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All Japan Sado Sado Kinzan

Sado Kinzan

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

Sado, Japan

Added By
Chiara Terzuolo
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The robots are a bit creepy, but that’s part of the fun.   ChiaraT / Atlas Obscura User
The robots are a bit creepy, but that’s part of the fun.   ChiaraT / Atlas Obscura User
Just some robots mining gold on Sado…   ChiaraT / Atlas Obscura User
Gold!   ChiaraT / Atlas Obscura User
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About

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.

Related Tags

Mines Gold

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.

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ChiaraT

Published

October 17, 2019

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Sado Kinzan
1305 Shimoaikawa
Sado, 952-1501
Japan
38.041694, 138.256001
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Nearby Places

Aikawa Prison

Sado, Japan

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Photo of Sado

Sado

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Sado, Japan

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Sado, Japan

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Sado

Sado

Japan

Places 5

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