Touch Real Gold, the Symbol of Sado Island!

The gold mine is undoubtedly the symbol of Sado Island, attracting visitors from far and wide. Many people may have never seen or touched real gold before, but here, you can! The Sado Gold and Silver Mine was established in 1601 and operated until its closure in 1989. Over several centuries, the total gold production from the mine amounted to just over 2,000 tons. Today, two tunnels are preserved for public visits. One of them, the Sōdayū Tunnel, dates back to the Edo period. Inside, there are human figures demonstrating how miners extracted ore and dealt with underground water challenges. The other tunnel, the Dōyū Tunnel, is from the Meiji era and showcases more advanced mining techniques. As for the symbol of the gold mine, it is the Dōyū no Kiritō (pictured in image 2). This unique feature is a mountain split into two at its peak, where the gold vein was first exposed. Mining then gradually extended downward. Surprisingly, visitors can follow the signs and walk right next to the Kiritō. If you want to touch gold, head to the exhibition hall at the exit of the Sōdayū Tunnel. There, you'll find a small piece of pure gold weighing 12.5 kg that you can freely touch. Visiting the gold mine is truly a must when in Sado. Admission is 1,500 yen, and there is a large parking lot available free of charge.