Enjoy the Day Near the Inn
Cycling
There are four rental bicycle locations on the island that are run by the Sado Tourism Association. Be sure to pick up a map when you rent your bicycle. There are many cycling routes and sightseeing spots that will fit everyone's taste.
For information and rental bicycles click here. Please call ahead and check bicycle availability. During busy seasons, all bicycles may be checked out.
A Tour Around Kamo Lake and Visit the Home of Toki (Japanese crested ibis)
Ride around Ryotsu Harbor where ferries from Niigata Harbor dock. A trip around Kamo Lake, known for its oyster farms, is a relaxing, scenic ride on a cycling trail. Another interesting ride is a route through the country where preparations are being made for the release of Toki in the fall. The ride also takes you around to Noh stages. You'll be able to see the traditional side of Sado.
Tour of Temples and Historic Sites
During the era when Sado was its own sovereign country, back in 741AD, Emperor Shomu built a temple in each country and named them "Kokubunji." On Sado, the temple was built in Mano area. As Kokubunji was usually built in the political center of an area, you'll find many temples and historic sites in Mano. Juntoku-joko (Emperor Juntoku was exiled on Sado in the mid 13th Century after joining an effort to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate) is said to have died on Sado.
Inns that are close to this route:
Tour of the History of the Gold Mine
Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine produced gold and silver for over 380 years, and is seeking registration as a World Heritage site. This area is a treasure trove of history from the Edo Era to today. At its zenith, the area where the miners lived was one of the world's most densely populated areas.
Inns that are close to this route:
The Shipbuilder's Town
Ogi was a port of call to wooden ships that made trips around Japan during the 17th to 19th centuries. The area boomed with the expansion of sea transportation, and many skilled shipbuilders lived here. Enjoy traditional Japanese architecture in Shukunegi, where many old wooden houses and temples are still standing.
Sado's Sake
Sado is well-known for its delicious sake. Visit a brewery that's open to visitors and find your favorite sake. You can also learn about how traditional sake is made. Obata Shuzo (Obata Sake Brewery) is known for "Manotsuru," a brew served in Air France's first class cabins. They also make sweets and pickles made of sake. Tasting of sweets is available to visitors, too.
Inns that are close to this route:
Experience Traditional Crafts of Sado
One of the best-known crafts of Sado is Mumyoi-yaki (Mumyoi Ware.) The ceramic ware is made from red-colored clay found in Aikawa's Silver and Gold Mine. The clay particle is so small that you don't need to glaze it to make the ceramic ware waterproof. It's also naturally very smooth to the touch. You can make your own pottery. The finished product will be mailed to you in about one month.
Saki-ori is a type of traditional Sado textile that reuses old cloth. Even today, there are many craftswomen that weave Saki-ori in Aikawa. You can pick your favorite cloths and make a small lunch mat or center cloth.
Inns that are close to this route:
