Discover the mysteries of Sado Island, vying to be a World Heritage Site.

Once home to a prosperous gold-mining community, this huge island on the Sea of Japan fueled the Japanese economy for over 400 years. The Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine, now opened to the public as the Sado Gold Mine, was heavily mined for its rich deposits since the beginning of the 17th century. It quickly became one of the largest gold mines in the world and was in continual use until the 1980s.

Let yourself wander under the ground and see what piece of history you bump into. Continue your stroll into Aikawa to find the Sado Magistrate’s Office, beautifully restored buildings central to Sado’s mining operations. Nearby is the townscape of the once-bustling mining community of Kamimachi, which has a distinct historical aura and gentle elegance. You’ll also come across the peak of Sado’s technological advancement with the 1938 construction of the Kitazawa Flotation Plant, which was once said to be the largest ore processing plant in East Asia. All these relics are fantastically preserved, faithfully demonstrating the jaw-dropping magnitude of mine development on the island. Visit again at night to witness the Floatation Plant be illuminated in a stunning light display!