Exploring Japanese Landmarks in Nishiki-e and Photographs

Sado Gold Mine

A generic term for gold and silver mines on Sado Island, Niigata. The Nishimikawa Gold Mine in the Heian period, the Tsurushi Silver Mine in 1542, and the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine in 1601 made it the largest gold producing area in Japan, but the mines were closed in 1989. The Sado Gold and Silver Mine Ruins are designated as a National Historic Site, and the former Sado Mine Mining Facility is designated as an Important Cultural Property.