sado island tourism

The Ultimate Sado Island Japan Travel Guide [2024]

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Everything you need to know about travelling to Sado Island, one of Japan’s most beautiful off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Every now and then we stumble across a destination that not only surpasses expectations, it takes our breath away.

After spending 6 weeks travelling around Japan, Sado Island was that place for us.

Located in the Niigata prefecture on the west of the country, Japan’s sixth-largest island is home to towering mountains, jagged coastlines, fascinating cultural experiences and some of the best rockpools we’ve ever seen.

We took the ferry from Niigata terminal and landed in Sado Island just after dark on a wet winter night.

In our typical travel fashion, we had done very little research about visiting Sado Island before we arrived.

The few things we had seen online made it seem like an interesting destination, but with relatively few foreign tourists travelling out there, we weren’t sure just how amazing it would be.

When we woke in the morning though and hit the road to see what the island had to offer, we were immediately blown away.

READ MORE: Check out our ultimate Japan travel guide filled with all the tips you’ll ever need to visit the and of the Rising Sun.

The scenery was spectacular, and we started to realise that the 2 days we had set aside for the island was nowhere near enough.

We could easily spend a week travelling around Sado Island, photographing its mesmerising landscapes and getting to know the friendly inhabitants.

You don’t need to just take our word for it though.

To encourage you to visit here, we’ve put together this epic Sado Island travel guide to help you with your plans.

Table of Contents

Rent a Car and Check Out the Coastline

Senkakuwan bay lookout, learn to drum at the sado island taiko centre, learn how to make soba noodles, enjoy a meal at shimafumi bakery, go hiking or snowshoeing in the mountains, go surfing in sado island, or try scuba diving, check out ogi town, ride in a tub boat, explore the gold mines, soak in the rockpools, ryokan urashima, ferries from niigata to ryotsu, ferries from naoetsu to ogi, how to get around sado, visit takada castle, see japan’s oldest theatre, takada sekaikan, eat some candy at takahashi magozaemon shoten, myoko akakura, bring a rain jacket, add more time to your itinerary, get a rental car, get to the ferry terminal early, the best things to do in sado island, japan.

Let’s kick things off by sharing our tips on the best things to do in Sado Island, from hiking to viewpoints and even learning to play Japanese drums!

We grew up in Australia , so it takes a lot for us to get impressed by a coastline. But Sado Island definitely wowed us.

The jagged, imposing cliffs that line Sado’s western shore would not be out of place in a Game of Thrones episode, with waves smashing against them far below while solitary trees grip to the outcrops.

We spent a few hours driving up and down the coast, stopping for photos and being constantly left in awe.

It felt as though every few kilometres the views just got better and better.

If you want to make the most of your time in Sado Island, and have the freedom to explore its fabled coastline, we recommend picking up a rental car and self-driving.

In case you’re not comfortable driving yourself around the island, you can book a tour with the local tourism office.

Senkakuwan Bay showcases perhaps the best section of Sado Island’s coastline.

Stretching for 3km on the western side of the island are 5 bays that make up the Senkakuwan area, and if you only have time to visit one spot, make sure it’s this one.

There’s a bridge that crosses over to a little island with a lookout, where you can get gorgeous views looking back on the bays.

If you’re visiting during the summer you can also book a glass-bottom boat to head out to sea and check out the vistas from the water.

• Lookout Admission Fee: ¥700 per person
• Address: 1561 Kitaebisu, Sado, Niigata 952-2133, Japan
• Opening Hours: 08:30 – 16:00

While you’re exploring this fantastic destination, make sure you swing by the Sado Island Taiko Centre to learn all about traditional drumming from some of the best in the world.

The taiko is a type of large timber drum that has been used in Japanese music and dances for centuries.

And Sado Island is home to one of the best taiko ensembles in Japan, Kodo.

These guys aren’t only one of the best in the country – they are famous around the globe thanks to their rigorous touring schedule and being invited to perform at huge events.

Not only do they love performing, they love teaching, and because of that they opened up the Sado Island Taiko Centre, run by the Kodo Cultural Foundation , to allow visitors to come and learn to drum.

We signed up for a 1-hour drumming demonstration and absolutely loved it.

We all got in a circle and our instructor, Sami, started the lesson. Sami would drum a beat, then we would copy.

To keep things interesting she turned it into a game where we had to throw the beat around to different people in the circle rapidly, then we all took turns leading the group.

Sami has been drumming for 20 years, travelling the world performing with the group, and seeing her skills in person was fantastic.

She taught us all about the drums, the different sounds they make, and also what they are made of.

There had two huge taiko drums that were hand-carved from an enormous 600-year-old keyaki (Japanese zelkova) log. Their names are Mr Potato and Miss Piggy. 

• Cost: ¥1600 person for 1-hour drumming lesson
• Address: 150-3 Ogi Kanetashinden, Sado, Niigata 952-0611
• Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (closed Mondays)

After drumming your heart out on the taiko demonstration, you can try your hand at making delicious soba noodles right there in the Sado Island Taiko Centre.

Soba is the Japanese name for buckwheat, and you will most likely have had this dish a bunch on your travels around the country.

The soba noodles cooking class is a fun experience, and you are taught how to hand-make the noodles using buckwheat flour, water and lots of kneading under the expert supervision of a local chef.

Roll the dough flat, cut it into small strips using the sharpest kitchen knife you’ve ever seen, and then throw it in a huge pot to cook.

Once you have cooked the noodles its time for the best part – to eat!

You sit down as a group and enjoy the soba noodles served either chilled, with a dipping sauce, or in a hot broth as a noodle soup.

Definitely worth doing after your drumming experience.

• Price: ¥2000 per person

There are lots of great places to enjoy a meal around Sado Island, but the Shimafumi Bakery has to take the cake for having one of the best views around.

Situated on a headland overlooking the large bay on the west coast, Shimafumi Bakery serves up delicious sandwiches, soups and sweets.

If it’s a sunny day you can sit outside, sip on a tasty coffee and watch the waves hit the point below.

• Address: 105-4 Daisho, Sado, Niigata 952-0431, Japan

The interior of Sado Island is surprisingly mountainous, so when you’re finished hanging out at the coast, it’s time to put on your hiking shoes and get into nature.

During the summer you’ll find spectacular trails cutting through beautiful, lust forests, with high vantage points offering views over the entire island.

Sado Island in winter offers a different opportunity – snowshoeing.

As we were here in February, we were keen to find out the best things to do in Sado Island in winter, and trekking through snow was right up our alley.

We booked a snowshoeing experience through the Visit Sado Tourism Office and spent a few hours hiking around one of the mountains here.

As we got higher the views opened right up, allowing us to look down on the glistening sea in the distance, but being in the snow-covered forest was a real highlight.

The tour wasn’t strenuous, and would be perfect for any fitness level.

Book it by calling Visit Sado Tourism, or stop by their office in the ferry terminal.

• Cost: ¥3000 per person including snowshoes and guide
• Website: https://www.visitsado.com/en/

Japan is famous for its epic skiing and snowboarding conditions, but did you know it also has amazing surf?

The east coast and islands in the south get the best swell, but there’s a solid, consistent break on the west coast of Sado Island as well.

You can find a good spot to paddle out right below the Shimafumi Bakery.

If you don’t have your own surfboard with you, there is a guy that apparently rents them out in the town of Manoshinmachi.

If you’re travelling to Sado Island in summer, one of the coolest things you can do is go scuba diving.

The seas off of Sado has amazing visibility and a number of underwater caverns for experienced divers.

Most of the dive shops are on the east coast around Ryotsu. Expect to pay around ¥5000 for a dive if you are certified.

Down on Sado’s southern coast is the quaint little port town of Ogi, which is by far one of the best Sado Island attractions.

Famous for the wooden tub boats called taraibune , wandering the streets of Ogi Town is like stepping back into a forgotten era.

The old timber houses lean in from all sides, casting shadows across the narrow alleyways.

You can’t help but meander your way around, pointing your camera in every direction.

For a birds-eye view of the port town, climb up the stairs towards the road at the northern end.

The small, round tug boats that are found all around Ogi town are called taraibune , and they have been used throughout history by seafaring people to harvest seaweed.

Just next to Ogi town, you can book in for a 10-minute tub boat ride with a local.

The price is only ¥500, so if you have 10 minutes spare, it’s well worth doing for that traditional Sado Island experience.

In 1601, during the Edo Period , gold was discovered in the rocks of Sado Island.

It kickstarted what would become a long and fruitful history of mining on the island, with the newly developed gold mine becoming the most productive in all of Japan.

At its peak, the mine was producing over 400kg of gold every single year.

In 1989 the mining eventually stopped, but in recent years there has been a new transformation for the site, with it being opened up to visitors.

If you’ve never been in an underground mine before, it is quite the experience.

Here at the Sado gold mine they have set up a (safe) area for people to explore the tunnels, with exhibits showing exactly what it was like for the people who worked there.

There’s also a great little museum onsite to check out.

• Price: ¥300 per person
• Address: 952-1562 18-1 Mehama-cho, Aikawa-Mimachi, Sado City

Not too far from Ogi town are some of the most stunning natural rockpools we have ever seen.

Follow the beach around until you reach the long tunnel. Cross over and then turn right towards the sea.

Eventually you’ll come across dozens of natural pools with the most impossibly clear water you have ever seen.

Some of them are absolutely perfect for swimming as well (just mind the sharp, volcanic rocks).

If you’re visiting Sado Island in summer this is the perfect place to come and take a dip.

Sado Island Travel Guide 

Now that you know what to do in Sado Island, we’re going to share with you some other great tips to make the most of your time here.

Read on to find out where to stay, how to get here, how to get around and where to go explore next!

Where to Stay in Sado Island

There’s quite a few different accommodation options available on Sado Island to suit any budget.

The best place to find these are on the Agoda website .

Here’s where we stayed though.

We were lucky enough to spend two nights in the best hotel in Sado, Ryokan Urashima .

This beautiful hotel is spread across two properties, with one being the place to stay, and the other housing the onsens and dining rooms.

Japan is notorious for having small living quarters, but our hotel room at Ryokan Urashima was absolutely enormous.

Designed in a traditional Japanese style, it had its own entrance hall, leading to a separate toilet and massive bathroom.

The main room had a table and chairs placed on the floor, with a heated space underneath the table to keep your legs warm on those chilly winter evenings.

The bedroom was where the housekeepers would lay your Japanese-style beds at night, and there was even another room that could be used for reading or storage, with windows looking out to the bay.

There was TV and coffee-making facilities as well.

Every day they had different meal styles as well for the guests.

On our first night we had a massive Japanese dinner, with 7 courses held in a private room.

On the second night we were treated to a French-inspired food experience, which pushed out to 9 courses.

The breakfasts were the same, with one day being Japanese style, the next day being Western style.

The food was simply delectable, making it on par with the best food we’ve had in all of Japan.

To top it off they had two huge onsens for guests to use, with males and females separated.

The quality of these onsens matched the high standard of the hotel, and they had obviously been designed to be peaceful and beautiful.

It was a very high-end accommodation, but absolutely worth it to spoil ourselves for two days in Sado Island.

• Address: 978-3 Kubota, Sado, Niigata 952-1325
• Phone: +81 259-57-3751

How to Get to Sado Island

Getting to Sado Island is quite easy, although it does take a little bit of time.

Even though Sado Island has an airport, it hasn’t been operating for the public since 2014.

There are rumours though that they will soon be opening up flights from Tokyo, so watch this space.

The closest airport, for now, is Niigata Airport, and from there you need to take a ferry to Sado.

Ferry 

Being an island, the only way to get to Sado is by ferry.

There are currently two ferry terminals that have regular services to Sado. The main one in Niigata, and one in Naoetsu that only operates in summer.

The first thing you need to do is get to Niigata Station by using your JR Pass . There are regular services to Tokyo and most other major destinations.

Once there you can take a bus from outside to the station to the Niigata Port Terminal for ¥210 per person.

At the terminal you have two options to get to Sado Island. The normal car ferry, or the faster jetfoil.

We took the car ferry in second class and were very pleased with how comfortable it was.

• Car Ferry Price: ¥2420 one-way for second class + ¥260 fuel surcharge
• Jetfoil Price: ¥6510 one-way + ¥260 fuel surcharge
• Schedule: Check the website

BONUS TIP: If you’re planning on using the public buses on Sado Island, and have a day in Niigata to explore, it is worth buying a Sado Gold Passport from the Niigata Ferry Terminal. This includes your return ticket to Sado, unlimited bus travel on Sado for 3 days, and a one-day bus tour in Niigata city. The total price for this is ¥5500

Outside of winter there is also a ferry between Naoetsu and Ogi.

This is very handy if you will be exploring the town of Joetsu on the mainland before or after your trip to Sado Island.

• Price: ¥5050 one-way + ¥260 fuel surcharge

Once you’re on the island, the public bus network isn’t too bad, although can be quite slow.

If you’re up with this, then no problem. Pick up a bus schedule when you get to the Sado ferry terminal, and if you have your Sado Gold Passport, your transport is included with that.

Another option is to book a guided tour of the island. Again, you can book this in the tourism office at the ferry terminal, or through the Visit Sado website.

Or if you prefer to have your own wheels, then get yourself a car and have all the freedom in the world.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Go After Sado Island

Now that you know how to get there, we’re also going to share where else you should visit while you’re in the area.

A short train ride away from the Naotesu ferry terminal is the quirky town of Joetsu.

Home to Japan’s oldest theatre, Japan’s oldest candy store and the iconic gangi roofs that protect pedestrians from enormous snowfall Joetsu is an interesting place to spend the day if you like to get off the beaten path.

Here are some of the best things to do in Joetsu, Japan.

This historic Edo-era castle, built sometime in the 16th century, is a beautiful site, surrounded by a moat and protected by high walls.

You can visit the grounds, or if you come during the spring you’ll be amazed to see the entire place surrounded by cherry blossoms in one of the most dazzling displays in the entire country.

Originally constructed in 1911 to host plays, Takada Sekaikan has had a colourful history over the years.

It became a movie theatre, played exclusively pornography for a while and then turned back into a cinema, which is still open today.

If you happen to be there in the evening you can go and catch a show.

Joetsu also has Japan’s oldest candy shop, so if you have a sweet tooth make sure you stop by.

Mr Takahashi is the current owner, having had the store and its secret recipes passed down through generations.

Originally opened in 1624, this candy shop brought the culture of making Ame candy to town, and quickly developed a stellar reputation.

So famous did it become that one of Japan’s Emperors personally visited to try the candy for himself, and after gaining access to his distributor’s log books, Mr Takahashi recently discovered that his candy has made its way into the palace every year for special events.

The store is open to the public, and while not cheap, when else can you say you’ve eaten the same candy as the Japanese Emperor?

If you’re visiting Sado Island in winter, make sure you set aside some time to hit up the legendary ski resorts over in Myoko.

While many tourists flock to Hokkaido for their skiing trips, the resorts of Myoko receive almost as much snow with a fraction of the visitors.

We spent some time at Akakura Onsen and Akakura Kanko and couldn’t believe just how good the powder was.

Definitely add it to your list of things to do in Japan for after Sado.

Travel Tips for Sado Island

Here are some of our best travel tips for Sado Island.

No matter what time of year you are visiting Sado, make sure you bring a rain jacket.

The weather can turn quite quickly here, and you want to stay protected if it does.

Our biggest regret was that we only had two days in Sado.

You could easily spend a week here, as there’s so much to see and do.

Unless you’re happy with booking a tour throughout your whole time in Sado, or want to use the bus network, it’s best to get a rental car.

This way you’ll have the freedom to explore all the amazing places to visit on Sado Island.

You don’t need to book your ferry ticket before you get there, but make sure you arrive to the terminal with enough time to purchase your tickets before boarding commences.

We got there quite late, and while they let us on the ferry, it was getting close.

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Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Sado Island, Japan | 21 Amazing Things To Do on The Island of Exile & Gold

Sado Island (佐渡島, Sadogashima) is well known as the “ island of exile ” or the “island of gold”, and for being deeply connected with historical figures, tradition and ancient culture. It’s one of the largest Japanese islands, located 32km off the coast of the Niigata Prefecture and even with so much to offer its visitors, it remains to be one of Japan’s best off-the-beaten-path destinations!

In essence, it’s a recognized Geopark that boasts stunning coastlines, pristine forests, charming villages, majestic mountains, cascading rice paddies, splendid natural wonders, temples and shrines galore, and so much more!

Sado is an ideal weekend getaway from the fast-paced, chaotic city life that you’ll experience in Tokyo or Niigata (the port city you’ll visit to reach Sado), and with its untouched forests and rocky bays, this wild, exotic and unique island is perfect for any adventure seeker, history buff or nature lover.

While my recent visit to Sado Island was very brief, it was jam-packed with amazing places, activities and cuisine, and I had a simply fantastic experience driving around this winter wonderland (as I visited during the winter and everything was covered in fluffy white snow!)

I’ve put together this detailed guide of the best things to do in Sado Island to give you tons of ideas on what to do during your visit, as well as including some essential travel tips and visitor information so you can make the most of your time on this sacred little island. 

So let’s get into it! 

How To Get To Sado Island

There’s no commercial airport on Sado, so the only way to the island is by ferry. You can take the Sado Kisen ferry from two different areas but keep in mind some boats do not run year-round. 

• From Niigata City to Ryotsu Port: The Sado Kisen operates both high-speed jetfoils and car ferries to Sado island. The Jetfoils ferry takes approximately one hour and costs ¥6,520 yen ($63.43 USD), whereas the car ferries take double the time (about 2.5 hours) but costs much less, around ¥2,510 ($23.27 USD). 
• From Naoetsu to Ogi Port: The Sado Kisen ferry on this route operates 1-3 car ferries per day from Naoetsu to Ogi Port. It takes 2.5 hours to get there and costs ¥2,720 yen ($25.21 USD). Due to unpredictable weather conditions in the winter season, this ferry does not operate from November to February. 

Most people interested in visiting Sado Island use the first option , as Niigata City (the capital and the most populous city of the Niigata prefecture) is definitely worth a visit for a day or two.

PRO TIP: Sado Island Tourism recently launched a new product called the “ Sado Gold Passport ” which is specifically designed for international visitors. For the price of ¥5,500 yen it includes: round-trip car ferry tickets between Niigata City & Sado City, a 3-day unlimited bus pass for Sado Island and a 1-day unlimited bus pass for Niigata City. You can buy this easily at the Niigata City ferry terminal.

What To Know Before You Visit Sado Island

There are three distinct areas on Sado Island – the Osado Mountain Ranges in the North, the Kosado Hills in the South, and the Mano region with the major city/towns in the middle.

Sado Island is also MUCH larger than you may think, spanning 855 square kilometers (which is 1.4x larger than Tokyo’s 23 wards), and traveling between all the places on the island will take some time. Unless you plan on staying for a longer trip, you might not be able to see/experience everything you’d like, so it’s best to map your days in advance and figure out what’s most important to you (Adventure, Nature, History, Culture, Photography, etc).

Getting Around Sado Island – Fixed Route Bus Pass

Included in the Sado Gold Passport is a 3-Day Unlimited Sightseeing Bus Pass (valued at ¥3,000), and it will include a very handy map showcasing all the various routes, drive times in between each bus stop, and it also makes stops at all the major tourist attractions on Sado Island. They make it really easy to be able to visit Sado Island on a budget, and maximize your time there!  

Renting a Car on Sado Island

While the sightseeing bus system is a pretty extensive and efficient public transportation system, I’d personally recommend renting a car for at least one or two days to provide more flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace. Sado island is a vast destination with a range of attractions and places to visit, and I always think it’s best to drive around, listen to music and stop off wherever you see fit. Take photos, go for a swim (depending on the season), take a scenic hike, or spoil yourself in a quaint restaurant along the way. 

If you do decide to undertake this option, I’d recommend using Island Rent a Car , located just a one to two minute walk from Ryotsu Port Sado Kisen Ferry Terminal. 

PRO TIP: By law, You will NEED an International Driver’s License to rent a car anywhere in Japan. If you don’t have one, then you can hire a sightseeing taxi that can double as a local tour guide! That’s what I mainly used during my visit, and it was a great experience! 

Image via Visit Sado

The Best Things To Do In Sado Island, Japan

1) visit the sado kinzan gold mine.

Sado Kinzan , located in the northwestern district of Aikawa, once produced the largest amount of gold in Japan. The gold mine dates back to over 400 years ago (built during the Edo period), and mined around 78 TONS of gold and silver until production stopped entirely in 1989.

Today, visitors can explore the various mining tunnels and venture around the different routes, learning about its industrial history and its contribution to the modernization of Japan.

There are two different routes to experience the mines – Sodayuko and Doyuko. Doyuko is the more modern Meiji era mine, whereas Sodayuko was mined during the Edo era. In the Sodayuko Tunnel, you can expect to find human-sized mechanical dolls that represent what everyday life was like in the mines. The Doyuko tunnel provides guests with various artifacts to look at that were left behind from the industrialization process. 

While it’s not yet been officially labeled a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is on the list of tentative sites, and Sado Island has been striving to earn this added recognition 

After exploring the mines, visitors have the opportunity to try gold panning for themselves and take home any gold they managed to pan, and don’t forget to visit the gift store on your way out to try one of their impressive gold-themed snacks. 

Fun Fact: The total length of the mining tunnels reaches over 400km long, which is around the same distance between Sado Island and Tokyo!

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 8:20 AM – 5 PM

Ticket Prices: ¥ 900 Yen ($8.33 USD) 

2) Taiko Experience Exchange Center 

Out of all the places I visited during my time on Sado Island, this was surprisingly my favorite! The Taiko Experience Exchange Center gives you the opportunity to try your hand at playing the large and booming Taiko drum (constructed from 600-year old trees), and they offer one hour sessions where a Taiko drum master will teach you all about the unique art form. 

The building itself is quite beautiful with its wooden walls & high ceilings, and the way the drum’s deep bass reverberates through the hall will surely give you goosebumps! 

Taiko drumming is another aspect that makes Sado Island globally recognized, as the Taiko drum professionals – the Kodo Group – regularly tour the world offering unique shows, workshops and performances. 

Towards the end of my hour-long lesson, the Taiko drum master offered a brief 5-minute performance that’s truly impressive! It takes years of practice and apprenticeship (with quite strict lifestyle rules) to become a member of the Kodo Group, and I gained a huge appreciation for the instrument.

I’d recommend checking out the Kodo Group Performance schedule to see if they’ll be performing anytime near you, as I guarantee it’ll be an outstanding show!

3) Discover The World Famous Hokusetsu Sake Brewery Tour

The Niigata Prefecture, including Sado Island, is known for its delicious sake production. In fact, there are more sake distilleries here than in any other region of the country, as the island is filled with fertile soil and is fantastic for agriculture and ideal for rice production. So if you’re traveling through Japan and are interested in a Sake Brewery tour, this is where to do it! 

I spent one morning doing a tour through the Hokusetsu Sake Brewery , learning all about the sake production process, and of course sampling lots of different types. Dating back to 1872, the Hokusetsu Sake Brewery has been visited by some famous Hollywood stars such as actor Robert De Niro, and their sake is known to be served at his Nobu restaurants around the world, in cities such as London, New York, and Dubai. 

Stop off during the afternoon to taste Japan’s favorite alcohol; you certainly won’t want to miss out on this experience!

Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 8 AM – 5 PM

“Beautiful nature makes beautiful sake. The majestic and rough Osado Mountains. The Kosado Mountains, where gentle mountains and sandy beaches spread. Soft natural water that springs from hills and is suitable for rice growing. Sado Island, with its blessed climate, has exactly the perfect conditions for sake brewing.”

4) Explore the Historical Shukengi Village

Step back in time into the Edo Period as you walk around Shukengi, one of Japan’s most important preservation districts for traditional Japanese architecture. With its tiny pathways, unique wooden buildings, and beautiful stone rooftops, it’s a great place to wander around on a self-guided tour. A few must-visit places are the Triangle House, Seikuro Open House, Kado’s Residence, Sabo Yamashita, Shokoji Temple and the Sadokuku Ogi Folk Museum. 

While it’s a very quiet and sleepy area now, Shukengi once flourished as an industrial base for the shipping industry. There is a special ambiance in the air as you walk around Shukengi, and a visit here is certainly something you will not see elsewhere in Japan.

There is a small entrance fee that contributes to the conservation of Shukengi, and to explore everything will only take about 60 minutes! I particularly loved this place because it was covered in snow, and seeing the snow-capped rooftops was pretty magical.

5) Take a Ride in a Taraibune 

Just a few minutes down the road from Shukengi, I had the opportunity to take a ride in one of the island’s iconic traditional Japanese boats – the Taraibune (tub boat). These are wooden elliptical barrel boats, found at the island’s southern access point at Ogi Port.

Visitors can take a 10-minute ride on one of these modes of transport, steered by one of the island locals dressed in colorful, traditional Japanese attire. While the experience itself isn’t all that exhilarating (and I’d skip it if you’re short on time), it was fun to get out on the water and to try to steer the boat myself.

Prices:  ¥ 500 Yen ($4.63 USD) 

6) Walk Through The Toki Forest Park

Sado Island offers some spectacular fauna and flora, and is home to the endangered Toki (Japanese crested ibis). These birds nearly became extinct, but in recent years due to rehabilitation efforts, population numbers are rapidly increasing! These birds can be spotted in the Toki Forest Park, and are quite popular amongst tourists and locals! 

7) Visit the Seisuiji Temple 

Seisuiji Temple was founded in 808, by Ken’o Hoshi, a Buddhist monk who came from Kyoto on a missionary tour. 

After taking a stroll up the tranquil stoned-path lined with beautifully and towering cedar trees, you’ll arrive at the Seisuiji Temple wooden deck and viewing platform. It’s one of the main temples on the “ S ado’s Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route”, and is the perfect blend of Japanese architecture, religion and nature. 

It also offers a pretty fantastic photo opportunity ;-)

8) Explore Senkakuwan Bay

“Exquisite Works of Art carved by the Clear Waters of the Sea”

Senkakuwan Bay is a 4km stretch of coastline across five different coves that offers some of the best scenic views on the entire island! It has earned recognition as a quasi-national park for its rugged coastlines with incredible precipices towering 30 meters high over the sea. Similar to the steep, jagged cliffs of Hardangerfjord in Norway (which Senkakuwan is a direct translation of), visitors can enjoy this majestic landscape from the Ageshima Yuen viewing deck, or by taking a glass-bottom boat ride through the bay. Also, be sure to visit the Sado Osaki Lighthouse while you’re there! 

Take a look through this stunning drone footage for an idea of what to expect!

9) Soak up a Hot Spring Bath – A Japanese Onsen

Did you know that Sado Island has hot springs? 

As a volcanic island, its thermal waters are found above the earth’s surface in Ryotsu, Aikawa, and Ogi – ideal places for sightseeing and bathing! Experiencing these hot springs can be done in an onsen (Japanese hot spring/spa). 

During my trip to Japan, I had the pleasure of visiting nearly a dozen different onsens across the country, and I became obsessed with the ritual. It’s incredibly relaxing and makes your skin feel so buttery smooth! 

You can find public bathhouses like the Kurtherme Sado , and many hotels in Sado offer their own onsens. So enjoy the stunning views, rejuvenate your mind and body and sit back as you soak up the natural bubbling spring waters. 

10) Relax by Lake Kamo 

Like Lake Kawaguchi that is nestled below Mt.Fuji in Tokyo, Lake Kamo offers a similar landscape of serene beauty.

Lake Kamo is the largest lake in the Niigata prefecture and is astonishingly beautiful throughout the seasons. In spring, it is surrounded by cherry blossoms and winter provides snow-covered trees. 

There is a promenade and a bike path along the lake which can make for a nice sunset activity, or you can just find the perfect picnic spot to sit and enjoy the scenery.

11) Bask In The Sun At Some Of The Most Beautiful Beaches

Sado Island offers some of the most exquisite beaches in Japan, and even if it’s not swimming season they are worth a visit. Some are covered in rocky outcrops, whereas others are covered in soft white sand.  

One of the most popular is Futatsugame Beach , which was selected as one of the Top 100 Beaches in the country, as well as being awarded two prestigious Michelin stars in the Michelin Green Guide . With its crystal clear waters and unbeatable scenery, this is definitely a must-visit for your Sado Island getaway! 

A few more beaches to add to your list are: 

• Sawata Beach  
• Jogahama Beach
• Sobama Beach

One thing to look out for when visiting Sado is its unique black sand beaches, which are ridiculously gorgeous year-round! With black sand beneath your feet and the dramatic mountainous background fringed with jewel-colored waters, these beaches offer a picture-perfect place for any photographer or Insta-lover. 

12) Get A Panoramic View From Mt. Donden

The view from Mt. Donden looks as if it was taken straight from a scene from “The Sound of Music.” Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you trek up the incline, and get pumped up for a spectacular view!

Located at the base of the steep Osado Mountains, you’ll be amazed by the gorgeous array of wildflowers and plants, and the area is popular with adventure seekers/hikers during spring and summer. 

Mount Donden has been chosen as one of the Top 100 Mountains in Japan!

13) Visit Chokokuji Temple – The “Rabbit Temple”

The Chokokuji Temple is another iconic Sado Island temple founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi), a Japanese Buddhist saint. 

The temple is known as a temple of flowers, specifically the peony – and offers a range of activities for guests to enjoy, suitable for families, couples and solo travelers. 

Besides playing with adorable rabbits, you can join in on a meditation session, do coloring and origami activities, sip on tea or simply explore the serene temple grounds. 

I didn’t make it here during my brief visit to Sado, but it’s definitely on my to-do list for when I make it back!

14) Experience The Sado Legacy – Iwakubi Shoryu Tanada

Sado, famous for its top-quality rice (and sake), offers scenic terraced rice fields (Tanada) that fit together like a puzzle into the spectacular landscape. Many rice cultivations here are done entirely by hand. 

The Sado’s mountainous Tanada has been recognized by the World Agricultural Heritage, which aims to preserve these picturesque fields. About 460 paddies still remain today, and they are made full use of. Paddies on these steep slopes include the Iwanek Shoryu Rice Terrace, Katanoo Tanada, North One Side Rice Terrace, Tsukifuse Tanada and Guru Tanada. 

15) Trek Up Onogame (Turtle Rock)

On Sado Island, turtles are considered a sacred animal and are symbols of longevity, endurance and the continuation of life. 

There are two turtle-shaped rocks on Sado Island, and you can trek up the mountain to the top of Big Turtle Rock, where you will find a small shrine. This trek is perfect for hiking year-round (but I’d be sure to check the weather to avoid getting caught in the rain).

16) Visit the Folk Museums

The Sado’s Akadomari Folk Museum is undoubtedly one of a kind. The museum hosts a large collection of articles and exhibits that portray the lives of the common folk. While it may not be interesting to everyone, it’s a well laid-out exhibit filled with festivals, intricate deity masks and folk materials.

As previously mentioned, the Sadokuku Ogi Folk Museum has a collection of 30,000 artifacts about the folk people and their lives during the Showa times (1926 – 1989), and the museum also showcases shipbuilding and fishery artifacts.

17) Taste Some Of The Delicious Local Fruit

Sado Island provides a range of seasonal fruit, producing some of the tastiest and rarest fresh produce in the world. Ranging from Le Lectier ( pear) to the seedless Okesakagi (Okesa persimmons). Guests will undoubtedly be blown away by these mouth-watering offerings. 

There is also the Voilette de Sollies figs , which due to their exclusivity, were given the name of “rare black diamonds.” 

18) Try out Mumyoui Pottery

Made from Mumyoui clay obtained near the Sado goldmines, there’s a small pottery studio/workshop on Sado Island where you can try molding some pottery yourself! It’s a fantastic shop with tons of unique, colorful and intricately crafted pottery for sale, but the highlight of any visit is getting your hands dirty and making a small cup as a souvenir to take home with you!

Mumyoui is not your average clay as it requires extra processing efforts, and when it is baked it contracts up to 30%, resulting in a very solid and dense finished product. As well, the more you use your new Mumyoui pottery, the shinier it gets! How cool is that? Mumyoui has become tremendously popular amongst Japanese locals as it’s known to enhance the drinking experience of green tea, coffee, sake and beer! 

The staff at the Mumyoui Pottery are all extremely nice, and their passion and talent really shines through their work!

There are actually many different Mumyoui Pottery shops on Sado Island, but I visited the  Gyokudo Kamamoto pottery shop, ocated along Route 350, in the area once known as Sawata Town.

19) Eat Nishime

Japan is known for its delicious cuisine, and each prefecture has its own unique soul food. For Sado Island, nishime is the go-to dish!

Nishime is a hot pot style dish that contains various ingredients such as eggs, carrots, bamboo shoots, tofu, daikon (Japanese horseradish) and bits of konjac starch. It’s a simple yet tasty dish, and is a cultural must-try while visiting Sado Island!  

20) Take A Scenic Drive 

While I’ve already touched on this quite a bit, driving around Sado Island is truly spectacular. The roads are all very well maintained (although American drivers might find it a bit tricky to drive on the other side of the road), and you could spend all day driving around the entire island!  

Cruise down the Osado Skyline and along the winding mountain roads, and you will discover so many different panoramic viewpoints of this wondrous destination!

21) Celebrate The Earth At The Earth Celebration Festival

Last, but certainly not least, every year since 1988, Sado island holds the annual Earth Celebration Festival in mid-August. This three-day event brings crowds together in the small town of Ogi to celebrate their international arts festival. The festival honors the earth by incorporating drumming, nature, humanity, and Japanese culture.

The Kodo Group (Taiko drum masters) perform every year at the festival, as well as other famous musicians from around the world who come to collaborate with the Kodo Taiko. 

It’s listed on The 30 Music Festivals in Japan For Your Bucket List , so if you’re planning a trip during the summer, Earth Celebration Festival should definitely be added to your itinerary! 

Ticket Prices:  ¥5,000 – ¥13,000 ($46 – $120 USD)

https://www.earthcelebration.jp/en/

Where To Stay In Sado Island

With Sado Island being a relatively large destination, there’s a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from here. Where you choose to stay really depends on the length of your visit, and what’s most important to you. I’d personally recommend staying in the Mano region (central Sado), as it’ll provide a much better jumping-off point to explore both the North and South regions of the island.

Hotel Yahatakan Ryokan  

What better way to experience the authentic Sado Island life than to stay in a traditional Japanese Inn – a ryokan. During my visit to Sado Island, I stayed at the Hotel Yahatakan and it could not have been more perfect. This was my first experience at a ryokan, and I loved the spacious room with a window looking out at the mountains. At first I was a bit confused as there wasn’t a bed in my room, but soon realized that the staff prepare your bed each night by using the heavy blankets and pillows in the closet. 

A few more recommended places to stay to on Sado Island

• Kohan No Yado Yoshidaya Ryokan – Another stunning ryokan to stay at is the Kohan No Yado Yoshidaya Ryokan near Ryotsu Port. It has gorgeous views of Lake Kamo and serves delectable seafood. 
• Hostel Perch – This gorgeous hostel features a bar, free private parking, a garden, air-conditioned rooms, and a shared lounge. There is a hot tub as well as a shared kitchen on the property. 
• Guest Villa on the BI-ICHI   – This beautifully designed hotel is situated in a quaint neighborhood near a beautiful beach. 
• Sado Resort Hotel Azuma – This gorgeous resort is situated at the top of a hill offering panoramic views of the quasi-national park. The resort is famous for its outdoor features and specialty dishes. 

Fun Facts About Sado Island

• The population of residents on Sado Island is only 53,952 – with the majority of them over the age of 60, but there are also a large number of immigrants and the younger generation to keep things diverse!
• At the beginning of the rice planting season in mid-April and again in October, the locals dress up as demons and dance to the sound of taiko drums and flutes. This is called the Onidaiko dance, a ritual to ward off demons while praying for a bountiful harvest. 
• Nichiren Daishonin was a Buddhist priest (and Japanese exile) who was banished to the island from 1271 to 1274 for writing about “ Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land .” 
• The island’s economy is based widely on rice cultivation and fishing. 
• The island is famous throughout Japan for a folk dance known as okesa. This dance style was once performed by the men who worked in the island’s gold mines. 
• Aikawa is the largest town situated on the western coast of the island. This village experienced a gold rush during the Meiji period (1868-1912). 

Where To Visit After Sado Island

Looking for some more unique destinations to visit after your Sado Island explorations? While everyone knows the chaotic cities like Tokyo & Osaka, I’d love to introduce you to some more of Japan’s best-hidden gems that you’ll absolutely fall in love with!

Kanazawa City 

“The Jewel of Japan”

Kanazawa is the capital city of the Ishikawa Prefecture and is easily reached by a scenic hi-speed train ride down from Niigata City. Kanazawa was actually the first destination I visited in all of Japan, and was the perfect start to my trip! Surrounded by the Japan Alps, Hakusan National Park, and Noto Peninsula National Park — Kanazawa is a big city but offers a beautiful natural backdrop that provides its visitors a relaxed tourism experience.

Complete with an iconic picturesque castle fortress, unique historical districts, real Geisha performers, and glittering gold leaf souvenirs — there really is something to offer everyone in Kanazawa. While I loved every place I visited during my one-day visit here, the main highlight was definitely exploring the massive and famous Kenrokuen Gardens, which has even been named one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and originated over 300 years ago! 

It’s a city that shines year-round, but Kanazawa is most popular to visit during the iconic cherry blossom season (as the city’s sights and parks are unbelievably colorful and peaceful). Brimming with lots of fun things to do, delicious Japanese cuisine, and lots of fun day-trips – a trip to Kanazawa would be a perfect addition to your Japan itinerary! 

Nanto City & Gassho-Style Houses

Located deep in a valley surrounded by steep mountains, Nanto City is under an hour’s drive from Kanazawa, and was another memorable highlight from my recent Japanese adventures! While the natural snowy landscape (since I visited during the winter) is worth the visit alone, the main reason you NEED to visit Nanto is to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites famous for its preservation of traditional Gassho-style houses . 

These are made without the use of any nails or metal , but instead are built up with heavy ropes and Neso (a type of witch hazel which serve as natural materials for strength and flexibility)!  

It’s a perfect day-trip or weekend getaway with lots to explore in the area! While it may be difficult to visit everything in the area, be sure to check out  Suganuma Gassho-style Village,  Iwase House, and  Ainokura Gassho-Zukuri Village

Visiting here will give you a strong sense of stepping back in time as you learn all about this ancient home-building process, and how they protected the people in one of the heaviest snowfall regions in all of Japan. In fact, when I went I had never experienced snow like that in my entire life! 

Pro Tip  — you’ll need to rent a car for a day to properly explore this region! If you’re uncomfortable driving in the snow or don’t have your driver’s license, you can rent a tourist taxi who will drive you around all day (which is always nice since you don’t have to worry about directions). 

Sado Island – One Of Japan’s Best Kept Secrets

When you’re planning your trip to Japan and feel you want to take a more unconventional break from trawling the streets of magnificent Tokyo or Osaka, hop over to Sado Island. This little island is filled with so much possibility for adventure and so many unique sights to see.  

Explore gold mines, hike up Mt. Donden or enjoy a hot spring bath. This island is rich in history and spectacular natural beauty. There are so many reasons why you should consider a retreat to this little island to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Sado Island is  an undiscovered island paradise, with some visitors even calling it Japan’s mini Hawaii!

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I loved Sado Island when I visited! Great article

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Sado: A Golden Isle in the Sea of Japan

The Best of Japan in One Island

Sado lies in the Sea of Japan off the west coast of Honshū in Niigata Prefecture. At around 855 square kilometers, roughly 1.5 times the size of central Tokyo’s 23 municipalities, it is Japan’s eighth largest island (including the Northern Territories currently held by Russia), and supports a population of about 57,000. Often called a microcosm of Japan, it offers visitors rich history, diverse culture, and an array of natural wonders.

Contrary to its historical reputation as a remote island—in bygone eras it was where exiles were sent to live out their lives far from the civilization of the main Japanese islands—Sado today is an easy trip from Tokyo. Visitors from the capital can reach the main port of Ryōtsu in around four hours, a journey that includes a two-hour Shinkansen ride and an hour-long sea  journey from the port of Niigata by jetfoil.

Nakagawa Yūji of Sado’s tourism department says that among the island’s many treasures, its gold mine, crested ibis, and rugged landscape are its crown jewels.

The first of these, the Sado kinzan gold mine, was discovered in 1601. Word of the mountain’s riches quickly spread to the feudal capital of Edo where Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, subsequently placed the mine and island under direct control of the central government in 1603. In the late nineteenth century the Meiji government introduced new mining machinery and techniques, using the precious metals extracted to help finance the country’s modernization. The mine was finally closed in 1989 after nearly 400 years. There are now efforts underway to register the Sado gold mine as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sado’s Golden Past

One of the best ways to experience the history of Sado is to explore the Sado kinzan gold mine. At the museum visitors can traverse old shafts dug during the Edo period (1603–1868) and see the harsh conditions and back-breaking work miners had to endure in the process of extracting the precious metal from ore.

Officials sent to oversee the mine’s operations helped spread the traditional performing art of nō throughout the island. A third of Japan’s nō stages are found on Sado, and dances, chanting, and other aspects of the art remain popular pursuits among islanders. Zeami, an influential nō performer and playwright banished to the island in 1434, is often attributed with establishing the art on Sado, but it is mine administrator Ōkubo Nagayasu (1543–1613) who deserves the real credit. Born in a family with strong connections to nō and other performing arts, Ōkubo, an accomplished nō actor in his own right, brought a band of performers and musicians with him when he arrived on the island in 1603.

Fishing and Traditional Arts

Supporting the kinzan mine also required reliable maritime transport to bring in workers and ferry gold to the mainland. In 1614 the shogunate opened a new port along the Ogi coast on the southern tip of the island that developed as a center of commercial shipping. Many shipbuilders and merchants settled in the nearby hamlet of Shukunegi, where today closely packed wooden buildings remain as a testament to that prosperous era.

Starting from the Nara period (710–94) exiles, political and otherwise, were sent to the island. Following the Jōkyū War in 1221, the retired Emperor Juntoku was banished to Sado for his role in the uprising. During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the priest Nichiren was expelled by the feudal government and used his time on Sado to establish temples and create core tenets of a new branch of Buddhism.

Getting Around

Sado has an extensive bus system, but its limited schedule of runs makes it inconvenient for travelers who are only staying for a short period. For time-constrained visitors wanting to make the most of their trip, renting a car is a good way to see the main attractions. The 30-kilometer long Ōsado Skyline linking Aikawa to Kanai is a popular route. Climbing to over 900 meters, the roadway offers stunning views of the island’s natural scenery all year round.

tourism travel Sado Niigata Discover Sado: An Island Apart

A Trip to Sado Island

Sado Island, located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, is Japan's second largest island after Okinawa and is known for possessing a rich history and culture. Up until the middle ages, this island served as a place of exile where many influential figures were sent for opposing the government. The isle experienced a boom during the Edo Period when large amounts of gold were discovered and were subsequently mined on an industrial scale. The gold rush brought vast wealth and attracted people from all over Japan, enabling a rich and diverse culture to flourish on the island. With such an interesting heritage, we were eager to begin our trip and to discover the island for ourselves.

We land on Sado Island after a 65 minute jetfoil (high-speed ferry) ride from the mainland and immediately go in search of food. Furumaiya Nagamo lies around five minutes from the ferry terminal by car and is an ideal place to eat when landing at the port of Ryotsu on the east of the island. The owner of this eatery is also the chef and fisherman, an aspect that ensures only the freshest seafood is served to hungry customers like us. Indeed the seafood platter we order is fresh and delicious, from the sashimi to the cooked oysters from Lake Kamo, Niigata Prefecture's biggest lake.

Reinvigorated and with full stomachs, it's time to go temple viewing and the first we explore is a gem. Seisuiji Temple was founded in the year 808 by a monk from Kyoto and was built with a protruding stage on its upper levels reminiscent of Kyoto's exalted Kiyomizudera. The ascent up stone steps to the main hall is very atmospheric and is said to be at its most spectral in the early morning when thick fog hangs over the surrounding forest. The complex itself is grand and rustic, and ascending more stone steps leads us to the temple's stage which overlooks the forest.

Next we head to Chokokuji, a temple on a hill with a picturesque ascent up to its pagoda. There are dozens of rabbits hopping around the grounds, all of them cared for by the temple's head priest. He kindly shows us the inner grounds of the temple and takes us to a room where visitors can meditate whilst lying inside a wooden coffin. A tad unorthodox, the belief behind the practice is that after spending time in the coffin one is reborn as a better person. Whether or not one finds this tradition appealing, it is undeniably intriguing.

Having worked up an appetite we follow our noses to Aikawa, a quaint town with a yakitori restaurant very well known in these parts. Like where we ate lunch, Kinpuku is a one man show with the owner being the lone steward of the smoky grills, the only difference being that he doesn't himself catch and kill the meat he serves, or so we presume. It's a Monday night but Kinpuku is packed and the atmosphere is lively and jovial. We order and gorge down a variety of the large selection of yakitori the owner grills up including old favorites like chicken thigh with leek and tebasaki (chicken wings), as well as less traditional but no less delicious yakitori like grilled tomato wrapped in bacon. We wash it all down with some refreshing local sake. Next it's off to another popular eatery in town, Takeya, where we eat a delectable sashimi platter with shrimp, tuna and sea snail helped along with more sake.

We rise the next morning and eat a traditional breakfast at our ryokan overlooking the ocean on Sado Island's west coast. Taking in the fresh sea air, we hop in the car and drive along the island's meandering roads to the area where Sado's old gold mine is located. Sado Kinzan Gold Mine was established in the early Edo Period following the discovery of gold on the island. The vast wealth generated from the mine helped to finance the Tokugawa Shogunate and also made nearby Oma Port and surroundings a boom town with a population of 100,000 in its zenith, incredibly twice that of the whole island today.

The first thing we behold when we arrive is the Kitazawa Flotation Plant, an imposing complex previously used to separate the mined precious metals from their ore. Built in 1937, the plant employed the then cutting edge technique of 'flotation and dressing' in which bubbles were used to extract the gold and silver and bring it to the surface. At its peak, the plant was known as the largest of its kind in the East and today stands eerily quiet as a dilapidated yet majestic reminder of the past industry of Sado Island.

From the Flotation Plant we climb the hill to Kyomachi Street, where mine workers and prospectors lived side by side during the Edo Period. The preserved Edo-style buildings still house a small community which includes a craft shop and a post office as well as the infamous Aikawa Detention House, a small jail that served the area in the mid twentieth century and is now open for the public to explore. Our appetite for history whetted, we decide to move on to another of the island's old neighborhoods, but not before grabbing lunch at Shimafumi, a fetching roadside bakery and restaurant with breathtaking views of the ocean.

The next stop is Shukunegi, an old port town that flourished during the gold rush. Traditionally, the town has been inhabited by shipbuilders and merchants; a testament to which is in the construction of the houses which in some cases use old ship boards as walls. The narrow alleys are alive with echoes of centuries past, and a few of the houses are open to the public. There is also a minshuku (Japanese style guest house).

All this exploring has left us in need of some relaxation, and what better way to do so than by experiencing one of Sado Island's most famous traditional practices? Taraibune or hangiri (literally 'half barrel') are a type of wooden sea vessel that resemble large tubs that the locals began fishing from to avoid paying a boat tax during the Edo Period. Today, visitors can experience a mini voyage in one of these curious sea crafts captained by one of the local women in traditional dress. It is possible also to take a Taraibune tour from Ogi and Shukunegi, however the Yajima-Kyojima location comes to us as a special recommendation and is the only place where the floating tubs have glass bottoms through which to observe sea life. The experience doesn't disappoint and on the tranquil float around Yajima-Kyojima's small inlet, a variety of sea life can be seen including mackerel, oysters and blow fish. At 500 yen for roughly 20 minutes, the trip is good value too.

Sado Island is also known as the last home of the Japanese crested ibis. Referred to as toki in Japanese, this symbolic bird was driven to extinction in Japan. The Sado Island Toki Forest Park is the place where the bird is currently bred in captivity with the intention to return the species to stable numbers. We explore the park and its enclosures that house the birds and are able to get up close to them. Seeing the birds healthy and in fair numbers gives us hope for the species and is an aptly positive conclusion to our tour of this beautiful island. On the way back to the ferry terminal, there's time to fit in a shrine and some more breathtaking views of the island.

To book your trip to serene Sado Island, visit Booking.com .

• Sado official tourist information
• 2,000 yen Cash back Campaign for Visitors to Sado island
• Transportation information from Tokyo to Sado
• Car ferry and jetfoil ferry services to Sado Island
• From Niigata Airport to Niigata Port

Top 10 Things to Do on Sado Island

Located in the Eastern Sea of Japan, Sado Island (佐渡島, Sadogashima) is Niigata’s best-kept secret . Sado Island is a beautiful island with beautiful beaches, rich nature, and old temples and shrines.The history of the large island stretches as far back as the 8th century as Japan took direct control of the area. While you explore the island it’s easy to feel as if you stepped into another world. Explore the gold mines and ruins to get a sense of the island’s role in Japan’s later development. The remoteness of the island made it an ideal area to exile criminals and other undesirables from the mainland. The exiles allowed for Sado Island to develop its own distinct culture and accent and traces of this mixture of culture and religion are still noticeable today. Reachable only by ferry, you’ll likely want to take your time exploring the island. Here are the top ten things to do on Sado Island. 

Ferry from Niigata to Ryotsu

Ferry from naoetsu to ogi, getting around sado island, 1. sado gold mine , 2. toki forest park, 3. kitazawa fuyu senkojo , 4. the tarai bune rides , 5. futatsugame beach , 6. chokokuji rabbit statue, 7. shukunegi fisherman village, 8. sado history museum, 9. hokusetsu sake brewery, 10. senkakuwan bay , where to stay on sado island, other articles you might like, how to get to sado island.

Sado island is located about 50km off the coast of Niigata Prefecture and travelling to Sado Island can only be done by ferry. You can either take the ferry from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port on the eastside of the island (all year round) or from Naoetsu Port to Ogi Port on the southern part of Sado Island.

• Car ferry: 2 hours 30 minutes , ¥2,600 pp + ¥17,500 for the car
• Jetfoil: 1 hour , ¥6,700 pp
• From Tokyo; take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata Station (2 hrs, ¥10,500, covered by JR Pass) or the (overnight) bus (5.5 hrs, ¥3,000 – ¥6,000). From Niigata Station it is a 15 min bus ride to the ferry terminal).
• Jetfoil: 70 min., ¥6,900 pp
• No service in winter (Nov. – Apr.)
• From Tokyo; take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu Myoko Station (~2 hrs, ¥9,000 covered by JR Pass) and travel to a local train to Naoetsu Station (15 min, ¥340, not covered by JR Pass).

The best and most convenient way to get around Sado Island is by driving a (rental) car . There are no trains on the island and with infrequent and slow busses, driving yourself around is just much easier. There are many car rental places near the port and the road conditions are good along the main roads.

Called the sado kinzan in Japanese, the gold mines on the island were once the most productive mines in all of Japan. The mines produced nearly 400 kg of gold as well as smaller amounts of copper and silver. Throughout the Edo Period , the mines served as a major source of revenue for the Tokugawa shogunate. Mine operation ceased in 1989, but it’s currently open to the public for visitors to explore. Some courses lead through the mining tunnels. The first course takes you through the Edo period tunnels with life-sized animatronic miners working the mines. The second course leads you through the newer mines which were built during the Meiji Period .

Sado Gold Mine 8am – 5.30pm (April to October) 8am – 17pm (November to March) Admission fee ¥900 for either course, ¥1,400 for both courses

The national bird of Sado Island, the crested ibis or toki, was once on the verge of extinction. The Toki Forest Park serves as a conservation park and museum where visitors can see these rare birds and learn more about the efforts to increase their population. The bird suffered from overhunting and habitat loss during the Meiji Period, by 1981 the last few toki left on the island were captured to be the start of a breeding program. The first program failed in 2003 when the last native bird died in captivity but since 2008, the park has been able to reintroduce toki back into the wild. Today several hundred toki are living in the wild again. 

Toki Forest Park 8am – 5.30pm Admission fee ¥400

Many visitors love exploring the depths of Japan for the inspiration of their favorite Ghibli movies . The Ghibli movie Laputa: Castle in the Sky was inspired by the ruins of Kitazawa Fuyu Senkojo. Only a few minutes from the gold mines by car, Kitazawa Fuyu Senkojo once manufactured copper. The way the greenery entangles itself around the large building is reminiscent of a mystical forgotten castle. The ruins are illuminated in the evening from 7pm-9pm during the tourist season (from spring to autumn). The colorful lights, combined with the starry backdrop will make anyone feel as if they’re in the middle of a fairy tale. 

Another activity that feels like it took a page from a Studio Ghibli adventure is the Tarai bune boat rides. Participants are seated in a wooden boat that’s shaped like a large barrel. You’ll be able to get an up-close and personal look at the surrounding turquoise water of Sado Island. The most popular place to do experience the tarai bune boats is near Ogi Port. For ¥500 you can make a short boat tube experience between 8am and 5pm, depending on the season. Aside from providing an unforgettable experience the boats are often used to catch abalone and mollusks. 

The northern tip of Sado Island is home to Futatsugame beach, and it’s considered one of the top 100 sea bathing spots in Japan. The offshore islet is said to resemble two turtles. Spend a day relaxing in the clearest waters in Western Japan. If you’d like a little more adventure, there are hiking trails that take you up the cliffs for a gorgeous view of the sea. 

The deep history of Sado Island can be felt all over Japan. The Chokokuji Temple was founded by Kobo Daishi, the same monk who founded the Koyasan Temple in Wakayama Prefecture . The temple is well known for its peonies, it recently gained popularity for its 20-foot tall Rabbit Kannon. The statue is a large white rabbit with an image of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, sculpted onto its chest. The priest had it constructed to honor the large community of friendly domestic rabbits in the area that help keep the temple’s lawn nicely trimmed. 

Ogi town doesn’t see many visitors these days, but we recommend stopping by this traditional village while on Sado Island and make a short detour to Shukunegi Fisherman Village as well. There are about 200 houses connected by small alleys and passageways throughout the town. The 200-year-old houses were once homes to the fishermen in the village who managed to provide fish for the whole island. Few houses are inhabited today. The occupied homes show some signs of life with potted flowers, and colored fruits to brighten up the deserted landscape. 

The Sado History Museum reenacts the historical events of the local legends on the island. The use of robots and animatronic puppets helps visitors to really picture life in feudal Japan as well as bring to life some of the historical figures associated with the island. The main exhibits focus on three important exiles to Sad – Emperor Juntoku, Buddhist monk Nichiren, and Zeami. 

Sado History Museum 8.30am – 5pm (Apr. – Nov.) 9am – 4.30pm (Dec. – Mar.) Admission fee ¥800

Sake is an important part of Japanese culture and history . The Hokusetsu Sake Brewery boasts a long history of top-quality sake making of more than a century and a half old. The brewery is home to the sake used in Michelin-starred Nobu restaurants all over the world. It attracts many celebrities to the charming building every year. There are countless shelves of sake bottles for visitors to explore. The brewery is a must-see for alcohol enthusiasts. Visitors can take a free sake (tasting) tour to learn more about the sake brewing process and of course taste the famous Japanese drink (reservation required). From May until October you can also join a free factory tour.

The coastal landforms of Sado Island are truly a sight to take in. The quasi-national park Senkakuwan Bay is made up of five bays spanning three kilometers in the Aikawa district. The fifth bay, Ageshima Fjord, offers sweeping views of the area and the eroded cliffs. There is also a saltwater aquarium housing fish from the coastal waters, along with stalls and a canteen.

There are quite a few accommodation options available on Sado Island dotted around the island. We recommend to stay near Sado city, so that you can easily explore both sides of the island.

• Hotel Familio Sadoaikawa – Spectacularly located on the a cliff, facing the sea, this hotel is a great place to relaxed and watch the sunset.
• Guest Villa on the BI-CHI – A beach front villa with free parking space available
• Rosencat – a lovely little home stay with spacious rooms and nice restaurants nearby.

Sado Island is a well-kept secret of Japan, offering historical culture along with amazing views from coast to coast. The spectacular scenery is a surprise to many. Why don’t you visit here for your next vacation?

Follow us on  Instagram ,  Facebook  and  Twitter  for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured! 

Happy traveling!

Jamila Brown is a five-year resident of Japan, teaching in the day and writing at night. She enjoys movies, reading, cosplaying, and eating good food in her downtime.

This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra costs to you.

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• Sado Island

Truly Japan in microcosm - an island replete with four beautiful seasons and attractive traditional culture

Sado Island is Japan’s second largest island after the island of Okinawa. This large island features a whole range of attractions, from stunning natural environments to relaxed “island time,” and could be said to represent the whole of Japan in microcosm.

The culture of Sado has broadly three characteristics. The first is the aristocratic culture passed down by nobles and scholars who were exiled here. The second is the samurai culture that was brought from Edo (present-day Tokyo) by magistrates and officials as the gold mine was developed. The third is the culture of townspeople, brought to Sado by the merchants and sailors of the kitamaebune (northern-bound ships). It is these three cultures that over the course of time have combined and developed uniquely together.

It is not only the culture of Sado that is diverse, the natural environment also boasts tremendous diversity. The fact that Sado lies precisely on the 38th parallel, which is the dividing line between cold-temperate and warm-temperate plant life, means that it is home to incredibly rare ecosystems, with almost 1,700 species from both the warm and cold regions. The various coastal features of the Japanese islands are all present in Sado, and the physical environment here is almost like an exhibition of various natural formations. Sado is also listed as one of Japan’s geoparks and much of the island is designated as the Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Quasi-National Park.

Why not make the voyage to Sado, an island brimming with attractions, from the gold mine that funded the Edo Shogunate to top-class seafood?

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5 reasons to visit Japan's Sado Island

With its fascinating history, lively festivals and diverse landscapes, Japan’s Sado Island encapsulates much of what makes the country such a great place to visit.

A ragged ‘S’ off the north coast of central Japan, Sado — the country’s sixth-largest island — is a lesser-known destination for most travellers, yet it embodies many of the finest elements of Japan’s culture and history. As a former place of exile, disgraced aristocrats and scholars were sent to Sado to live out their days. With thriving gold mines and lying on a busy shipping route, Sado once contained a broad mix of Japanese society in miniature — home to samurai warriors and working-class merchants. Its geography is also a microcosm of Japan, with emerald-green lagoons, cedar forests and the grand Osado mountain range. Sado is an overlooked gem, with its temples, tub-boats and toki (crested ibis birds) providing a nature-filled getaway. Combined with a city break in Niigata on the mainland, a visit here allows travellers to experience the best of Japan.

1. Discover the island’s unique history

In Shukunegi, Sado’s medieval port in a pretty cove, great sengoku bune ships were built and in turn used to build the town — over 100 wooden houses made of old ship planks form fascinating close-knit warrens through Shukunegi. The town is also one spot on Sado where visitors can enjoy a ride in a tarai-bune , a traditional tub fishing vessel, which is made from a miso barrel cut in half. Originally called hangiri , meaning ‘half-cut’, the distinctive tarai-bune are still used by locals for fishing around Ogi Peninsula.

Gold was discovered on Sado in the 17th century, bringing culture and commerce, and causing quiet island life to change dramatically. By the mid-17th century, Sado’s gold mines were Japan’s most productive, funding much of the ostentatious Tokugawa Shogunate (the military government of Japan during the Edo period from 1603 to 1868). Based on the west coast, Sado Gold Mine is now an atmospheric tunnel museum open to the public. Visitors can also go panning for gold at Nishimikawa Gold Park.

Sado is also known for its creative scene, including music, Noh — a form of traditional Japanese theatre — and onidaiko festivals. Meaning ‘masked deity dance’, onidaiko (which translates as ‘demon drumming’) is a performance art featuring masked dancers and Japanese taiko drumming, which is traditionally done to ward off negative energy and pray for a rich rice harvest. Onidaiko has given birth to the renowned Kodo drumming ensemble, which hosts the island’s Earth Celebration music festival every year. Visitors can also see taiko drumming year-round at the Sado Island Taiko Centre , where two enormous drums hand-carved from a 600-year-old zelkova log are housed.

2. Explore incredible coastal landscapes

With 174 miles of coastline, Sado has astonishing ocean scenery. Senkakuwan on the west coast, a striking two-mile stretch of five small bays, with steep 98-foot-high cliffs, is best seen from panoramic viewing decks above or from marine park boats below.

Further south, Nagate-misaki is a picturesque peninsula of sea-carved volcanic rocks. As Sado’s sunset spot, its islet-dotted waters are painted tangerine in the evening before giving way to sensational stargazing. Also in the south, the volcanic Ogi Coast is home to the gorgeous islands of Yajima and Kyojima, which are connected to one another by a striking red arched bridge.

Inland, Lake Kamo — the largest lake in Niigata prefecture — reflects the seasons, with cherry blossom in spring and a wintry backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The lake has cycle paths, a promenade and oyster farms, too.

3. Encounter rare wildlife across the island’s ecosystems

Sado’s varied nature and geography have given rise to precious ecosystems full of brilliant fauna and flora. As a migratory stopover in a temperate region, Sado is a temporary home to a large number of bird species, including falcons, herons, hoopoes and white-tailed eagles.

Sado’s celebrity, the rare toki , is a crested ibis that loves to stalk about the rice paddies, its face a splash of scarlet amid the fluttering green. These birds are often found together with pure-white herons, the latter sometimes fooling bird-spotters into thinking they’re toki — but you can usually catch the real deal in the Kuninaka area’s rice fields or at Toki Rapport Plaza, a sustained natural habitat. Local farmers are looking to encourage birdlife by reducing chemical use and filling paddies with water year-round.

The rest of Sado is largely covered by protected national parkland, which includes pristine primeval woodland — such as the ethereal Osado Ishina Natural Cedar Forest — and extensive mountain ranges that are home to phenomenal plant life.

4. Sample Sado’s specialities

With so much coast and a blend of warm and cool currents, Sado is awash with excellent seafood. Its glassy green-blue waters are home to the likes of buri   (yellowtail), zuwai kani (snow crab) and i ka   (squid). Specialities include exquisitely fresh sashimi, and buri-katsudon — fried yellowtail cutlet on rice.

Sado also produces a variety of fruits including apples, mandarin oranges, kiwis and even grapes. Perhaps most popular is kaki   (persimmon), a sweet, delicate fruit in season from November to January. The island also has its own rice brand, Toki to Kurasu Sato , which means ‘living in harmony with toki’, and produces sake, too. Sake has been long connected with Sado and its plentiful festivals. Today, the island has five breweries making traditional and unique sakes, including doburoku (unrefined) and cloudy sake.

5. Tie in your trip with a visit to Niigata City

Across the Sado Strait sits Niigata City, an ancient port known as the ‘City of Water’ due to its lakes, shoreline and Japan’s longest river, the Shinano-gawa, which cuts it in two. Niigata City is replete with fresh sushi and sake, and even hosts an annual sake festival, Niigata Sake no Jin .

Alongside a host of shrines, museums and shopping opportunities, Niigata is full of distinctive experiences, with a more relaxed atmosphere than other Japanese cities. The sake tasting possibilities in Niigata are seemingly endless, or visit a sake brewery such as Imayo Tsukasa for a tour. Visitors can watch geisha ( geigi in the local dialect) dance in the ‘Furumachi Geigi’ district in downtown Niigata, witnessing a tradition that is over 200 years old. Or discover the area’s 150-year-old mochi-making method and join a mochi-pounding workshop. The charming city is best explored with the Sado-Niigata Pass , which includes buses and the Sado ferry.

Imayo Tsukasa

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• How to enjoy Sado
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Geography and Climate

Sado is shaped like an "S" or "Z," with the Osado Mountains, including Kinpokusan of 1,172 metres to the north, the Kosado Mountains including Ojiyama of 645 metres to the south, and the widespread Kuninaka Plain between the two mountain ranges.

Sado Island covers an area of approximately 855 square kilometres, and its coastline stretches approximately 280 kilometres. Sado is the largest island in the Sea of Japan, one and a half times as large as the twenty-three special wards of Tokyo, or Awaji Island (Japan), or Guam or Phuket.

Sado Island's climate is oceanic, with distinct changes across the four seasons. It is hot and very humid in summer. Since Sado is an isolated island off the coast of mainland Niigata, which evokes the images of snow, it is thought to be very cold in winter. However, due to the Tsushima Warm Current which flows off the coast of the island, Sado actually has less snow than the mainland.

Population and Industry

Sado's population is approximately 56,000 as of the end of March, 2018. The main industries on the island are agriculture and fishing, taking advantages of the climate and the soil, which is relatively rich for an island surrounded by the sea.

Farmers grow fruits including Okesa persimmons (Sado's local specialty), Le Lectier pears, and apples, but most farming centers around rice. Moreover, some farmers also practise animal husbandry, including Sado Beef cattle, which are said to be a rare breed from ancient times.

A wide variety of seafood catches are landed, including crab, shrimp, yellowtail, tuna, and so on, as well as oysters farmed in Lake Kamo and Mano Bay, abalones, turban shellfish, and seaweed. Sado is literally a treasure-trove of seafood.

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Eat & drink.

Sado Island Experiences invites you to discover the hidden treasures of Sado Island and immerse yourself in its rich culture. From breathtaking outdoors adventures to traditional arts and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone on this off-the-beaten-track Japanese paradise. Take a kayak or hiking tour, experience traditional taiko drumming, craft your own traditional pottery, enjoy the beauty of Sado’s nature… and more!

Whether it is your first time in Sado or in Japan, Sado Island Experiences invites you to make lasting memories, and explore a whole new world of adventure. All of us here at Sado Tourism Association look forward to guiding you from booking your experience, to your arrival and stay on the island.

Don't miss out on the amazing experiences that await you – book your Sado Island Experience today!

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Sado’s Local Craft Workshop ~Straw Craft~

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The place does not look very appeasing. In the basement of a big building on a major road, but go and try it. No English menu, but if you go for the Khinkali and Khachapuri you will be rewarded. The Khachapuri was packed full of... melting cheese and would have been enough with the side order of cucumber, tomato and onion salad. The Khinkali, like oversized pelmeeni, were juicy and perfectly flavoured. The service wasn't the friendliest, but the prices were good. More

KOLKHIDA NA SADOVOM, Moscow - Presnensky - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

• Service: 4.5

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• Sado Island
• Sado Island Taiko Center

Sado Island Taiko Center たたこう館（佐渡太鼓体験交流館）

150 Ogikaneta Shinden, Sado-shi, Niigata-ken

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Immerse yourself in the sounds of traditional and contemporary Japanese drumming

Don't miss:

• A hands-on experience playing the taiko drums
• Watching a taiko demonstration and seeing the instructor beat Odaiko, huge drums carved from zelkova logs

How to Get There

After taking a ferry or hydrofoil ride from mainland Niigata, reach the center by bus or car. By bus, take the Shukunegi Line to the Taiko Taiken Koryukan stop and you'll be right at the center when you get off. By car, it's about 10-minutes from Ogi Port. The center is closed on Mondays (When Monday is a public holiday, the center will be closed on Tuesday instead).

Satoko Maeda

Drumming to your own beat

You can learn all about the taiko at the Sado Island Taiko Centre, but it is possible to play the instrument via a "hands-on" taiko experience, too. After watching the professional instructors, you will have the opportunity to play small and larger taiko drums made from cowhide skins and zelkova trees. Drum sticks come in various sizes.

Most visitors to the center will have no prior experience of playing the taiko, but the instructors are open and have slogans for visitors to easily remember the songs. English language assistance is also available.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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