Autumn is the season of the harvest. Sado rice, grown in harmony with the quintessentially Sado toki-friendly environment, is renowned as one of Niigata's top, brand-name rice provenances, both outside and inside Niigata Prefecture. The view of rice paddy fields glowing in gold before the harvest are well worth a visit.
Autumn festivals to celebrate the year's harvest abound. Shinto rituals are held at Aikawa Matsuri and the Annual Festival at Kuji Hachimangu Shrine. In addition, local traditional folk arts are shown at events such as "Sado, Treasure Island of Okesa (folk dance and song) and Performing Arts," and "Ondeko in Niibo & Toki Sunset Market."
Sado's Ironman/Ironwoman Triathlon sets its stage on Sado, utilizing the entire island. This is a major international competition, gathering participants from both Japan and beyond. The courses are said to be one of the most challenging in Japan, but the rich variety of landscapes lures in participants. Thanks to the support and cheers of the local population, the number of participants is increasing every year.
Leaves turn bright red and yellow. Osado Skyline and Momijiyama Park are two of the best spots to see autumn leaves in Sado.
Sado is a "Fruit Kingdom," producing both apples and satsuma oranges. In particular, Sado's versatile specialty, "Okesa persimmons," can be enjoyed in many ways, such as tannin-removed sawashi-gaki, dried hoshigaki, partially dried anpogaki, and sorbet.