Recommended Trekking Routes

The volume and variety of mountain flowers is very large and continues to increase. Since there are no animals larger than a raccoon dog on the island, there is no feeding damage to wildflowers. The abundance of species is also due to Sado's climate, which has a wide range of vegetation from warm-temperate to cool-temperate, creating a microcosm of Japan's vegetation.

TThe highest peak in the Osado Mountain Range, Mount Kinpoku, is 1,172 meters above sea level, and the traverse route is located at about 1,000 meters above sea level. There is an abundance of alpine flora that appear at altitudes of around 1,500 meters above sea level on the mainland. This mysterious phenomenon has a name, "summit effect," and is thought to be due to the harsh environment on the ridges caused by strong sea breezes, but the cause is not clearly known.

To protect and keep intact the wonders of Sado introduced above, we have three simple requests for you.

Even if you don't do it on purpose, you may accidentally drop something from your bag or pants pocket. Please be especially careful when putting things in and out of your pockets. Never try to hide trash in the grass.

Mountains are full of fascinating flowers and beautiful scenery. You may be tempted to take one more step to get closer. At that moment, make sure to take your eyes off the screen of your smartphone or camera and look at your feet. Are you stepping on a flower? With just a little bit of caution, you can protect the precious vegetation.

The abundance of flowers on Sado Island is protected not only by the lack of foreign enemies, but also by the manners of climbers. No matter how beautiful they are, they cannot be taken as souvenirs. Flowers should be enjoyed there along with the environment in which they grow, and only photographs should be taken home.