Overview of Sado Island
Welcome to Sado Island, a hidden gem nestled in the sparkling waters of the Sea of Japan, off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. Sado is the sixth-largest island in Japan – if you walked along its 280km coastline, you’d be walking for nearly three days to complete a loop. Indeed, Sado is bigger than you might imagine, and it has a lot to explore. Renowned for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, fresh local cuisine, and historical significance, a visit to Sado invites you to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
What's new
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2024.05.30
Free Shuttle Bus in Aikawa on Sado Island
If youre planning a trip to Sado Island, you dont want to miss a visit to the historic town of Aikawa. We are excited to announce that a new, completely free, shuttle bus will be running through Aikawa until the end of October, 2024. This bus will offer convenient transportation to the most popular sightseeing spots in the Aikawa area.How to Use the ShuttleIf you are traveling to Aikawa by car or bike, park at Kirarium Sado.Sightseeing bus stops are different than the regular city bus. Get on at the gold bus stops!The shuttle bus service is free of charge and operates on a regular schedule. See the timetable below!*Please note that a taxi may arrive instead of a bus.TimetableKey Stops Along the RouteKirarium SadoKirarium Sado is a visitor information center on Sado Island with an exhibition showcasing Sado's Gold Mining history. This is your base for exploring Aikawa!For More Information: Kirarium SadoSado Magistrate's OfficeThe Sado Magistrate's Office, known as "Sado Bugyosho," is a historical site on Sado Island that served as the administrative center during the Edo period, providing a glimpse into the island's governance and judicial practices under Tokugawa shogunate rule.For More Information: Magistrate's OfficeAikawa Folk MuseumFounded in 1956, the Aikawa Folk museum resides in a former branch building of the imperial office, and is a designated National Historic Site. Here you can explore the rich history of the town which developed along with the silver and gold mines.For More Information: Aikawa Folk MuseumKitazawa Flotation PlantVisit this industrial heritage site, which showcases the remnants of Sado's mining past with its impressive, photogenic ruins.For More Information: Kitazawa Flotation PlantSado HangamuraThis museum and gallery is dedicated to the art of traditional Japanese woodblock printing, fostering a creative environment for both locals and visitors to engage with this beautiful art form.For More Information: Sado HangamuraKyomachi StreetStroll through the charming streets of Historic Aikawa Town, a town with a preserved Edo-period atmosphere, complete with traditional buildings and local shops.For More Information: Kyomachi StreetSado Gold MineDive into the island's mining history at this iconic site, where you can tour the underground tunnels and learn about the gold extraction process.For More Information: Sado Gold Mine
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2024.05.15
Tobishima Kanzou on Sado Island
Adventure up to Sado Islands northern tip, where you will find one of the islands scenic wonders, Onogame. The scenic spot boats about 1 million Tobishima Kanzou flowers (a kind of day lily), painting the landscape in swaths of golden yellow. This year's Tobishima Kanzou flowers have already started to bloom! This is surely the perfect place for a photoshoot, a picnic, or just a relaxing afternoon taking in the sights. Kanzou Week FreebiesFrom May 25th - June 9th, 2024: enjoy a free soft serve ice cream or take home a daylily seedling!To join in on the fun, all you have to do is: Take a picture of the Kanzou blooming at Onogame Share the photo on social media with the hashtag #onogamekanzou / #大野亀カンゾウ Show your post to the staff at Onogame Lodge and claim your free gift! Kanzou MatsuriThis year, the Kanzou Matsuri will be held on June 9, 2024, 10:00~(※ approx. 2 hours)Enjoy the view at Onogame and see performances by local groups such as・Nanaura Folk Song Group・Washizaki Onidaiko (Taiko drumming and Oni dance)・Kishokai・Uchikaifu elementary and middle school taiko drumming What's NearbyThe northern end of Sado is beautifully rugged and remote, so you won't find any convenience stores or many places to fill up on gas! There are a few places to grab a bite to eat, though. Check these spots out on your trip to the north! Steps away from the parking area at Onogame, you'll find Onogame Lodge, which offers selections for snacks or lunch. (Hours: 11 AM - 4 PM daily) The newly-renovated Futatsugame View Hotel is a short drive away, and the restaurant is open to the public. (Hours: 11 AM - 2 PM daily) On the way up the coast from Ryotsu Port, you'll also pass by the organic cafe Merepale Kaiko, which offers dishes made with health in mind using local ingredients. (Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11 AM - 3 PM - Closed Monday, Tuesday) Getting ThereOnogame is about a 36km (22 mile) drive from Ryotsu Port. If you don't have a car, you can also take the Kanzou Liner Bus (seasonal) or the Local Bus (Uchikaifu Line, Bus stop: 大野亀 Onogame). One, two, and three-day bus passes for the local bus are also available for purchase. If the weather is good, and you are feeling fit, you can rent bicycles from Sado Outdoor Base in Ryotsu. The Kanzou Liner Bus (Reservations Required)Operation Period: May 25 -(Saturday)~ June 9 (Sunday)「Saturday・Sunday Only」 Fare Adults 1,500円 / Children 1,000円 ※One-way Departure: Ryotsu 9:15 → Futatsugame 10:15 → Oonogame 10:25※Boarding is only possible at Ryotsu Port.※If you are traveling from Niigata on the same day, take the car ferry that will arrive at 8:30 or the Jet Foil that will arrive at 9:02. Return: Oonogame 12:30 → Futatsugame 12:40 → Ryotsu Port 13:40※ You can only get off at Ryotsu Port. Reservations Niigata Kotsu Sado Island Sightseeing Bus Reservation Center(TEL:0259-52-3200 *Japanese only Hours 9:00~17:00)※Reservations accepted up until 17:00 on the day before departure.
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FUN! SADO
How to enjoy Sado Island
Sado Island is rich in seasonal changes.
In fact, it is about 1.5 times the size of Tokyo's 23 wards and Awaji Island
It is the largest island on the Sea of Japan side.