Niigata (新潟県)
Take the ferry to Sado Island and trace Aikawa’s mining history from the tunnels downhill to the old processing works and waterfront.
Getting to Historic Site Sado Gold Mine
From Niigata Port (新潟港)
Take Sado Kisen to Ryotsu Port (両津港). At Ryotsu, look for a Main Line bus (本線) continuing to Sado Gold Mine (佐渡金山). If your bus ends in Aikawa or at Kirarium Sado, check the connection or arrange a local taxi for the last uphill leg. Allow time between the ferry and bus.
Niigata Station (新潟駅)
From bus stop 17 at Niigata Station, take the Toki Messe / Sado Kisen bus (朱鷺メッセ・佐渡汽船) to the ferry terminal. Official transport information
Three stops in order
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1. Historic Site Sado Gold Mine (史跡 佐渡金山)
Start at the mine ticket office and choose a tunnel course. The Sodayu course shows Edo-period hand mining. Bring a light layer for the tunnels.
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2. Kitazawa Flotation Plant (北沢浮遊選鉱場跡)
Walk downhill toward Aikawa following the Sado Tourism Association’s town map, then view the terraced remains of the ore processing plant from the public grounds.
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3. Kirarium Sado (きらりうむ佐渡)
Finish near the coast at the mine interpretation center. The exhibits explain how the town grew around the mine, and the nearby Main Line bus stop is useful for the return to Ryotsu.
Direct buses to the mine are limited. Check both directions against the ferry schedule before leaving Niigata. If Maps suggests an unsigned path, use the Aikawa walking map from the local tourist information desk.
Transport and visitor information checked .