Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park

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Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park

An interactive facility where you can experience the charm of Sado, a historic gold-producing region, through exhibits and hands-on gold panning.

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Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park is an interactive facility where visitors can experience the history of Sado, once famed as a gold-producing region. It stands on the site of the legendary Nishimikawa Gold Mine, which appears in tales from the Heian and Kamakura periods. In the Sengoku era, it provided war funds for Uesugi Kenshin, and during the Edo period, it served as an important financial resource for the Tokugawa shogunate. Visitors can learn about the dynamic mining method known as Oonagashi (“Great Washing”), which once supported the mine’s prosperity, through detailed models and video displays.

The highlight of the park is a hands-on gold panning experience, where you can try your luck for about 30 minutes indoors. Any gold flakes you discover can be turned into pendants, straps, or other keepsakes. There’s also the unique “Gold Press Challenge,” where you can press and shape gold, making it a fun activity for both children and adults.

Inside the facility, you’ll find exhibits of gold bar replicas, mining tools, and materials that illustrate the beliefs and daily lives of people from past eras. More than just an activity spot, it offers an in-depth look into Sado’s gold culture. The gift shop also sells gold-leaf souvenirs and mineral samples, making it a place filled with opportunities to both learn and experience with all five senses.

Highlights

  • A historic hands-on museum built on the site of a gold mine dating back to the Heian period.
  • Offers an authentic gold panning experience, with the flakes you find able to be made into accessories.
  • Features extensive exhibits with videos and models explaining the Oonagashi mining method and innovations in gold-mining techniques.
  • A wide selection of exclusive souvenirs, including gold-leaf items and mineral samples.

Photos

  • Displays include valuable exhibits such as gold bar replicas and mining tools

    Displays include valuable exhibits such as gold bar replicas and mining tools

  • Visitors can try an authentic gold panning experience

    Visitors can try an authentic gold panning experience

  • Any gold you find can be made into souvenirs like keychains on the spot

    Any gold you find can be made into souvenirs like keychains on the spot

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Yes. Pamphlets and exhibition materials are available in English. (QR support provided)

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Re-entry is not allowed.

Q

Do you offer tax-free services?

A

No, we don't.

Q

Are there any smoking areas?

A

Not available.

Reviews

2
  • Cristina Lin

    親手體驗淘金,真的會讓人玩到上癮!園區裡還有展示黃金的歷史和文物,小朋友大人都能玩得很開心。帶點戰利品回家,感覺超有成就感,很適合親子或朋友一起來體驗。

  • 方慧如

    中級或高級的淘金部分比較累,蹲久了、手臂操作多了會酸。

Details

Name in Japanese
佐渡西三川ゴールドパーク
Postal Code
952-0434
Address
835-1 Nishimikawa, Sado City, Niigata
Telephone
0259-58-2021
Closed
Open year-round (closed on certain days in January and February; please check in advance)
Business Hours
From March to April, From September to November 8:30am - 5:00pm
From May to August 8:30am - 5:30pm
From December to February 9:00am - 4:30pm
※Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
Admission
Adults(Junior high school students and older)1,500yen, Elementary school students 1,200yen(Panning gold experience fee included)
*Group discounts available (10% off for groups of 15 or more). Admission is free for preschool children (experience fee required). Discounts available for visitors with disabilities.
Access
(1) About 20 minutes by car from Ogi Port.
(2) About 50 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port.
(3) Right by the bus stop “Nishimikawa GP”
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)