Travel in Niigata
Sado Gold Mine
Sado Gold Mine · Historic Site Sado Gold Mine · 史跡佐渡金山
At Sado Gold Mine, walk actual tunnels and learn how gold was mined. Explore exhibits recreating Edo-period mining and modern mining equipment to see how work changed over time.
Reach it by ferry from Niigata Port to Sado Island, followed by an island bus.
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Visitor information at a glance
Address
〒952-1501 新潟県佐渡市下相川1305
1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 952-1501, Japan
View location on the map →Admission
The basic self-guided Sado Gold Mine course costs JPY 1,500 for junior high school students and older visitors, or JPY 750 for primary school children. Group and school rates differ; guided tours and MR experiences have separate fees and reservation conditions.
Opening hours and closed days
April–October admission is 08:00–16:00, with closing at 17:30. November–March admission is 08:30–15:30, with closing at 17:00. Listed as open year-round, but weather, inspections or repairs may alter hours or suspend tunnel visits.
What can I see at Sado Gold Mine?
Compare mining in two eras inside the tunnels
See how gold was mined in exhibits recreating Edo-period work. Explore modern mining equipment to compare how tunnel work changed over time.
Niigata tourism body: mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 Sado tourism body: seasonal mine hours and visits from April 2026
How to get to Sado Gold Mine
Take a Sado Kisen ferry from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port. Sailing takes about two hours 30 minutes by car ferry or 67 minutes by jetfoil. From Ryotsu Port, take a mine-bound Main Line bus to Sado Kinzan-mae. Walk to the mine entrance beside the stop. The existing bus example uses the weekday timetable valid 1 April–30 November 2026; check separate timetables for weekends, public holidays and dates outside that period. Choose your return bus to the hotel or port too. Ask the facility about access before visiting if you need a route without stairs.
Mine access guide Sado Kisen Sado weekday Main Line timetable Official mine map, May 2026
Before you visit
Prepare for cold tunnels and stairs
The tunnels are about 10°C, so bring an extra layer even when it is warm outdoors. Stairs are involved; ask the facility about visiting options if mobility is difficult. Allow around 60–90 minutes for the ordinary course, with extra time for ferry and bus travel.
Niigata tourism body: mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 Sado tourism body: seasonal mine hours and visits from April 2026 Mine access guide
Check last admission before closing time
When choosing a ferry and mine-bound bus, check whether you can arrive before last admission. Choose return buses to your hotel or port and the Niigata-bound ferry too.
Mine fees and hours Niigata tourism body: mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 Sado Kisen
Questions about Sado Gold Mine
Can you visit Sado Gold Mine without a reservation?
The ordinary Sado Gold Mine course needs no reservation, with around 60–90 minutes suggested for a visit. Other courses such as guided tours have different reservation conditions; check the guide for the course you want.
Mine fees and hours Niigata tourism body: mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 Sado tourism body: seasonal mine hours and visits from April 2026
Can you visit Sado Gold Mine on a day trip from Niigata?
First check that your date’s return ferries and island buses fit the mine’s admission and visit times. Beyond the tunnels, you need ferry travel between Niigata and Ryotsu ports and buses from Ryotsu to the mine. If staying on the island after the mine visit, you can take the Niigata-bound ferry the next day.
Mine access guide Sado Kisen Sado weekday Main Line timetable
Sources and dates checked
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Mine fees and hours ·
- Niigata tourism body: mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 ·
- Sado tourism body: seasonal mine hours and visits from April 2026 ·
- Mine access guide ·
- Sado Kisen ·
- Sado weekday Main Line timetable ·
- Official mine map, May 2026 ·
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