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Island Access
The following guide contains directions to the trailhead and for after descending.
Flower Appreciation Liner (limited-time-only bus)
This is a bus that operates for a limited time only so that everyone can enjoy the flowers of Sado Island. This section provides information on two routes connecting the trekking trailheads in the Sado Mountains and Ryotsu Port.
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Donden Liner (Ryotsu Port → Aoneva trailhead → Donden Highland)
This liner bus connects Ryotsu Port and the key location for trekking, Donden Highland Lodge, and is ideal for trekking. It also stops at the Aoneva trailhead.
Operation Period
Daily from April 22 (Sat.) to May 31 (Wed.), 2023Operation period is subject to change depending on weather and remaining snow conditions.
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Mount Kinpoku Liner (Hakuundai → Ryotsu Port → Shiizaki Onsen Hot Springs)
This liner is recommended for hikers traversing from Donden Highland to Hakuundai via Mount Kinpoku. After finishing the trek, passengers can catch the Jetfoil departing from Ryotsu Port at 5:55pm. After relaxing at Shiizaki Onsen Hot Springs, you can catch the car ferry departing from Ryotsu Port at 7:30pm (day trip bathing is available).
Operation Period
Daily from April 29 (Sat.) to May 31 (Wed.), 2023The operation period is subject to change depending on weather and remaining snow conditions.
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Inquiries and reservations for the Donden and Mount Kinpoku Liner
Niigata Kotsu Sado Co.
Regular Sightseeing Bus Reservation CenterTEL: 0259-52-3200
(Business hours: 9:30am - 5:00pm)
Reservation deadline: 5:00pm on the day before the day of use (*Reservations will be closed as soon as the seats are full.)
Link Line (reservation-based shared-ride cab)
Link Line is a cab which operates on a pre-reservation basis with fixed operating hours and sections. This service is available for a longer period of time than the Flower Appreciation Liner, so please take advantage of this service as well.
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Donden Link Line (Ryotsu Port → Aoneva Trailhead → Donden Highland)
Operation period
Sunday, April 17 through Monday, October 31, 2022Link Line operates in conjunction with the opening times of Donden Highland Lodge, and the schedule may be subject to change depending on traffic conditions.
*Minimum number of passengers (2)
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Hakuundai Link Line (Hakuundai → Ryotsu Port/Hotel)
Operation period
Sunday, April 17, 2022 - Monday, October 31, 2022Link Line operates in conjunction with the opening times of Donden Highland Lodge, and the schedule may be subject to change depending on traffic conditions.
*Minimum number of passengers (2)
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Inquiry and reservations for Link Line
Sado Outdoor Base
TEL: 0259-58-8081
(Business hours: 9:00am - 7:00pm)
In principle, reservations should be made at least 3 days in advance. (Last minute reservations are possible depending on availability)
Local Buses, Taxis, and Rental Cars
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Local Buses
Local buses run throughout the island. Although they do not directly connect to the trailhead, if you have enough time, why not walk from the bus stop to the trailhead?
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Taxis/Rental Cars
There are several cab and car rental companies on the island. For inquiries and reservations, please refer to the "Getting Around Sado Island" page on this website. If you plan to rent a car to get to the trailhead, please check the parking lot availability. (Please refer to the information on the page of each course.)
Although the name of the service is "Sightseeing Taxi," it can also be used for transportation to the trailhead and the foot of the mountain.
Check out the boarding and getting off points.
Store Information
Whether it is energizing food for trekking you want to purchase before entering the mountain, breakfast you want to eat before leaving, or lunch you want to spread out at the summit, you will want to buy it at a store on Sado Island. Here we introduce some stores around Ryotsu Port that offer take-out. You may find some rare items that you have never seen on the mainland.
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Hearty Woods Convenience Store
10-minute walk from Ryotsu Port
This is a local convenience store located near Ryotsu Port. In addition to boxed lunches and sandwiches made in-house, bread from popular stores on the island is also available. The fact that it opens at 6:00 am is also perfect for climbers. Be careful not to miss your bus while deciding which one to choose!
- Hours
- 6:00am - 7:30pm
- Closed
- Open 7 days a week
- Address
- 300 Ryotsu-Ebisu, Sado
- Phone
- 0259-23-2697
- WEB・SNS
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mikawa Cafe
16-minute walk from Ryotsu Port
The owner Mikawa, a native of Sado Island who worked as a pastry chef in New York, runs this cafe. Sandwiches, muffins, and other items on the menu vary depending on the day. Takeout is available, but if you have time, why not relax in the cafe?
- Hours
- 7:00am - 5:00pm
*Food is served until 4:00pm
- Closed
- Thursday
- Address
- 176-3 Kasuga, Sado City
- Phone
- 0259-67-7973
- WEB・SNS
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maSanicoffee Cafe
0 minute walk from Ryotsu Port
The cafe is located on the first floor of Ryotsu Port Sado Kisen Terminal. The menu is full of Sado's unique flavors, including a special blend of coffee, various types of "Koban burgers" using Sado ingredients, and "Toki crested ibis soda" accompanied by a cute crested ibis-shaped cookie. Take out or have breakfast after the ferry arrives.
- Hours
- 6:30am - 7:15pm
- Closed
- Open 7 days a week
- Address
- 1F Ryotsu Minami Futo Building (Within Sado Kisen Terminal), 353-1 Ryotsu Minato, Sado
- Phone
- 070-4222-6448
- WEB / SNS
Convenience Stores
There are chain convenience stores on the island, but none are located on the route from Ryotsu Port to Donden Highland. If you are using a rental car or your own car and would like to visit a chain convenience store, please check the location because they are located further away from Ryotsu Port, and in the opposite direction of Donden Highland.
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- Recommended Trekking Routes
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