Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency)
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A museum showcasing the history and technology of the Sado gold and silver mines, as well as local folk materials. It also features exhibits on Korean laborers, offering a glimpse into a less-celebrated aspect of the mines' history.
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.
Basic Information
- Address
- 20, Saka-shitamachi, Aikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan Search for tourist attractions in Niigata
- Access
- Approximately 50 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port, Sado Steamship Co., Ltd., and about 1 hour from Ogi Port, Sado Steamship Co., Ltd. By bus, it's a short walk from the "Aikawa Hakubutsukan-mae" bus stop on the Niigata Kotsu Sado Main Line (seasonal, Saturdays and Sundays only). Show route
- Op.Hours
- 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Cld.Days
- Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd)
- Fee
- Adults: ¥300, Elementary & Junior High School Students: ¥100. For groups of 15 or more: Adults: ¥240, Elementary & Junior High School Students: ¥80
- INFO
- There is limited parking available in front of the museum. If the lot is full, please use a nearby parking facility.
Recommended nearby attractions
Former Aikawa Detention Branch
0.608km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) The former Aikawa Detention Branch on Sado Island is a registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, a wooden detention facility used in the Showa era. Its unique, almost ruin-like atmosphere feels like time stood still. Entry is free.
Sado Bugyosho Ruins
0.178km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) An Edo-period facility that managed the Sado Gold Mine. Experience the gold and silver ore processing of that time!
Sado Kuni Ogi Folk Museum (Sensokubune "Hakusan Maru" Exhibit)
25.535km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) Experience Sado's history and culture! See nationally designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties, including fishing gear and shipwright tools, and a full-scale replica of the *Sensokubune* "Hakusan Maru" transport ship.
Kitazawa Flotation Plant
0.031km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) The magnificent ruins of the flotation plant evoke the image of the movie "Castle in the Sky." At night, it's illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Kyomachi-dori Street
0.299km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) Stroll through a nostalgic streetscape where the history of Sado's gold mines lives on.
Shukunegi Traditional Buildings Preservation District, Sado City
25.72km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) Shukunegi, once a flourishing port for Kitamae ships in the Edo period, is a place where you can experience a time-slip back to the past. It's designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Sado History and Legend Museum
13.082km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) Experience Sado's history and legends brought to life by life-sized robot figures!
Sado Kinzan (Sado Gold Mine) Historic Site
1.473km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) Experience a valuable opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Sado Kinzan.
Sado Kokkunoichi-no-miya, Watsujinja Shrine
21.226km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) Experience the ancient faith in a tranquil setting surrounded by abundant nature at this historically significant shrine, representing Sado Island.
Myosenji Temple
13.687km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency) A temple possessing Sado Island's only nationally designated Important Cultural Property: a five-storied pagoda.
Nearby Hotels
Hotel Familio Sadoaikawa
2.663km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency)Sado Resort Hotel Azuma
2.972km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency)Meoto Iwa Kanko
4.595km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency)Ryokan Iriumi
5.979km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency)Nanaura Sou
6.08km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency)Shikishimaso
6.992km from Aikawa Local History Museum (Former Sado Branch Office of the Imperial Household Agency)