We introduce the most popular itineraries amongst our customers who choose tours on GoWithGuide. We hope it helps you to plan your perfect itinerary during your trip to Japan. In our seventh post of the series, we focus on the best half day tour of Sado Island, in Niigata Prefecture.
In this itinerary that takes under three hours, you can learn all about the inner workings of the ancient Sado Gold Mine. From gold-panning, to an exploration of tunnels carved into rock during the Edo period, to finishing up at a semi-abandoned Industrial Heritage Site.
1. Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park
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This incredible historic gold mine in Sado is not only about learning, but you can actively try one of the oldest methods in Japan, and find your own gold. At Sado’s Nishimikawa Gold Mine you can take part in a hands-on gold panning experience; and if you're lucky enough to strike gold, then you can even turn it into a perfect souvenir to take home with you.
2. Sodayu Tunnel
Take a sightseeing tour of the inner workings of an Edo period gold mine where you can learn about traditional mining methods. Life size mechanical labourers can be seen at work here, and the entire tour takes just under an hour. The absolute highlight is the chance to grab a gold bar valued at 60 million yen.
3. Kitazawa Flotation Plant
At one of the largest ore flotation plants in Asia, and an Industrial Heritage Site, you can learn about the final processes of gold mining. However, the site itself has a certain calmness and beauty since it was closed twenty years ago, and despite some functions still in operation, weeds have taken over and the Kitazawa Flotation Plant today has an appearance of an abandoned ancient city.