Visit Sado`s Gold Mine

Sado Island has a long history of gold and silver mining that came to an end when the Aikawa mine's resources were exhausted and it became dormant in 1989. Today, one can still visit the mine and have a look at some of the intact tunnels. There are three courses: The Sodayu Tunnel course is equipped with very realistic reenactments of mining scenes. The Doyu Tunnel course is the one directly underneath Doyu no Warito. When coming in a group you can also book a guide (April – November). If you book the Yamashi course you get to see tunnels that were excavated 400 years ago. And due to them being untouched since at least the mid-Shôwa era there are no paved ways and lighting like in the Sodayu Tunnel. So be prepared to become a prospector yourself going in there wearing a helmet, rain boots, and torch lights.

Opening hours: Open year-round 8:00 - 17:30 (April to October), 8:30 - 17:00 (November to March)
*Check Closures for Renovations when visiting in 2025-2026: Winter Closures

Access:
952-1501 1305 Shimo-Aikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture