Exchange Centre Hakuundai

Osado Skyline is approximately 30km-long route for a scenic drive between Kanai and Aikawa. The highest point is above 900m, and you can look over the entire island, from Mano Bay, Ryotsu Bay, Kuninaka Plain to Kosado Mountains. The view from Hakuundai, a rest area with a viewing deck, is stunning. The scenery in each season such as fresh foliage in early summer and red leaves in autumn is a must-see.

Take a stroll (about 600 metres) along a trail starting at a signboard on the street around Odaira Highland on Osado Skyline, and you will find the mysterious Otowaike Pond enclosed in woods of beech and Mongolian oak. A natural pond deep in the mountains, Otowaike Pond is an important area (together with the surrounding natural forest), and has been designated a Niigata Prefecture Natural Monument. In the middle of the pond, there is a floating bog, one of the largest of its kind in Japan, with over twenty species of plants, including mosses of Polytrichaceae and Climaciaceae, growing naturally upon it. There is a heart-shaped hole in the middle of the bog, which is considered to be the life-line of the islet, and is also thought to induce romantic ambience. The name of this pond is derived from lore, which says a young woman named Otowa was loved by a gigantic serpent, the master of the pond, and committed suicide by throwing herself into the water.

Guesthouse Tokaen is located at the centre of Sado, close to Sado City Hall and Sado General Hospital, which are 5 minutes by car from the inn. The accommodation is situated along Osado Skyline, which leads to Hakuundai viewing point from Route 350. It has a spacious parking area that can accommodate more than 10 cars. Tokaen provides delicious Sado-produced seafood and the riches of the soil, and is fastidious about using safe, organic seasoning. They offer meals with brown rice and can accommodate your needs such as food allergies (reservation required). Minshuku Tokaen is a family-run, cosy accommodation, and is among TripAdvisor's recommendations.

The top recommendation at Higuchi Shokudo is their hand-crafted sushi with fresh seasonal toppings. The kitchen also delivers a variety of menus from à la carte and set menus to Chinese ramen noodles and donburi (a bowl of rice with toppings). Their selection of alcoholic beverage includes wine and cocktails, local Japanese sake, shochu (Japanese distilled spirits) and beer. You can enjoy your meal in a relaxing atmosphere in one of the three private dining rooms, which are popular for families and parties. It is situated on Route 350 and is easy to find.

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.