Travel in Niigata
Sado Gold Mine
Sado Gold Mine · Historic Site Sado Gold Mine · 史跡佐渡金山
Walk actual Sado tunnels for gold-mining history. Compare recreated Edo mining and modern equipment to see how methods changed.
Cross from Niigata Port to Sado by ferry, then travel by island bus.
Visitor information
Address
〒952-1501 新潟県佐渡市下相川1305
1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 952-1501, Japan
Location on the mapAdmission
The basic self-guided mine course costs 1,500 yen for junior-high age and above, 750 for elementary-school children. Group/school fees differ; guided tours and MR activities have separate fees/bookings.
Opening hours
April–October entry is 08:00–16:00, closing 17:30; November–March entry is 08:30–15:30, closing 17:00. Listed as year-round, but weather, inspection and repairs may change hours or stop tunnel visits.
What to see at Sado Gold Mine
Compare mining in two eras underground
Explore recreated Edo mining, then modern equipment to compare how tunnel work changed across eras.
Niigata tourism authority mine course fees/last entry from April 2025 Sado tourism organisation seasonal mine hours/visits from April 2026
How to get to Sado Gold Mine
Take Sado Kisen to Ryotsu. Car-ferry sailing is about two hours 30 minutes; jetfoil about 67 minutes. Take a mine-bound Main Line bus to Sado Kinzan-mae, then walk to the entrance beside the stop. Existing bus guidance uses 1 April–30 November 2026 weekdays; use separate tables for weekends/public holidays or outside that season. Plan return to hotel/port too. Ask the facility about access before visiting if you need a route without stairs.
Mine access Sado Kisen Sado weekday Main Line timetable Official mine map: May 2026
Before you visit
Prepare for cool tunnels and stairs
Tunnels are about 10°C; bring a layer even in warm weather. Ask about visiting access if stairs are difficult. Allow 60–90 minutes for the ordinary course, with ferry/bus time separate.
Niigata tourism authority mine course fees/last entry from April 2025 Sado tourism organisation seasonal mine hours/visits from April 2026 Mine access
Check last entry before closing time
Choose ferry/mine buses that arrive before last entry. Plan return buses to hotel/port and the Niigata ferry together too.
Mine fees and hours Niigata tourism authority mine course fees/last entry from April 2025 Sado Kisen
Questions about Sado Gold Mine
Can I visit Sado Gold Mine without booking?
The ordinary mine course requires no reservation and suggests 60–90 minutes. Guided tours and other courses have different conditions; check your chosen course.
Mine fees and hours Niigata tourism authority mine course fees/last entry from April 2025 Sado tourism organisation seasonal mine hours/visits from April 2026
Can I visit the mine as a day trip from Niigata?
First check that travel-date ferry/island-bus returns fit mine entry and viewing. Travel needs Niigata–Ryotsu ferry and Ryotsu–mine bus beyond tunnel time. Staying on the island after mine day lets you take the Niigata ferry the next day.
Official sources
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Mine fees and hours ·
- Niigata tourism authority mine course fees/last entry from April 2025 ·
- Sado tourism organisation seasonal mine hours/visits from April 2026 ·
- Mine access ·
- Sado Kisen ·
- Sado weekday Main Line timetable ·
- Official mine map: May 2026 ·
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