You get to have fun and learn something at the same time. You can even take home the gold dust you find as a souvenir! Kids will have a blast, and even adults will find it pretty cool. Overall, it's a relaxed and fun spot to visit!
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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
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A historic hands-on museum built on the site of a gold mine dating back to the Heian period.
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Offers an authentic gold panning experience, with the flakes you find able to be made into accessories.
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Features extensive exhibits with videos and models explaining the Oonagashi mining method and innovations in gold-mining techniques.
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A wide selection of exclusive souvenirs, including gold-leaf items and mineral samples.
Photos
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Displays include valuable exhibits such as gold bar replicas and mining tools
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Visitors can try an authentic gold panning experience
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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.
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Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
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Yes. Pamphlets and exhibition materials are available in English. (QR support provided)
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
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Yes, it is.
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Are coin lockers available?
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Not available.
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Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
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Re-entry is not allowed.
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Do you offer tax-free services?
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No, we don't.
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Are there any smoking areas?
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Not available.
Reviews
3
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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Panning for gold by hand is seriously addictive! The park also has exhibits about the history of gold and artifacts. Both kids and adults can have a great time here. Bringing home a little treasure feels super rewarding. It's perfect for families or friends to experience together.
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The intermediate and advanced gold panning activities are pretty tiring. If you squat for a long time or use your arms a lot, you'll definitely feel sore.
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
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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
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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
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(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)