🗺️ Sado Kinzan (Sado Gold Mine)

The mine, excavated in 1601, extracted and produced gold and silver ore for a remarkable 388 years. The gold veins expanded like an ant nest, with a total length of approximately 400 kilometers. Ultimately, it yielded 78 tons of gold and 2,330 tons of silver, making it truly Japan's largest gold and silver mine. Due to the well-preserved ruins showcasing diverse technologies, it was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2024. During its peak, the gold rush attracted about 50,000 people from all over Japan. Although it thrived for a time, mining ceased in 1989, and the site was transformed into a place for public visits, featuring old tunnels, mining facilities, and smelting facilities. By visiting the ruins, one can understand the changes in mining technology and production systems, reflecting on this golden history that supported Japan's economic development. Among the attractions, the "Sōtayu Mine," hand-excavated in the early Edo period (early 17th century), and the "Dōyū Mine," which continued operations until its closure, both have designated visitor routes open for exploration. Some routes retain small trains and tools used at the time, allowing visitors to vividly imagine the mining operations. The guided tours, which can be reserved in advance through the official website, have received excellent reviews. The industrial heritage tour, led by knowledgeable guides, is highly recommended, as well as the walking tour that includes the latest glasses devices to experience mixed reality and light sculpture projection performances while walking through the tunnels.

Opened in 1601, it mined gold and silver until 1989, making it the largest mine in Japan. Due to the well-preserved ruins showcasing diverse technologies, it was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2024. Visiting the remains allows one to understand the changes in mining technology and production systems. Some of the tunnels, preserved in their original state, are open for public tours. The guided tours, which require advance booking through the official website, have received excellent reviews.