Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- English
Delve into the rich legacy of gold in Japan with the Michinoku Gold Romance tour, where history meets hands-on exploration. Traverse significant cultural sites, including the famed Shishiori and Tamayama Gold Mines, and witness the remnants of Japan's gold rush. Engage in gold panning and crystal hunting to connect with the land that shaped a nation's wealth and spiritual life. Taste the region's renowned 'Golden Food Treasures,' such as fresh oysters and local sake, each dish steeped in history and crafted by passionate producers. This immersive journey will deepen your understanding of how gold influenced Japan's culture and regional identity.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will meet at the Ichinoseki Station East Exit Bus Boarding Area. Our tour guide, who will accompany you on the day, will be waiting with a sign displaying the tour name.
Itinerary
-
1
Visit the Kesennuma City Shishiori Gold Mine Museum, where you can learn about “Monster Gold,” a massive natural gold nugget weighing approximately 2.25 kg with an estimated 83% gold content, mined in the late Meiji period. The museum displays photographs and reconstructed models of the nugget, mining tools used at the time, and exhibits illustrating how the gold mine modernized over the years. Afterward, take a walk through the actual mining site to explore remnants of mine tunnels, old trolley tracks, and piles of discarded ore (waste rock), offering a vivid glimpse into historical gold mining practices.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2
With guidance from a professional guide, explore the residence showcasing the refined craftsmanship of Kesenn carpenters and plasterers, whose traditional techniques are evident throughout the architecture. After the tour, enjoy a specially arranged lunch (boxed meal) inside the Former Yoshida Family Main Residence.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
Visit a processing facility at a fishing port known for landing some of the highest-priced, premium-quality oysters in Japan. Under the guidance of local fishermen, enjoy a hands-on oyster shucking experience while learning about their harvesting techniques and craftsmanship. ※Depending on the season and weather conditions, some stops may be skipped.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
4
Learn about the history of the Tamayama Gold Mine and the natural processes by which gold and crystal are formed, while enjoying hands-on experiences in gold panning and crystal hunting. After the gold panning experience, view historic remains such as the former refinery site, checkpoint ruins, and the Sennin Pit from the bus window.
3 hours • Admission ticket included -
5
We stop at a roadside station with shops and restaurants using local ingredients, where guests will have free time. Souvenirs such as local seafood.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Kesennuma – Rikuzentakata
Rikuzentakata
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
