Sado Private Tours
Book a Private Sado Tour with a Local Tour Guide
Sado Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
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Sado Gold and Silver Mine: Relics tell you 400 years of history
Sado has been well known as one of the major gold and silver production sites in Japan. It has the history of 1000 years. There are four major minig sites in Sado: Nishimikawa alluvial gold mine, Tsurushi silver mine, Niibo silver mine and Sado (Aikawa) gold and silver mine. Sado gold and silver mine was the biggest of all with 400 years of history. Mining in Aikawa started in the late 16th century and was halted in 1989. In this tour, we first visit Sado Gold and Silver Mine Museum, where we enter the Sodayu tunnel which is open to the public. The Sodayu tunnel was dug manually by thousands of mine workers during the Edo period. You can see the whole process of gold and silver production at that time. Then we see some old buildings and a relic built from Meiji to Showa era. These buildings were used to crush, store and smelt ores. Next, we visit the graveyard of Mushuku-nin(people without register) brought in from Edo and Osaka to work as drainage workers. Then, we walk down the street called Kyomachi-dori, once bustled with mine workers, government officials and towns people. Kyomachi-dori street linked Sado Magistrate Office to mining sites. Aikawa town was developed and divided into communities with same occupation. Along the way, we see old buildings, workshops, local grocery store and cafes. We walk past old bell tower, Sado Hanga-mura Museum(print museum) originally built as a district court and Sado Magistrate Office. Finally, we visit Kitazawa area, developed from Meiji to Showa era with modern Western mining technologies to produce gold and silver effectively. Ruined factories, thermal power plant and a 50-meter thickener have remained. Sado Gold and Silver Mine has practiced cutting-edge production methods of each era and you can see the authenticity here in Aikawa. FYI, walking distance is about 3 kilometers.
Sado Gold and Silver Mine: Relics tell you 400 years of history
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Hina Doll Festival in Aikawa (seasonal tour in Sado From Mar.3 to Mar.20)
Mar. 3rd is "Girl's day" called Hina Matsuri (dolls festival) in Japan. Households with girls display their Hina Dolls to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of their children. Aikawa town in Sado prospered from the beginning of the 17th century to the late 20th century along with the development of Sado Gold and Silver Mine. People of many kinds of professions moved to Aikawa from many parts of Japan to make a fortune and brought in colorful cultures and traditions which led to create an unique Sado culture and tradition. During this time of year, hotels, sightseeing spots, cafes, shops and even private homes exhibit their Hina Dolls for the public and visitors can enjoy walking in the town admiring dolls from different eras. In this tour, we walk around Aikawa town and visit places where Hina Dolls are displayed. With diverse historical backgrounds, there are many kinds of Hina Dolls in Aikawa, some of them from the Edo period or older, the others are made by modern craftsmen. FYI, No.1 At some hotels and restaurants, you can enjoy special "Hina Doll Festival" lunch. No.2 This is a walking tour in Aikawa, but some of the places are accessible by taxi.
Hina Doll Festival in Aikawa (seasonal tour in Sado From Mar.3 to Mar.20)
Sado Highlights Tours
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Sado Island Essentials: Heritage, Harbor & Hidden Gems
Discover the best of Sado! Explore the historic Gold Mine, see rare Crested Ibises at Toki Forest, and stroll through the charming village of Shukunegi. Savor authentic Sado sushi for lunch and cap off your day with a visit to a local sake brewery.
Sado Island Essentials: Heritage, Harbor & Hidden Gems
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Sado half day tour
There are many fascinating tourist spots in Sado. Among them, the most popular spots are Sado gold mine and Toki (Japanese crested ibis) forest park. Basically, these two spots are indoor facilities, so we do not need to worry about the weather. if the weather is nice, Senkaku bay can be another option.
Sado half day tour
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Sado Day Trip Tours
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Sado Unique Experience Tours
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Sado Tour Reviews
Alys W.
“Fantastic tour with Keichi on Sado Island”
We had a wonderful day-long tour with Keichi-san. He had very good ideas for the tour leaving from Aikawa towards Ogi stopping at many great sites and temples. He was very accomodating for my husband who needs walking sticks. His historic knowledge was excellent and we learned so much about Sado from him. I appreciated his arrangement with the monk at at he Rabbit Buddhist temple for a private tour. Te Toli sanctuary was a good visit. I highly recommend Kei as a tour guide. Alys Wall
Keiichi S.
Hello Alys Thank you for a favorable review ! Take care ! Kei
Sam F.
“Great experience ”
We had a great experience with Kei on our tour of Sado. He put together a great itinerary based on our input. He was knowledgeable, kind and enthusiastic. Highly recommend!
Keiichi S.
Hello Sam Thank you for a favorable review ! Please take care ！ Kei
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Michiko B.
“Very nice and professional tour guide! ”
My bf and I visited Sado Island for the first time this summer. Keii drove us to a lot of different spots including the gold mine, shukunegi town, tub boats, toki conservation area, and senkakuwan bay. He explained the history and knows a lot about the island. Would definitely recommend!
Keiichi S.
Hello Michiko Thank you for a favorable review. I myself had a wonderful time with you. Please Enjoy Japan!! Kei
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