Travel in Niigata · 新潟県
Historic Site Sado Gold Mine · 史跡佐渡金山
Historic Site Sado Gold Mine · 史跡佐渡金山
At Sado Gold Mine, walk actual tunnels and learn how gold was extracted. Explore exhibits recreating Edo-period mining alongside modern equipment to see how working methods changed over time.
Reach the mine by sailing from Niigata Port to Sado Island, then taking an 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 Sado Gold Mine course costs ¥1,500 for junior high school students and older and ¥750 for elementary school students. Group and school rates are separate. Guided tours and MR experiences have separate fees and booking requirements.
Opening hours
April–October admission runs 8 a.m.–4 p.m., with closing at 5:30 p.m. November–March admission runs 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with closing at 5 p.m. The site is listed as open year-round, but weather, inspections and repairs may change hours or suspend tunnel visits.
What to see at Historic Site Sado Gold Mine · 史跡佐渡金山
Compare mining in two eras inside the tunnels
See how gold was extracted in exhibits recreating Edo-period mining. Exploring the modern equipment as well lets you compare how tunnel work changed over time.
Niigata tourism agency mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 Sado tourism agency seasonal mine hours and visits from April 2026
How to get to Historic Site Sado Gold Mine · 史跡佐渡金山
Take a Ryotsu-bound Sado Kisen ferry from Niigata Port and get off at Ryotsu Port. Sailing takes about 2½ hours by car ferry or 67 minutes by jetfoil. From Ryotsu Port, take a Main Line bus toward the mine and get off at Sado Kinzan-mae. Walk to the mine entrance beside the stop. The existing bus guidance uses the weekday timetable valid April 1–November 30, 2026; check separate timetables for Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays or dates outside that period. Choose return buses to your hotel or port as well. Ask the facility about access before visiting if you need a route without stairs.
Gold mine access guide Sado Kisen Sado weekday Main Line timetable Official gold mine map · May 2026
Visit tips
Prepare for cool tunnels and stairs
The tunnels are around 10°C, so bring a layer even if it is warm outside. There are stairs; ask the facility about visiting options if mobility is difficult. Use 60–90 minutes as a reference for the regular course, with ferry and bus travel time additional.
Niigata tourism agency mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 Sado tourism agency seasonal mine hours and visits from April 2026 Gold mine access guide
Check last admission before closing time
When choosing the ferry and mine-bound bus, check whether you can arrive by the mine's last admission time. Choose buses back to your hotel or port and the Niigata-bound ferry as well.
Gold mine admission and hours Niigata tourism agency mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 Sado Kisen
Questions about Historic Site Sado Gold Mine · 史跡佐渡金山
Can I visit Sado Gold Mine without a reservation?
The regular Sado Gold Mine course does not require a reservation; allow about 60–90 minutes. Other courses, including guided tours, have different booking requirements, so check the option you want.
Gold mine admission and hours Niigata tourism agency mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 Sado tourism agency seasonal mine hours and visits from April 2026
Can I visit Sado Gold Mine on a day trip from Niigata?
First check whether round-trip ferries and island buses for your date fit the mine's admission and visit times. In addition to the tunnel visit, you need a ferry between Niigata and Ryotsu ports and a bus from Ryotsu to the mine. Staying on the island after the mine lets you take the Niigata-bound ferry the following day.
Gold mine access guide Sado Kisen Sado weekday Main Line timetable
Sources
- Sources ·
- Sources ·
- Sources ·
- Gold mine admission and hours ·
- Niigata tourism agency mine course fees and last admission from April 2025 ·
- Sado tourism agency seasonal mine hours and visits from April 2026 ·
- Gold mine access guide ·
- Sado Kisen ·
- Sado weekday Main Line timetable ·
- Official gold mine map · May 2026 ·
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