
Toi Gold Mine
Discover Japan's golden past at Toi Gold Mine, featuring historical tunnels, gold panning, and the world's largest gold bar.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

Toi Gold Mine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Japan's golden past at Toi Gold Mine, featuring historical tunnels, gold panning, and the world's largest gold bar.
"A surprisingly immersive mine tour and the thrill of finding gold make this a must-visit!"

🎯 Book Panning Sessions
Timed gold panning sessions can fill up; consider booking ahead to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through mine tunnels, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World's Largest Gold Bar
Toi Gold Museum
Marvel at the Guinness World Record holder: a colossal 250kg gold bar.

Mine Tunnel Tour
Inside the mine
Step back in time with animatronic robots depicting historical mining life.

Gold Panning Experience
Gold Panning Area
Try your luck at finding real gold flecks to take home as a unique souvenir.

Gold Foil Ice Cream
Gift Shop/Café
Indulge in a sweet treat topped with edible gold foil for a touch of luxury.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Panning Sessions
Timed gold panning sessions can fill up; consider booking ahead to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through mine tunnels, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Gold Bar
The massive gold bar is a highlight; don't forget your camera for this unique photo op.
🍦 Taste the Gold Ice Cream
Enjoy the delicious gold foil ice cream, even if the gold itself has no taste.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Panning Sessions
Timed gold panning sessions can fill up; consider booking ahead to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through mine tunnels, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Gold Bar
The massive gold bar is a highlight; don't forget your camera for this unique photo op.
🍦 Taste the Gold Ice Cream
Enjoy the delicious gold foil ice cream, even if the gold itself has no taste.
⏳ Allow for Tunnel Time
The mine tunnel tour is longer than expected, offering a surprisingly immersive experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Toi Gold Mine to be an interesting and surprisingly engaging stop, particularly for its historical mine tour and the unique experience of panning for gold. While some find the museum exhibits average, the world's largest gold bar and the gold foil ice cream are consistently highlighted as memorable attractions. It's often described as a fun, family-friendly outing with a good balance of education and entertainment.
"Interesting tour in the gold mine with explanations in English and a small museum at the end. About 30 min.
There’s also gold panning additional activity."
Zohar Evgi
"Last minute stop because I saw the road sign of it. It was not bad at all. Feel like it's more for children but you can enjoy a quick tour as an adult. The path into the mine is way longer than what I was expecting. So it was a good surprise"
Asa Madeto
"Interesting history. The mineral mines in this area really made this place prosperous. It was fun learning about the mine and panning for gold. The garden was also very beautiful and picturesque. They have gold foil ice cream. There’s no taste to the gold but the ice cream was delicious. Good place to stop if you’re in the area. Their restaurant is open from 11:00-15:00 with last order at 14:30. There are food trucks in the parking lot."
Danielle M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Toi Gold Mine is accessible by bus from major stations on the Izu Peninsula. From Shuzenji Station, take a bus towards Dogashima or Toi Onsen and alight at the Toi Gold Mine stop. It's advisable to check bus schedules in advance as they can be infrequent.
Driving is a convenient option, especially if you're exploring the Izu Peninsula. There is parking available at the mine. The drive offers scenic views of the coastline.
While possible, it's a long day trip. It's more enjoyable if combined with other attractions on the Izu Peninsula, perhaps as an overnight stay.
The closest train stations are Shuzenji Station and Mishima Station, from where you would need to take a bus.
While not directly at the mine, ferry services operate from nearby ports like Toi Port, connecting to other coastal towns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission typically includes access to the mine tunnels and museum. There are separate fees for the gold panning experience. Combo tickets are often available.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. The restaurant typically operates from 11:00 to 15:00.
For general admission, advance booking is usually not required. However, for the gold panning activity, especially during peak times, booking a timed session is recommended.
Yes, there are typically reduced prices for children and sometimes for seniors. Check the official pricing details for specific age ranges.
Tickets for admission and the gold panning experience can usually be purchased at the venue on the day of your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour takes you through historical mine tunnels, featuring animatronic robots that illustrate the challenging life of miners. It's an engaging and informative experience.
The gold panning sessions are typically timed, allowing you enough time to sift through the sand and hopefully find some gold flecks.
The museum showcases the history of gold mining in the region and features exhibits related to the mine's past prosperity. It also houses the world's largest gold bar.
Yes, it's very family-friendly. The animatronic displays and gold panning are particularly popular with younger visitors.
While the gold bar is on display, touching it is generally not permitted to preserve its condition. However, you can get very close for photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that serves meals, typically open from 11:00 to 15:00 with last orders at 14:30.
The restaurant offers various dishes. Additionally, food trucks are often present in the parking lot, providing more casual dining options.
Absolutely! The gold foil ice cream is a popular treat, offering a unique visual and tasty experience.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but it's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring snacks or a packed lunch, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring the area. However, dining at the on-site facilities is encouraged.
📸 📸 Photography
The world's largest gold bar is a must-capture. The mine tunnels with their animatronic displays and the scenic views of the Izu Peninsula also offer great photo ops.
Photography is generally allowed inside the mine tunnels, but be mindful of the lighting conditions and any specific signage.
Yes, you can take photos with the massive gold bar from designated viewing areas.
As with most tourist attractions, drone usage is likely restricted for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check with the venue management before flying a drone.
Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, especially for outdoor shots of the mine entrance and surrounding landscape. Inside the mine, lighting is artificial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the gold foil ice cream – it's a delightful treat that adds a touch of magic to the visit. The overall atmosphere is educational yet entertaining, making it a memorable outing for all ages. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger school groups.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks or a picnic lunch can help save on dining costs, as the on-site restaurant and food trucks can add up. Look for combo ticket deals that might offer savings if you plan to do multiple activities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider the golden hour for any outdoor shots of the mine entrance or the surrounding Izu landscape. The gold foil ice cream also makes for a visually appealing, albeit quirky, photo subject.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Toi Gold Mine
While gold extraction operations have ceased, the site has been transformed into a tourist attraction, preserving its historical significance. Visitors can explore the original mine tunnels, which have been adapted to showcase the mining process through animatronic displays. This allows a glimpse into the arduous labor and techniques employed by miners centuries ago. The transformation into a tourist spot ensures that the legacy of the Toi Gold Mine continues to be shared with new generations. [^Y1]
The mine's history is also intertwined with the Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, which was involved in its later operations and the casting of the world's largest gold bar. This connection highlights the evolution of the site from a raw resource extraction point to a place of historical and even record-breaking significance. The blend of historical exploration and modern marvels makes Toi Gold Mine a unique destination.
Experiencing Gold Panning
The process involves using a traditional gold pan to separate the heavier gold particles from the lighter sand and gravel. It requires a bit of technique and patience, but the thrill of discovering your own gold is quite rewarding. The flecks you find can often be kept as a unique souvenir of your visit, a tiny piece of Toi's golden legacy.
This activity is particularly popular with families and children, adding an element of excitement and discovery to the visit. It's a chance to step into the shoes of a prospector and experience a small part of what made this place historically significant.
The Guinness World Record Gold Bar
Measuring 45.5 cm in length, 22.5 cm in width, and 17 cm in height, the bar's dimensions are impressive. It was cast on June 17, 2005, at the Toi Gold Mine itself, adding a layer of local significance to this global record. The bar's irregular shape and substantial volume further emphasize its extraordinary nature.
Visitors can view this magnificent gold bar up close in the museum area. While touching is not allowed, the opportunity to stand beside such a massive quantity of pure gold is a memorable experience, highlighting the historical wealth and industrial capabilities associated with the mine.





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