More Than Just Sightseeing: A 3-Day Journey to Shape the Future of a World Heritage Site. Participants Sought for 'Come and Promote Sado! Exploring the Sado Island Gold Mine' Project for High School and University Students | Application Deadline: July 27, 2026 (Mon)

Niigata Prefecture is now accepting applications for the 'Come and Promote Sado! Exploring the Sado Island Gold Mine' project, an experiential inquiry-based learning program targeting high school students, secondary school students (grades 4–6), university students, and vocational school students.

A Program That Encourages Thinking, Not Just Viewing

This project is an experiential inquiry learning program themed around the preservation and transmission of 'Sado Island Gold Mine' to future generations.

The 'Sado Island Gold Mine' was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2024. How can we pass on its value to the future? This year’s theme is 'Sado Island Gold Mine × Carriers of Value'.

Participants will spend two nights and three days on-site learning about the World Heritage site’s significance and the challenges facing the region, while developing creative ideas to convey the charm of the 'Sado Island Gold Mine' to future generations.

On-site activities include visiting World Heritage component sites, experiencing traditional gold panning in rivers, and participating in group workshops. On the final day, participants will present the outcomes of their inquiry projects.

Opportunities for Cross-School and Cross-Regional Exchange

The program brings together high school students from across Niigata Prefecture and university and vocational school students from both within and outside the prefecture.

Through interactions beyond schools and regions, participants can gain new perspectives and deepen their learning in a unique summer experience.

Program Schedule

1. Pre-Learning (Late July – Mid-August)

Participants will watch lecture videos to build foundational knowledge and deepen their understanding before the on-site visit.

① Introduction to the World Heritage Site 'Sado Island Gold Mine'

② Agriculture, Performing Arts and Cultural Transmission, and Sado’s Global Connections

2. On-Site Learning (Day 1: August 18, Day 2: August 19)

Participants will visit key sites related to the 'Sado Island Gold Mine' to learn about its historical and cultural value as a World Heritage site.

Day 1: Orientation at Kirarium Sado, Visit to the Sado Gold Mine Historic Site and Kyomachi Street (Aikawa)

Day 2: Visit to Sasagawa Village and Kaneko Kanzaburo Residence, Traditional River Gold Panning Experience (Nishisansen)

3. Group Workshop (Day 2: August 19)

Participants will deepen their ideas for solving regional challenges through discussions based on lectures, site visits, and hands-on experiences. (Cooperation: NPO法人 mirais works)

Participants can choose from the following five challenge themes:

Creating a System That Makes People Want to Stay Connected to Sado Island

Designing New Educational Experiences Using the World Heritage Site

Addressing Population Decline in Local Culture and Communities

How to Sustain the Lifestyle That Supports the 'Sado Island Gold Mine' into the Future

Making Careers Related to Culture and Local Communities an Attractive Career Option

4. Final Presentation (Day 3: August 20)

Participants will present their three-day project outcomes, share insights with peers, and receive a certificate of completion. (Venue: Ryotsu Regional Community Center)

Testimonials from Last Year’s Participants

"Participating in this project inspired me to decide on a university where I could study regional revitalization. I was deeply moved by the passion and dedication of the people working to revitalize Sado, and it made me reflect on how we can preserve history and culture for the future. I also cherish the time spent discussing and exploring with fellow participants I had just met. I discovered the importance and joy of conveying Sado’s charm, and I continue to apply this experience to my current research. This is truly a project I would love to join again if given the chance!"

Event Overview

Schedule

August 18 (Tue) – 20 (Thu), 2026 ※ Meeting and departure at Niigata Port Terminal, Sado Kisen

Venue

Sado Island (Kirarium Sado, Sado Gold Mine Historic Site, and others)

Eligibility

High school and secondary school students (grades 4–6) residing in Niigata Prefecture; university and vocational school students from within and outside the prefecture

Capacity

20 participants

Participation Fee

Approx. 34,000 JPY (includes round-trip ferry, accommodation, and meals) ※ Different rates apply for residents of Sado City (see recruitment guidelines)

Application Period

Until July 27, 2026 (Mon)

How to Apply

Please apply via the official website below (a short report is required upon application)

Official Website

https://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/site/sado-goldmine/koudaipj-r08-01.html

Organizer & Contact

【Organizer】Sado Island Gold Mine Preservation and Utilization Executive Committee Member Organizations: Niigata Prefecture Cultural Affairs Division World Heritage Office, Sado City World Heritage Office, (Inc.) Sado Tourism and Exchange Organization, (Public Interest) Niigata Prefectural Board of Education for Buried Cultural Properties Survey, Sado Island Gold Mine Preservation and Utilization Support Association

【Contact】Sado Island Gold Mine Preservation and Utilization Executive Committee Secretariat (Niigata Prefecture Tourism, Culture, and Sports Department, Cultural Affairs Division, World Heritage Office) TEL: 025-280-5726 E-mail: [email protected]

Travel Arrangements & Application Handling: Niigata Kotsu Co., Ltd. (Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 289)