
The Toi Gold Mine (土肥金山) is a historic gold mine located in the city of Izu in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It was one of the largest gold mines in Japan, and its production, which began in the Heian period and continued for over 1,000 years until its closure in 1965, contributed significantly to the country’s economy, especially during the Meiji period. At its peak, the mine produced 40kg of gold annually, making it the second-largest gold producer in Japan after the Sado Gold Mine. Today, the Toi Gold Mine is a popular tourist destination and is designated as a National Historic Site.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine to learn about its history and see the various stages of gold production, from the mining of the ore to the refinement of the gold. The tour includes a visit to the mine shafts, tunnels, and various other facilities, such as the ore processing plant and the workers’ living quarters. Visitors can also see exhibits and artifacts related to the mine’s history, such as mining tools, documents, and photographs. The Gold Museum showcases the history of the mine and gold mining in Japan, and houses the world’s largest gold bar weighing 250 kg. Visitors can also try their hand at gold panning and take home any gold they find.
In addition to the mine itself, the Toi Gold Mine area offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean. There are several hiking trails in the area, including one that leads to the top of Mt. Kurodake, which offers panoramic views of the region. Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine and souvenirs at the various shops and restaurants located in the area, as well as visit nearby attractions such as Koibito Misaki (Lover’s Cape) and Koganezaki (Golden Cape).
Getting there
By Bus:
- From Shuzenji Station: About 50 minutes by bus
- Get off at “Toi Onsen” bus stop
Details
Hours | 9 :00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:30 PM. |
Admission | Adults: 1,000 yen Children: 500 yen |
Phone | +81 558-98-0800 |
Address | 2726 Toi, Izu, Shizuoka 410-3302 |
Official Website | https://www.toikinzan.com/en/ |