Underground Tour
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Toi Gold Mine

3.8
·6k reviews·Izu, Japan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

CrowdLow
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Underground Tour

Toi Gold Mine

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

3.8
(6k reviews)

"A surprisingly immersive mine tour and the thrill of finding gold make this a must-visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World's Largest Gold Bar

World's Largest Gold Bar

Toi Gold Museum

Marvel at the Guinness World Record holder: a colossal 250kg gold bar.

Mine Tunnel Tour

Mine Tunnel Tour

Inside the mine

Step back in time with animatronic robots depicting historical mining life.

Gold Panning Experience

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

Gold Foil Ice Cream

Gift Shop/Café

Indulge in a sweet treat topped with edible gold foil for a touch of luxury.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Toi Gold Mine is a popular spot, especially for families. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds. The gold panning activity can get busy, so booking a timed session in advance is recommended if available.

Getting There & Around

While accessible by public transport, a car offers more flexibility for exploring the Izu Peninsula. If relying on buses, check schedules carefully as they can be infrequent. The mine itself is compact, but the surrounding area has more to explore.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Gold panning sessions available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#goldmine #goldenretriever #goldmud #goldhunter #goldfinding
@coinhunters66
15K likes • 3.7M views

🎯 Book Panning Sessions

Timed gold panning sessions can fill up; consider booking ahead to secure your spot. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking through mine tunnels, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must. TikTok

Gold fine gold mining #goldmining #goldmine #foryou #foryoupage #pakistan
@gold.man.8
9.7K likes • 363.1K views
A quick tour of Toi Gold Mine, Japan 土肥金山 #goldmine #golddigger #土肥金山 #japantravel #japantrip #金山
damupenda
11 likes • 151 views

📸 Capture the Gold Bar

The massive gold bar is a highlight; don't forget your camera for this unique photo op. Instagram

🍦 Taste the Gold Ice Cream

Enjoy the delicious gold foil ice cream, even if the gold itself has no taste. Instagram

The largest manufactured real gold bar in the world🤩🤩🤩 @Toi Gold Mine🇯🇵 #guinnesworldrecord #mitsubishi #mtfuji #goldmine #familyreunion 2023 🇯🇵🇵🇭🇺🇸
jcwjackie
15 likes • 711 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Panning Sessions

Timed gold panning sessions can fill up; consider booking ahead to secure your spot. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking through mine tunnels, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must. TikTok

📸 Capture the Gold Bar

The massive gold bar is a highlight; don't forget your camera for this unique photo op. Instagram

🍦 Taste the Gold Ice Cream

Enjoy the delicious gold foil ice cream, even if the gold itself has no taste. Instagram

⏳ Allow for Tunnel Time

The mine tunnel tour is longer than expected, offering a surprisingly immersive experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(6k reviews)

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

Gold panning experience
World's largest gold bar
Mine tunnel tour with robots

What People Dislike

Museum exhibits can be average

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

The closest train stations are Shuzenji Station and Mishima Station, from where you would need to take a bus. Reddit

While not directly at the mine, ferry services operate from nearby ports like Toi Port, connecting to other coastal towns. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, there are typically reduced prices for children and sometimes for seniors. Check the official pricing details for specific age ranges. Instagram

Tickets for admission and the gold panning experience can usually be purchased at the venue on the day of your visit. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

The gold panning sessions are typically timed, allowing you enough time to sift through the sand and hopefully find some gold flecks. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

Yes, it's very family-friendly. The animatronic displays and gold panning are particularly popular with younger visitors. Reddit

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Instagram

The restaurant offers various dishes. Additionally, food trucks are often present in the parking lot, providing more casual dining options. Instagram

Absolutely! The gold foil ice cream is a popular treat, offering a unique visual and tasty experience. Instagram

Information on specific dietary options is limited, but it's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival. Instagram

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram+2

Photography is generally allowed inside the mine tunnels, but be mindful of the lighting conditions and any specific signage. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos with the massive gold bar from designated viewing areas. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Toi Gold Mine is an excellent destination for families. The animatronic robots in the mine tunnels bring history to life in an engaging way for children, and the gold panning activity is a guaranteed hit, offering a fun, hands-on experience with the chance to find real gold. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While there are costs associated with admission and activities like gold panning, Toi Gold Mine can still be a budget-friendly stop, especially if you focus on the main attractions. The mine tour and museum offer a lot of historical insight for the admission fee. Instagram

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. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Toi Gold Mine offers unique subjects. The world's largest gold bar is a standout, providing a chance for dramatic shots. The atmospheric mine tunnels, with their historical dioramas, also present interesting photographic opportunities. Instagram+2

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Toi Gold Mine

The Toi Gold Mine, located in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has a rich history dating back to the Edo period. Gold was discovered here in the 17th century, and the mine quickly became a significant source of wealth for the region. During its peak, it was one of Japan's most productive gold mines, contributing substantially to the national economy. The prosperity brought by the mine shaped the local community and its development. Instagram [^Y1]

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. Instagram [^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. Instagram+1

Experiencing Gold Panning

One of the most interactive activities at Toi Gold Mine is the gold panning experience. For a fee, visitors can try their hand at sifting through a special sand mixture in water, aiming to find tiny flecks of real gold. This hands-on activity is a fun way to connect with the mine's heritage and offers a tangible reward for your efforts. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

The Guinness World Record Gold Bar

A major draw at Toi Gold Mine is the display of the world's largest gold bar, recognized by Guinness World Records. This colossal bar weighs approximately 250 kilograms (551 lbs) and was manufactured by the Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. Its sheer size and value are astonishing, making it a must-see attraction. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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