Tsurushi Ginzan Silver Mine
Silver Rush in Sawane!
Tsurushi Ginzan is an old site of the largest silver mine in Sado deep in the mountains in the Sawane Ikari area. It is considered that the silver mine was discovered by a merchant from Echigo (present-day Niigata Prefecture) in 1542. After that, mining engineers were invited from Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Shimane Prefecture to develop the mine. The mine features remains of over 600 pits and mine shafts. The Sawane area down the mine flourished as a port town to ship silver. The skills and experiences gained through the mining activities at Tsurushi Ginzan, were later passed to the development and operations of the Aikawa silver and gold mines on the other side of the mountain.
- Heritage and Relics
- Gold and Silver Mines
- Address
- Aikawa - Sawata Sado, Niigata
- Transport Access
- Ryotsu Port Approx 50 by car
- Nearest bus stop
- Sawane Gakkoumae（Honsen (Main Line)、Nanaura Kaigansen Line、Kaifu Line） Approx. 35 minutes on foot from bus stop
- Parking
- 10
