Sado Kinzan – Sado, Japan - Atlas Obscura

Sado Kinzan

For centuries, this gold mine was the powerhouse behind the Tokugawa Shogunate.  

43
124
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Sado Kinzan with additional information or photos.

While the museum attached to the Sado Kinzan is interesting, the real experience here is taking the self-guided tour through the old Edo Period tunnel.

There’s nothing like walking through the dark tunnels and coming across a life-sized, animatronic miner peering out at you from the shadows. While you get adjusted to the robotic miners as you proceed along the course, the first encounter gives a delightful frisson that has nothing to do with the cool temperature of the caves.

The toiling “miners” really show how difficult and back-breaking the labor was, however, some of the best displays recreate festivals and rituals performed during the Edo Period.

If you need a pick-me-up once you are back in the light, the gift shop sells ice cream with gold flakes, to get a taste of the gleaming mineral.

Know Before You Go

Although there are buses that take you close to Sado Kinzan, the easiest way to get there is by car. It's a 45-minute drive from Ryotsu Port.

Community Contributors
Added by

October 17, 2019

Make an Edit Add Photos
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web