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.
this month
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2024.05.17
Experience Onidaiko on Sado Island: Ondeko Dot-com
On Saturday May 25th and Sunday May 26th (Main event on May 26th), enjoy performances of local traditional arts at Ondeko Dome in Ryotsu Port. See Sado Okesa (folk song and dance) and Onidaiko (taiko drumming and oni dance) under one roof. Every year around twenty five groups of local artists participate in this popular event. Onidaiko troupes from around the island come to perform - so you can enjoy local traditions from around the island, passed down over generations, all in one place! The performances don't only take place on the stage - you'll be able to see oni, drummers, and dancers up close! You will also find food stalls selling Sado specialties like seafood caught fresh off the coast of Sado, and Sado's local Japanese sake. Event DetailsDate and Time: Saturday May 25, 2024: 4PM - 8PM Sunday May 26, 2024: 9AM - 4PM (Main Event)Location: Ryotsu Port, Ondeko DomeEntry: FreeMore Information: Official Site (in Japanese) including the event time schedule. While you're on Sado...Coming to Sado for Ondeko Dotcom? While you're here, check out some of the other cool things the island has to offer.Experience Taiko Drumming with KodoSado is home to the world-famous taiko drumming group, Kodo. At their training center in the southern part of the island, you can join fun taiko drumming workshops! Open to anyone and everyone, these sessions with actual Kodo members are such an exhilirating way to experience the culture of the island. For more info and booking: Sado Island Experiences. Visit Onogame and see the Tobishima KanzouThis season, the Tobishima Kanzou at Onogame are also in bloom - so why not combine your trip to the island with a visit to the beautiful scenery of the north? From May 25th - June 9th you can even get some freebies for sharing a snapshot of the Kanzou daylilies on social media! Check here for more information about where to go and how to get there. Explore the Blue Grotto by KayakWe are entering one of the most beautiful seasons on the island, and some of the best weather for exploring the sea by kayak and paddle board. Ogi Diving Center in the south of the island leads tours to the beautiful blue grotto - an experience you don't want to miss! For more info and booking: Sado Island Experiences.
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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.