Toki Forest Park

Rice Paddy Art was started in 2017 to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Toki to Kurasu Sato (living in harmony with Crested Ibises) label on rice certified by Sado City. In the third year, 2019, an image designed in collaboration with the Kemono Friends anime series was depicted. Rice varieties in various colors are planted in May by about 100 people, including the Toki-to-Kurasu-Sato farmers, groups of consumers, and members of the label Promotion Council. It's best to visit in late July and early August.

Ushio Shrine is familiar to locals, which is called "Katagami no Tenno-san," (Gozutenno in Katagami). The reconstructed hall of worship is richly embellished with elaborate sculptures depicting swimming carps and a story related to Emperor Juntoku. It reminds us of the skills and techniques of master carpenters and great craftsmen of the time. The shrine was established in 792 by dividing gods, including Okuninushinomikoto (a god of nation-building, farming, etc.), from Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture and re-enshrining them here. The sacred tree in front of the hall of worship, estimated at 1,000 years of age, is revered as a cedar that brings fertility and easy delivery. The Noh stage with a hip-and-gable tiled roof in front, and a hipped roof in the back, was reconstructed in 1901. It is a Niigata Prefectural Tangible Cultural Asset and it is one of the four Noh stages in the Kuninaka area where Noh performances were regularly held. The shrine has a long track record of Noh performances. It still keeps Noh masks of Okina (an older man with a white beard) and Sanbaso (the black mask of an older man) as the shrine's treasures, both of which are designated Niigata Prefectural Tangible Cultural Assets. Bonfire Noh performances are held in the evening before the annual festival in June.

With a history of 800 years, Niibo Katagami Onsen is rumored to have been frequented by Emperor Juntoku in the 13th century. Onsen bathing in this area is said to have originated when a samurai warrior tried using the water after he saw a white heron (or toki, as some people claim) treat its injuries at the onsen. Known as "the waters with healing properties," Niibo Katagami Onsen is frequented affectionately by many local people.

Minshuku Ohana's specialty menu is okonomiyaki (Japanese as-you-like-it savory pancakes) made with Sado's seafood, and cooked by the Osaka-born Okami (female manager). The previous master of the inn was a puppeteer of Noroma Puppets and operated a doll named "Ohana." Upon reservation, and for an additional fee, guests can enjoy a performance by a local puppet theatre group. Situated along the Minami (south) Line bus route and located close to Niibo Dam and Toki Forest Park, Minshuku Ohana is a homey inn with a great location.

The restaurant "de Vinco" is directly run by Henjinmokko, which is known for its famous sausages. It offers European-style dishes centered around Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. Don't miss out on the pizza baked at a high temperature in a pizza oven, which is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and pasta dishes served with scrupulously prepared sauce! The products of Henjinmokko are also served deliciously. The casual ambience with an open kitchen is also the reason for its popularity.

Saito's Fruit Café serves juices and shaved ice prepared with strawberries, peaches, nectarines, apples, Okesa persimmons and grapes, all fresh from Saito Farm. You can enjoy strawberry picking in spring, too.

YOSABEI is located in the Kuninaka Plain, a location facing mountains and rich nature, and where life with clean water streaming from Mt. Kinpoku can be enjoyed. YOSABEI is an old house converted into an inn by Karl Bengs, an Architecture Designer who has an extensive track record of old house revival projects in Japan. Take a break in a space where it feels as if time has stopped flowing, surrounded by organic vegetable farms and herb gardens; where you can enjoy a breakfast of Sado rice slowly cooked over a fire, and other Sado-produced ingredients.

Opened over forty years ago in one corner of a shopping street, Snack Bar Noroma has gained popularity recently with its hand-made dishes by the master and hostess. The top menu item is undoubtedly the "Special Katsu Sando." It is a filling, signature sandwich made by topping slices of bread with sauce-soaked, thick pork cutlets. Moreover, dishes prepared with a little bit of extra care, including curry over rice, gyoza dumplings, croquettes and more, have achieved popularity among regulars.