Sado Island, also known as Sadogashima, is the largest island on the Sea of Japan side, boasting an area one-and-a-half times larger than central Tokyo.

The surrounding ocean, where warm and cold currents intersect, teems with diverse seafood such as crab, shrimp, squid, amberjack, and tuna. Additionally, the island is rich in marine products like oysters, abalones, turban shells, and seaweed.

This butterfly-shaped island is not only surrounded by abundant sea life but also features mountains and plains that are ideal for growing delicious rice and fruits. Sado is particularly known for its Okesa persimmons, Le Lectier pears, and apples.

Sado’s uniqueness extends beyond its natural bounty. Historically, the island served as a place of exile for emperors, aristocrats, and intellectuals, bringing the latest aspects of Japanese culture to its shores. The development of the Sado Kinzan gold mine further attracted samurai, merchants, and engineers, fostering a unique cultural blend. As a result, Sado is often referred to as a “microcosm of Japan,” embodying a mix of aristocratic, samurai, and commoner cultures.

Reaching Sadogashima from overseas involves traveling to Tokyo Station from Narita Airport, followed by a four-hour journey via the Shinkansen. Many international tourists also travel to Niigata Airport to visit Sado, drawn by the island’s rich cultural heritage and distinctive charm.

Here’s how to get to Sado’s Ryōtsu Port from the Port of Niigata. You have two options: a jetfoil or a car ferry. Choose based on your preference, budget, and schedule.

Jetfoil (time required: 1 hour 5 minutes)
The jetfoil is a double-decker boat that can carry up to 250 people, with all seats reserved. It travels at 80 km/h, making it the quickest option. It is ideal for those who want to minimize travel time and for those prone to seasickness. Note that you cannot go outside or load private automobiles on this craft.
・One-way fare: 7,050 yen (3,530 yen for children)

Car ferry (time required: 2.5 hours)
The car ferry is a large vessel that can accommodate up to 1,500 people. It offers a variety of seating options, including suites, special-class seats, first-class carpet sets, first-class chair seats, and second-class unreserved seats. The ferry has a canteen on board, and passengers can step out onto the main deck to enjoy the sea breeze. This option is recommended for budget-conscious travelers, those who enjoy leisurely journeys, and those who need to transport their private automobiles.
・Second-class one-way fare: 2,960 yen (1,480 yen for children)
・First-class one-way fare: 5,020 yen (2,510 yen for children)
・Passenger automobile less than 5m round trip: 34,890 yen (includes driver’s second-class fare)

You can check Sado Kisen’s website for detailed information about the boats and reservations: https://www.sadokisen.co.jp/

Touring Sado Island is convenient by car. You can either load your private automobile onto the car ferry or rent a car near Ryōtsu Port.

While Sado Island has many sights worth seeing, we will introduce eight sightseeing spots that we highly recommend. While you're moving around the island, the view of fields and the sea will surely calm your heart. So please spend plenty of time touring Sado Island.

The Ogi Coast on Sado Island features a rugged terrain with numerous reefs. In this area, a distinct type of boat called the "Tarai Bune" is employed for gathering seaweed, turban shells, and abalone. The "Tarai" is a traditional Japanese tool that resembles a wooden barrel cut in half. It is typically used for washing clothes or taking a bath by adding hot water to it.

Interestingly, these round tubs can be easily maneuvered, leading to their use as fishing boats on Sado Island. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the Tarai Bune at Rikiya Kankō Kisen in Ogi Port.

A boatwoman wearing a kimono uses a single oar to move the boat around. Once you're on the boat, you'll find that it is surprisingly stable and easy to maneuver. You can explore the sea for about ten minutes while learning about the history of the Tarai Bune and the fish that can be caught here.

At Rikiya Kankō Kisen, you can also ride on a high-speed motorboat. Additionally, you can enjoy natural attractions such as caves, inlets, and lighthouses, and take in the amazing view of the cobalt blue Ogi Coast while feeling the salty sea breeze!

Shukunegi is a settlement near Ogi Port, located on the southern side of Sado Island. Approximately 100 wooden houses are closely packed on a narrow strip of land facing the sea.

Shukunegi is known for its maze of narrow alleys. The houses, which belonged to shipwrights and freight vessel owners around 1850, are still standing. It is the only Group of Traditional Buildings in Niigata Prefecture. Visitors can take a tour of the luxurious residences that reflect the prosperity of that time, which was driven by commerce along the Kitamaebune shipping route. This route, which operated around 200 years ago, connected Osaka to ports in Hokuriku on the Sea of Japan and later extended to Hokkaido.

"Sankakuya" is widely popular - it's a private house built to fit a triangular plot of land. Notice how the land was skillfully used to live comfortably on a narrow plot. You can also get a feel for the life its inhabitant led up until 2006. Consider exploring Shukunegi, which is wrapped in a nostalgic atmosphere and still has cobble paving.

The crested ibis, scientifically named "Nipponia nippon," used to be a common sight in East Asia. However, due to hunting, environmental destruction, such as the use of pesticides and forestry development, their population started rapidly declining from the middle of the 19th century. By 1960, there were only about 20 of them left in Japan. In 2003, the Japanese crested ibis became extinct.

Although Japanese crested ibises are now extinct, in 1999, crested ibises from China were successfully bred artificially. Currently, more than 450 crested ibises can be found in the skies of Sado, and every year, several dozen energetic chicks are raised.

Sado has a unique feature where both living things and islanders coexist. Toki Forest Park is a popular sightseeing spot where you can learn about the history of crested ibises and Sado's conservation efforts, as well as see actual crested ibises.

A visit to Toki Forest Park will allow you to explore the Toki Materials Exhibition Hall and Toki Rapport Plaza. These attractions feature exhibitions on the protection, breeding, and living habits of crested ibises. During our visit in June 2020, we had the opportunity to see a one-month-old chick, which had almost reached the size of its parents.

Although its face was still yellow, it was expected to change to the distinctive bright red color typical of crested ibises as it matured. The feathers of crested ibises also change color with the seasons, so you can look forward to seeing a variety of these beautiful birds.

The Sado History Museum is a great place to learn about the history and legends of Sado. Sado was established as a penal colony a long time ago and was used to exile Imperial Families, aristocrats, and other cultured people.

This museum features robotic reenactments of historical figures like Emperor Juntoku, Nichiren Shonin, the sect founder of Nichiren, and Zeami, the founder of noh. Visitors can observe their historical personas through speech and dance performances.

At the Sado History Museum, visitors can explore the folk tale corner where robotic representations of older men and women gather around a sunken hearth to converse. The museum also features an exhibition showcasing works by Shōdō Sasaki, an artist known for creating wax molds of living national treasures. Visitors can browse stalls selling popular souvenirs such as Taikoban Senbei, which is manufactured at the museum, and Sado’s handicrafts, Yūzuru. Additionally, there is a restaurant renowned for its Sado-style kaisen-don (seafood bowls), among other attractions.

Wouldn't it be intriguing to journey back in time and immerse yourself in the rich culture fostered in Sado through the captivating stories shared by the robotic figures? This spot is truly a delight for anyone who appreciates tales of old.

At Sado Kinzan, you can explore and observe "Dohyu-no-Warito," which is the symbol of the Sado mine. You will see tunnels that were dug by hand during the Edo period, as well as tunnels and machines created using modern technology.

The mine was active from the early 1600s until 1989, spanning almost 400 years. The tunnels, which were continuously dug, spread out over a total length of approximately 400km, similar to the distance between Sado and Tokyo.

Explore the "Sōdayū Kō" or "Sōdayū Tunnel Course" to walk through tunnels that date back to the early days of the Edo period. These tunnels faithfully recreate the mining activities shown in the "Picture Scrolls of Sado Kinzan" using speaking dolls and signboards to explain the historical work done by hand.

You can also experience the "Dōyū Kō" or "Dohyu Tunnel Course" to explore advanced technology ruins used for 100 years and visit the Warito’s base.

Another option is the "Adventurer’s Tour," where you can equip boots and a cap light to explore authentic tunnels with a guide. The museum exhibits and souvenir section offer a lot to explore as well, so plan to spend a good amount of time here and consider the mine's 400 years of history.

In addition to Sadokinzan, we highly recommend visiting the Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins. This facility, with its bare concrete structures now covered in vines, was the first in Japan to use flotation to extract minerals. It processed at least 50,000 tons of ore each month and was renowned as the "largest in the East."

Today, only the building's infrastructure remains, creating a dynamic space that is gradually blending with nature. The ruins are open to the public for exploration, and you can also view other mining facilities within the complex. The site is especially striking when illuminated at night during special events.

At Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park, visitors can try their hand at panning for gold dust. Using a green plate with grooved sides, you shake and remove gravel in water, allowing the heavier gold dust to settle at the bottom. This hands-on activity is a must-try when visiting Sado.

You can collect the gold dust you find in a container to take home. According to the staff, this natural gold contains various minerals and is more valuable than pure gold. You might discover more than you expect.

Adjacent to the park is a shop selling various gold products and a museum dedicated to gold. You can learn fascinating trivia, such as how a single grain of gold can be stretched into a 2.8-kilometer-long thread. It's a great spot to explore and learn everything about gold.

To fully appreciate Sado's diverse and stunning coastal landscapes, we highly recommend visiting Senkakuwan Bay, a designated quasi-national park.

Senkakuwan Bay consists of five bays along a three-kilometer stretch of coastline in the Aikawa district. The fifth bay, Ageshima Fjord, offers a breathtaking panoramic view and can be reached by crossing a bridge.

The view of the eroded cliffs is truly magnificent. In addition to the stunning scenery, the area features a complex with an aquarium showcasing saltwater fish from the local waters, a museum, various stalls, and a canteen. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour to get an up-close look at each bay from the sea.

Wildflowers bloom on the impressive cliffs, changing with the seasons and showcasing the rich natural beauty of Sado. During the glass-bottom boat tour, the boatman will introduce each bay and explain the various fish you can see through the glass panels. Feeding the black-tailed gulls and common gulls is also a popular activity, attracting many birds to gather around the boat.

Sado Island is home to several renowned sake breweries, with Hokusetsu Sake Brewery and Obata Sake Brewery being particularly famous.

Hokusetsu Sake Brewery:
Established in 1872, Hokusetsu Sake Brewery is known for its high-quality sake, exclusively served at Nobu restaurants worldwide. The brewery leverages Sado's excellent water and climate, integrating unique methods such as using ultrasound and music vibrations to enhance the maturation of their sake. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, sake tasting, and learn about their innovative brewing techniques that blend tradition with modern technology. This partnership has helped Hokusetsu gain international recognition and established Sado Island as a prominent location for high-quality sake​.

Obata Sake Brewery:
Founded in 1892, Obata Sake Brewery produces award-winning sake under the brand "Manotsuru." The brewery is run by Rumiko Obata, the fifth-generation owner, whose leadership has significantly shaped its operations and reputation. Obata Sake Brewery emphasizes the harmony of rice, water, people, and nature, using environmentally friendly farming methods. Visitors can tour the brewery, watch a video presentation about sake brewing, and taste various sake varieties. The brewery also offers a unique sake-making experience during the summer, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the local culture and community.

Sado Island, shaped like two islands connected by a central plain, is divided into four distinct areas, each offering a variety of attractions. Here is a recommended two-day itinerary, perfect for first-time visitors to Sado. Use it as a guide for planning your trip.

Day 1:
・8:30 AM – Ryōtsu Port – Take a boat to Sado Island. Pick up your reserved rental car near the port to begin your adventure!
・9:40 AM – Sado Historical Legend Museum – Start by learning about Sado's rich history and legends. Enjoy the beautiful Japanese garden here.
・11 AM – Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park – Try your hand at panning for gold dust.
・12 PM – Lunchtime.
・1:30 PM – Sado Island Taiko Centre – Experience a taiko drumming program by the internationally renowned Kodo ensemble, based in Ogi. The 60-minute session costs 2,000 yen. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance at http://sadotaiken.jp/.
・3 PM – Tarai Bune Rikiya Kanko Kisen – Enjoy a ride in a traditional Tarai Bune boat.
・3:45 PM – Shukunegi – Explore this charming settlement with its clustered private wooden houses. Some of the houses are open to the public for tours. End your first day here.

Day 2:
・8:30 AM – Sado Kinzan Historic Site – Start your second day with an in-depth tour of the historic gold mine.
・11 AM – Kyomachi-dori – Visit this mining town between the gold mine and the Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins. The Sado magistrate's office is here, and it was once a bustling community for mine workers. Explore the town and enjoy lunch.
・12:30 PM – Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins – Marvel at the dynamic scenery and explore the ruins at your own pace.
・1 PM – Aikawa Traditional Skills Museum – Try making "Mumyoi ceramics," unique earthenware from Sado. The 60-minute experience costs 1,830 yen (shipping of your creation is an additional fee). Reservations required (phone: 0259-74-4313).
・2:15 PM – Shokakuwan Ageshima Yuen – Admire the impressive coastal landforms that Sado is known for.
・4 PM – Toki Forest Park – Observe various types of crested ibises and learn about their conservation.
・5 PM – Ryōtsu Port – Return your rental car and conclude your trip to Sado Island.

Sado Island offers a wealth of attractions. The island’s expansive landscape, featuring sea, mountains, and plains, is perfect for exploring by car. You can enjoy a scenic tour that takes you from the sea to the mountains, across the plains, and back again, visiting famous spots along the way. One of Sado's charms is the opportunity to make spontaneous detours to places that catch your interest.

Worried about a language barrier? Don’t be. Sado Island welcomes many foreign tourists and offers facilities with English-speaking staff, as well as signs and pamphlets in multiple languages.

While you may encounter small-scale, privately-run businesses where gestures are the primary means of communication, many locals are accustomed to assisting visitors. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure about something. Engaging with the locals can also give you a deeper sense of the island’s character and its long history of embracing foreign cultures.

Sado Island, where time flows leisurely, promises an extraordinary experience and beautiful scenery. This is a trip you'll want to start planning right away. Remember not to cram too much into your schedule. Take your time to truly enjoy everything Sado has to offer. Spend plenty of time savoring your visit to Sado.

Text by: Naoko Iwabuchi
(This article was originally published in July 2020, with prices and other information updated in June 2024.)

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