Kitazawa Terrace

Aikawa Gino Densho Tenjikan offers opportunities to learn about traditional art handed down from generation to generation in Aikawa. The museum offers hands-on experiences of Mumyoiyaki, an art which uses potter's clay produced in the gold mine, and rag-weaving on a traditional back-strap loom with careful instruction by staff members. Pottery by artists in Sado, rag-weaving works, and Bunya puppets are on display. The museum sits right in the middle of the tourist area with Kitazawa Flotation Plant and Aikawa Folk Museum.

The Kitazawa district of Aikawa is home to a dense cluster of facilities (designated as a National Historic Site) that contributed to the modernization of the mine, including a power plant and a thickener. The flotation process—a technique originally used in copper production—was adapted for the extraction of gold and silver, marking the first successful practical application of this method in Japan.Large-scale capital investment was made as part of wartime plans for massive production increases, and because the facility could process up to 50,000 metric tons of ore per month, it was hailed as “the best in the Orient.” The site is currently illuminated during the tourist season.

Mumyoi ware is often associated with teacups and kyusu (teapots), but this store is developing works in line with contemporary culture and lifestyles as "tableware for daily use" and "tableware that can be used while adding color and enjoyment to the dining table.

Founded in 1956, the building of the Aikawa History Museum is a converted Sado branch building of the imperial office (which manages imperial property under the Meiji Constitution), and this is why the roof tiles bear the Imperial Seal of a chrysanthemum. This building is designated a National Historic Site. The three-story exhibition halls display materials related to the gold mine and the Sado Commissioner's Office, tools used by courtesans in Aikawa, art work, folk materials, and archeological objects. Explore the rich history of the town which developed along with the silver and gold mines.

Converted from an old Japanese-style house in the Aikawa area, this dining establishment offers a hotel-like atmosphere with a sense of Sado's long-standing traditions. Enjoy dishes highlighting Sado-sourced ingredients while taking in the stunning views of Aikawa. The outdoor terrace is a perfect spot to enjoy a warm and sunny day. This spot also offers a space for rent, so exhibitions and live entertainment are a common occurrence.

Gashima Cinema is located on historical Kyomachi Street, which connects Sado Gold and Silver Mine with the Sado Commissioner's Office. This former residence of the Sado Gold Mine captain, built about 80 years ago, has been converted into a café while maintaining the ambiance of the olden days. A monthly featured film is shown daily, and a monthly book corner provides movie-related books. An old carbon arc film projector, which was once used at an actual movie theatre, is on display. This spot is perfect for a break on a stroll through history, in the old mining town of Aikawa.

Gin Zushi is an authentic sushi bar located on the Haneda shopping street. Beyond the noren [entrance curtains] awaits a counter made of a single plate. Seasonal fresh seafood is displayed in a sushi topping showcase. Among the menu items, "Sado Sushi" comes highly recommended. This is a good-value meal of sushi, with the day's choice toppings gleaned from the day's catch in the surrounding sea. They also offer a wide selection of à la carte dishes unique to Sado, such as squid dried for one night and mozuku seaweed.

Founded in 1958, Café de Cattleya is a coffee shop with stained glass lights, a single flower dressing the tables, and quiet background music evoking the retro feel of the Showa times (1926-1989). It offers a choice of about thirty coffees, all of which are made with scrupulously selected coffee beans, including special blends, local brands, and Irish coffee. Cakes such as apple pies are also popular to eat along with the coffee. It also provides an ample selection of tea and juice.