Heading 2: Stroll through a 400-year-old gold mine
Sado Island, also known as The Island of Gold, is a remote island located on the Sea of japan. With a tunnel length of 400 kilometers, the mine on the island stretches as far as the distance from Tokyo to Sado. This gold mine has a rich history dating back 400 years and offers a unique opportunity to explore its tunnels and learn about the island’s gold mining heritage.
Heading 3: Don’t Miss
One of the highlights of visiting Sado Island is taking a walk through the pitch-black tunnel of the gold mine. This immersive experience allows visitors to get a sense of the challenging conditions faced by miners in the past. Additionally, there is a museum on the island where visitors can learn about the 400-year history of gold mining and even have the chance to touch a real gold bar.
Heading 2: How to Get There
To reach Sado Island, visitors can either take a high-speed jetfoil or a car ferry. The jetfoil, which is a hydrofoil that flies over the ocean using a high-pressure jet of seawater, takes approximately 65 minutes from Niigata Port to Sado’s Ryotsu Port. Alternatively, the car ferry journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Once on the island, it takes about 70 minutes by bus from Ryotsu Port to the Historic Site Sado Gold Mine. Another option is to take a jetfoil from Nigata’s Naoetsu Port, which takes 75 minutes to reach Sado’s Ogi Port, followed by a 90-minute bus ride to the gold mine.
Heading 3: Quick Facts
The Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine is one of the representative gold and silver mines on Sado Island. It was funded by the Tokugawa shogunate during the period of 1603 to 1867. Although the mine is no longer operational, there are walking courses available for visitors to explore the historic tunnels.
Heading 3: Learn about the history of gold in Japan
Sado Island is known for its rich gold mining history, which dates back to the 12th century. Over the years, a total of 78 tons of gold and over 2,330 tons of silver were produced on the island. The Sado Gold and Silver Mines, including the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine, played a significant role in the mining industry for nearly 400 years until its closure in 1989. The site has been developed into a tourist facility called the Historic Site Sado Gold Mine, where visitors can learn about the changes in mining technology and production methods.
Heading 2: A tunnel that spreads out like an ant nest
The Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine boasts an incredible total length of 400 kilometers. A part of this mine is open to the public as a sightseeing route within the Historic Site Sado Gold Mine. There are two types of courses available for visitors to explore. The Sohdayu Tunnel Mine offers a 30-minute course that recreates the mining experience of the Edo period. Visitors can see dolls and other tools in the remnants of hand-dug tunnels. On the other hand, the Dohyu Tunnel course is a tunnel that was excavated in the Meiji era. This 40-minute course takes visitors through the mine carts and crushing yard that have remained untouched since that time. During the tour, visitors can also witness the cracked Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine, known as the Doyu-no-Warito Opencut.
Heading 3: A tunnel that spreads out like an ant nest
The Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine is an impressive engineering feat with a total length of 400 kilometers. It is divided into two main courses for visitors to explore. The Sohdayu Tunnel Mine is a 30-minute course that replicates the mining experience of the Edo period, complete with dolls and tools in the hand-dug tunnels. The Dohyu Tunnel course, on the other hand, is a tunnel excavated during the Meiji era. This 40-minute course takes visitors through the mine carts and crushing yard, providing a glimpse into the mining operations of that time. Along the tour, visitors can also see the Doyu-no-Warito Opencut, a cracked section of the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine.
Heading 3: Additional experiences within the gold mine
In addition to the main courses, the gold mine offers other unique experiences. The Island Mirrorge Course allows visitors to walk through the tunnel wearing Mixed Reality (MR) glasses, enhancing the exploration with virtual elements. For those seeking more adventure, the Adventure Tour takes visitors on a guided walk through the pitch-black tunnel. Visitors are provided with real work gear, including boots, a helmet, light, and work gloves, giving them a taste of the mining experience. It is important to note that the temperature inside the tunnel is around 10 degrees Celsius, so visitors are advised to wear long sleeves and be cautious of the slippery conditions.
Heading 3: A glimpse into the past at the museum
At the museum within the gold mine, visitors can see a diorama showcasing the process from mining to the production of koban gold coins. The museum also offers the opportunity to hold a real gold bar, providing a tangible connection to the island’s rich mining history. It is an informative and interactive experience that allows visitors to learn about the intricacies of gold mining and the significance of gold in Japan’s history.
Heading 2: Stroll around town and visit famous sightseeing spots
The town at the foot of the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine offers a variety of related facilities for visitors to explore. One of the highlights is the Gold and Silver Mine Guidance Facility Kirarium Sado, where visitors can take a commemorative photo with a giant koban coin. Another must-visit site is the Historic Site of Sado Bugyosho Site (Sado Magistrate’s Office), where visitors can tour a restored Edo period smelter and gain a deeper understanding of the island’s history. The Kitazawa Flotation Plant is also worth a visit, as it showcases the ore sorting process during the early Showa period.
Heading 3: Sake aged in the gold mine
While in the town, visitors should not miss the opportunity to try sake aged in the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine. This unique aging process imparts a distinct flavor to the sake, creating a truly memorable drinking experience. It is a chance to savor the local flavors and appreciate the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Heading 3: Cultural experiences and performances
Visitors to Sado Island can also enjoy cultural experiences and performances. The Earth Celebration, performed by the renowned taiko drumming ensemble Kodo, is a major event on the island. This annual festival showcases traditional Japanese music and provides a unique opportunity to witness the power and beauty of taiko drumming. Additionally, the Sado Museum of History and Legend offers a glimpse into the island’s folklore and traditional culture, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of Sado’s rich heritage.
In conclusion, Sado Island’s gold mine offers a fascinating journey through history and a chance to explore the tunnels that stretch for 400 kilometers. Visitors can immerse themselves in the mining experience, learn about the island’s rich gold mining history, and even touch a real gold bar. The town at the foot of the gold mine also offers various attractions, including the Gold and Silver Mine Guidance Facility, the Historic Site of Sado Bugyosho Site, and the Kitazawa Flotation Plant. Visitors can also taste sake aged in the gold mine and enjoy cultural performances such as the Earth Celebration. Sado Island is a treasure trove of history and culture, offering a unique experience for those seeking to delve into Japan’s rich heritage.
Address And Maps Location:
1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado-shi, Niigata-ken
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