Shiseki Sado Kinzan

4.0

As Japan’s largest gold mine this was under the Tokugawa shogunate’s direct control and was engaged in the production of koban (small former Japanese oval gold coins). Operations ceased in 1989 due to an exhaustion of its resources, which brought to a close 400 years of history. The mining and refining facilities on the grounds have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Currently visitors can see exhibits of model exhibits of the Sado Kinzan during the Edo period based on drawings from Sado Kinzan Emaki (picture scrolls) as well as the remains of actual tunnels that were used.

Spot details

Address: Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Shimoaikawa 1305 Map
Area: Sado Area
Phone: 0259742389
Hours: [Apr.- Oct.]8:00-17:30
[Nov.- Mar.]8:30-17:00
Closed: open everyday
※Temporarily closed from 2024/1/6 to 2024/3/15
Fees: [Adult]1,000yen-
[Children]500yen-
Parking Lot: Available(500spaces)
Credit Card: Available(VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, UnionPay, DISCOVER, Diners Club)
Smoking: Available (1 smoking area available)
Wi-Fi: Available
Note: Temporary closure:Currently closed (information as of May 15, 2020)
* Information may be changed, so please be sure to check the official information.
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Average budget: [Lunch] 1,001-3,000yen
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Possible (part of Doyuken course only)
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Possible (as long as you hold them or put them in a cage)

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Review

Fantastic historical, technical, cultural experience of the Gold Mine that Fueled the Edo Era in Japan

Reviewed : 2020.01.30

I was told by multiple trusted sources that the Sado Gold Mine was really worth visiting, and I am so glad I did. Inside the mines you can really imagine previous eras, the historical, technical...
Edo period gold mine

Reviewed : 2019.11.29

I am not much one for gimmicks, but the recreations of the mining conditions (using animatronic robots!) in the Edo gold mine was really neat. You can also get soft cream with gold flakes at the shop...
A Historic Location to Support Tokugawa Bakufu During Edo Period

Reviewed : 2019.10.09

The gold extracted from this mine provided a resource to Tokugawa Shogun during the Edo period. You can learn so much about how they discovered this location, how they dug these tunnels by hand, the...