Sado Gold Mine (Sado Kinzan)

UNESCO World Heritage

史跡佐渡金山

Sado Gold Mine is on the west coast of Sado Island, reached by ferry from the Niigata coast. The mine was opened by the Edo shogunate in 1601 and has a history of over 400 years. It is part of the Sado Island Gold Mines, inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2024 for its handicraft gold production. Visitors walk through old mine tunnels on set courses.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

April to October: admission 8:00 to 16:00 (closes 17:30).

November to March: admission 8:30 to 15:30 (closes 17:00).

Getting there

About 60 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port. There is no railway on the island, so travel can take longer than expected.

Sado Island is about 2.5 hours by car ferry or 67 minutes by jetfoil from the Niigata coast.

Time needed

The basic Sado Gold Mine Course takes about 60–90 minutes and needs no reservation.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

The guided yamashi (miner) tour takes about 70 minutes and requires a reservation.

Tips for Muslim visitors

There are two walking routes through the tunnels: the Sodayu Tunnel course takes about 30 minutes and the Doyu Tunnel course about 40 minutes.
Inside the tunnels it is around 10°C all year, so bring an extra layer even in summer.
Plan your visit around prayer times, and carry a travel prayer mat and a qibla app.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Niigata and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.