Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency)

Overview

The Aikawa Local History Museum is a valuable facility where you can learn about the history and technology of the Sado gold and silver mines. Housed in the former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency—a nationally designated Important Cultural Property—the museum displays exhibits on the mining operations, the lives of the miners, and the techniques used to refine gold and silver. A particularly noteworthy aspect is the collection of materials related to Korean laborers. These exhibits detail their hometowns, their lives, and the harsh working conditions they faced during wartime. The museum also features numerous artifacts related to Sado Island's history and culture, providing a deeper understanding of the island's rich past. A visit to the Aikawa Local History Museum will shed light on why the Sado gold and silver mines were registered as a World Heritage site.