado-shi, Niigata
• ・Access: An approx. 50-minute drive from Ryotsu Port Sado Kisen Terminal. A 2-minute walk from the Aikawa Hakubutsukanmae bus stop (served by the Honsen Line and Nanaura Kaigansen Line).
• ・Parking: 30 passenger car spaces, 3 large bus spaces

The mining technique used here was a powerful method called “onagashi,” where the mountain slopes containing placer gold were scraped, and unwanted stones and dirt were washed away with the force of water channeled from distant sources through waterways to collect placer gold with panning boards. Scenery reminiscent of this period can still be seen in the surrounding landscape, from the remains of waterways and reservoirs to the residence of mining village head responsible for miners, an administrative office, a shrine, and even a Noh stage, all painting a vivid picture of the community that once thrived here. The scraped slope of nearby the Toramaru-yama Site stands as a lasting proof of this mining technique and a symbol of the Nishimikawa Placer Gold Mine.

Today, you can enjoy your own treasure hunting adventure at the nearby the Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park located west of the settlement, where you can try panning for gold yourself!

Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park

• • ・Address: 835-1, Nishimikawa, Sado-shi, Niigata
  • ・Access: An approx. 20-minute drive from Ogi Port Sado Kisen Terminal
  • ・Phone: 0259-58-2021
  • ・Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (March – April, September – November), 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (May – August), 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (December – February)

*Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

• ・Closed: Open year-round (Some closing days in January and February. Check the official website for details).
• ・Price: Adults – 1,500 JPY, Children – 1,200 JPY (Includes gold panning experience)
• ・Parking: 150 passenger car spaces, 10 large bus spaces

The finished pottery has a deep, earthy red color and is known for becoming more lustrous with continuous use, illustrating the flow of time. At the Aikawa Gino Densho Tenjikan (Aikawa Traditional Skills Museum), located near the Kitazawa Flotation Plant, you can learn about the history and characteristics of this unique craft and even try making your own cup on a potter’s wheel. Why not create a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember your trip?

Aikawa Gino Densho Tenjikan (Aikawa Traditional Skills Museum)

• ・Address: 2, Aikawa Kitazawamachi, Sado-shi, Niigata
• ・Access: An approx. 50-minute drive from Ryotsu Port Sado Kisen Terminal.
• ・Phone: 0259-74-4313
• ・Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Last entry at 4:30 pm)
• ・Price: Mumyoi pottery experience: From 1,530 JPY
• ・Parking: 50 passenger car spaces, 20 large bus spaces

The World Heritage site the“Sado Island Gold Mines” is more than just a mine. It is a historic site that tells the story of Japan’s technology, governance, and way of life. Come follow the footsteps of gold and silver miners and uncover the heritage and wisdom that continue to define this remarkable island!