PICK UP
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.
What's new
-
2026.03.30
Explore the Mountains with Liner Buses in May/June 2026
Sado Island, a nature lover’s paradise in Niigata Prefecture, offers breathtaking mountain hikes, scenic coastlines, and lush forests. To make your adventures easier in May/June 2026 three special liner buses will be operating—Donden Liner Bus, Mt. Kinpoku Liner Bus, and the Kanzou Liner Bus. These buses provide direct access to Sado’s best trekking spots.Donden Liner Bus – to Hike Mt. Donden or the ridgeline to Mt. KinpokuDonden Liner BusRoute: Ryotsu Port → Aoneba Trekking Trail → Donden Lodge Operating Period: Daily from April 25 (Sat) to May 31 (Sun), 2026Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Donden LinerWhy Take This Bus?- Perfect for exploring Donden Mountain, known for its tranquil forests and well-maintained trails.- Choose to get dropped off at the Aoneba Trekking Trail, a great starting point for hiking Mt. Donden- Or get dropped off at Donden Lodge, where you can prepare to hike the entire ridgeline to Mt. Kinpoku.Mt. Kinpoku Liner Bus (One-Way Only) – For Osado ridgeline hikersKinpoku Liner BusRoute: Hakuundai → Ryotsu Port → Shiizaki OnsenOperating Period: Daily from April 25 (Sat) to May 31 (Sun), 2026Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Kinpoku LinerWhy Take This Bus?- Ideal for hikers tackling the ridgeline from Mt. Donden to Mt. Kinpoku (1,172m), Sado’s highest peak, offering stunning island views.- Ends at Shiizaki Onsen, where you can relax in a hot spring after your adventure.Kanzou Liner Bus – For Onogame Kanzou & Coastal ViewsKanzou Liner Bus Route: Ryotsu → Futatsugame → OnogameOperating Period: May 23 (Sat), May 24 (Sun), May 30 (Sat), May 31 (Sun), June 6 (Sat), June 7 (Sun), 2026Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Kanzou LinerWhy Take This Bus?- Connects you to Futatsugame and Onogame, two of Sado’s most famous coastal rock formations.- Great for photographers and nature lovers—these spots offer dramatic ocean views and the tobishima kanzo flowers in bloom!Bus Reservations and InquiriesPlease Direct all Reservation Requests and Inquiries to: Niigata Kotsu Sado Liner Bus Reservation Center0259-52-3200 (9:30-17:00)Please Note:- Reservations are mandatory for all passengers- If a bus reaches capacity, no additional reservations will be accepted- Passengers without reservations may be denied boarding depending on seat availabilityTips for Travelers- Check the exact departure times - the Kanzou Liner only runs on select weekends.- Bring a camera—the views from Onogame and the Osado ridgeline are spectacular!- Wear comfortable hiking shoes—the trails can be rugged but rewarding.- Combine your hike with a soak at Shiizaki Onsen—a perfect post-hike treat!We strongly recommend booking early to guarantee your spot!
-
2026.03.25
April Festivals on Sado Island 2026
April on Sado Island is a vibrant season of festivals, centered around the ritual of Onidaiko. Throughout the month, villages all over the island hold their own shrine festivals featuring this tradition, where dancers wearing fearsome oni (demon) masks perform to the rhythmic beat of taiko drums. However, on Sado, these oni are not villains but friendly deities who visit communities to ward off evil, purify homes, and pray for a successful rice planting season. Each performance is unique, with styles ranging from the Noh-influenced sliding steps of the central Katagami-style to the one-footed jumping of the Issoku-style in the Ogi area. These April festivals often include other traditional arts like Yabusame (horseback archery) and portable shrine processions, creating a powerful and deeply spiritual atmosphere that marks the island's most important festival season of the year.Find the schedule of festivals in April this year - and enjoy the ritual of Onidaiko on Sado Island!→ See more about Onidaiko on Sado Island→ See the complete schedule in Japanese (Sado Cultural Foundation)April 1st (Wednesday)Sugino-ura Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Ryotsu (Suginoura)Group: Sugino-ura Lion Dance Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oshishi and KoshishiStart / End Time: Procession begins after Shinto Ritual at 7:00. 16:00 ClosingGosha Shrine Annual Festival (Gosha Shrine) at Niibo (Niibo Uryuya)Group: Uryuya Children's AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> [Children's Oni-daiko]Start / End Time: 13:00: Start, 16:00-16:30: ends at Ag. Center.April 3 (Friday)Ichinomiya Shrine Spring Festival (Miyaura Festival)(Ichinomiya Shrine) at Hatano(Miyagawa)Group: Ichinomiya Shrine Youth Group(Ichinomiya Onidaiko Preservation Society)Performance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 14:00 Ceremony / 15:00 Onidaiko performanceNagaki Hachiman Wakamiya Shrine Annual Festival(Hachiman Wakamiya Shrine) at Sawada(Nagaki)Group: Nagagi Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 11:30～April 4 (Saturday)Nagaki Yahata Wakamiya Shrine Annual Festival (Yahata Wakamiya Shrine) at Sawada (Nagaki)Group: Nagaki Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Start 7:30 AM / 17:30 Mikoshi finale at the ShrineKawachi Shrine Annual Festival (Kawachi Shrine) at Hatano (Hamakawachi)Group: Hamakawachi Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Maehama style>Start / End Time: 6:00～April 7 (Tuesday)Murakami Shrine Annual Festival (Murakami Shrine) at Sawada (Shinkoji Temple)Group: Shinkoji Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:00～April 8 (Wednesday)Hakusan Shrine Annual Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Sawada(Nishiyamada)Group: Nishiyamada Iwano Group Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daikoStart / End Time: ～April 11 (Saturday)Asahi Festival(Nisho Shrine and Mishima Shrine) at Ryotsu (Asahi)Group: Asahi Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 9:00: Start Nisho Shrine / 9:30: Mishima Shrine / 19:00: EndOhata Shrine Spring Grand Festival(Ohata Shrine) at Aikawa(Okura)Group: Okura Grand Festival Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko<Mamemaki style>Start / End Time: 11:00 Shinto ritual ceremony 11:30: Performance at shrineHakusan Shrine Annual Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Niibo (Niibo Minagawa)Group: Minagawa OnidaikoPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 8:30 Start / around 17:30 FinishUriuya Youth Association Onidaiko (Gosha Shrine) at Niibo(Niibo Uriuya)Group: Uriuya Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 4:30 Start / 23:30 End at temporary shrine.Aono Grand Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Sawada (Aono)Group: Otowa-kaiPerformance: Oni-daiko <Mamemaki style>Start / End Time: At Showa Kaikan. 1st performance: 11:00 AM - 2nd performance: 14:00Mononobe Shrine Festival (Mononobe Shrine) at Hatano(Ogura)Group: Ogura Mononobe Youth Group Performance: Oni-daiko <Maehama style>Start / End Time: 5:00 AM: Depart Shrine / 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Return to the shrine.Minamikatabe Hakusan Shrine Annual Festival (Evening Festival)(Hakusan Shrine) at Aikawa(Minamikatabe)Group: Minami Katabe Taiko Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Issoku-style>Start / End Time: 18:30 (Little lion dance from 19:00) Kumano Shrine Annual Festival (Evening Festival)(Kumano Shrine) at Aikawa(Kitagawauchi)Group: Kitagawachi Festival Preservation SocietyPerformance: Small Lion Dancewith Onidaiko <Mamemaki style>Start / End Time: 19:00~ small lion dance*The small lion dance will only be performed on the evening of the festival.April 12 (Sunday)Minami Katabe Hakusan Shrine Annual Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Aikawa(Minamikatabe)Group: Minami Katabe Taiko Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Issoku-style>Start / End Time: 9:00 Gate procession, scheduled to enter the shrine around 15:00Kumano Shrine Annual Festival(Door-to-Door Performance)(Kumano Shrine) at Aikawa(Kitagawauchi)Group: Kitagawachi Festival Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko<Mamemaki style>Start / End Time: Start around 8:00 AM, Finish around 15:00Kamiyokoyama Festival (Kinpo Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kamiyokoyama)Group: Kamiyokoyama Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> Start / End Time: 5:30 Start / 6:00 Depart from the shrine / 20:00 Return to the shrineTateno Sansha Shrine Main Festival (Sansha Shrine) at Ryotsu(Tateno)Group: Tateno Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> Start / End Time: 10:00 AM: Shrine Start / Around 19:00: ClosingKawasaki Festival (Mizuo Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kawasaki)Group: Kawasaki Oni Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> Start / End Time: 13:30 Prayer and performance at Konpira Community CenterIzuna Shrine Annual Festival (Izuna Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kakinoura)Group: Kakinoura Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> <Maehama style> Start / End Time: 8:00 (scheduled) Departure / 18:00 (scheduled) Entry into the shrineIzuna Shrine Annual Festival (Izuna Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kakinoura)Group: Kakinoura Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> <Maehama style> Start / End Time: 8:00 (scheduled) Departure / 18:00 (scheduled) Entry into the shrineKumano Shrine Annual Festival (Kumano Shrine) at Kanai(Obana)Group: Obana Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> Start / End Time: Implemented at the neighborhood association level.April 13 (Monday)Sanno Festival (Hiyoshi Shrine) at Niibo (Niibo Funashita)Group: Sado Funashita Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Sanno Festival (Hiyoshi Shrine) at Niibo(Niibo-Ono)Group: Ohno Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 18:00 at Hiyoshi Shrine in Ohno / 19:00 at Hiyoshi Shrine in Kami-ShinboApril 14 (Tuesday)Sanno Festival (Hiyoshi Shrine) at Niibo(Kami-Niibo)Group: Niibo Central Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Mireichi Shrine Annual Festival (Evening Festival)(Mireichi Shrine) at Aikawa(Kitadanoura)Group: Goreichi Shrine Festival EventsPerformance: FuryūodoriStart / End Time: Around 19:00, performances of Hanagasa Odori (flower hat dance) and Shishi (lion dance, three lions) will be held at the Revitalization Center and four other locations. *Furyu Odori will not be performed at the main festival on the 15th.Susanoo Shrine Annual Festival (Evening Festival)(Susanoo Shrine) at Aikawa(Ishihana)Group: Ishihana Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Around 19:30: From the shrine to the intersection on the prefectural road, until around 20:30.Senbon Spring Festival (Evening Festival)(Hachiman Shrine) at Aikawa(Senbon)Group: Senbon Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Around 18:00 to 20:00April 15 (Wednesday)Susanoo Shrine Annual Festival (Door-to-Door Procession)(Susanoo Shrine) at Aikawa(Ishige)Group: Ishige Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 8:00 Start / 18:00 ShrineSenbon Spring Festival (Door-to-door performances)(Hachiman Shrine) at Aikawa(Senbon)Group: Senbon Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 8:30 Start / 17:00 FinishKumano Shrine Annual Festival(Kumano Shrine) at Niibo(Niibo Aoki)Group: Aoki Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:00~Hakusan Shrine Annual Festival(Hakusan Shrine) at Niibo(Uchimaki)Group: Uchimaki Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 9:30 AM: Start / 17:00: EndShinbo Hachimangu Shrine Annual Festival (Shinbo Matsuri)(Shinbo Hachimangu Shrine) at Kanai(Shinbo/Chigusa)Group: KenchikaiShinbo DoshidanChigusa YorikikaiPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Each Onidaiko enters the shrine around 14:45 / Simultaneous Onidaiko dedication – around 15:00〇 Chikusa settlement "Monotsuke" (door-to-door performance) ▶ Ōwada – 6:00 – Yakushidō (Kenchi-kai) ▶ Nishikata – 5:30 – Nishikata Activation Center (Chikusa Yoryoku-kai)〇 Niibo settlement "Monotsuke"Please watch the Onidaiko performance by the Niibo Dōshi-dan at the dedication ceremony starting at 15:00 at Niibo Hachiman Shrine.Izumi Festival(Araki Shrine) at Kanai(Izumi)Group: Izumi Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Yamato Festival(Ryosho Grand Shrine and Karasaki Shrine) at Kanai(Yamato)Group: Yamato Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:00 Start / 16:00 ReturnTakahama Shrine Annual Festival(Takahama Shrine) at Sawada(Kubota)Group: Kubota Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:30-6:30 AM: Start / 20:30-21:00: ReturnMeguro-cho Kumano Shrine Annual Festival(Kumano Shrine) at Hatano(Meguro-cho)Group: Meguro-cho Oni TaikoPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:30 Start / 19:00 ReturnSannomiya Hata Festival(Sannomiya Shrine and Kumano Shrine) at Hatano(Sannomiya/Hata)Group: Sannomiya Shota Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 4:45 Start / Return at 12:00 to Kumano Shrine / 17:00 Sannomiya ShrineKamo Shrine Annual Festival(Kamo Shrine) at Hatano(Kurinoe)Group: Kurinoe Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Hamanaka Festival(Takiya Shrine) at Mano(Hamanaka)Group: Hamanaka Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daikoStart / End Time: 6:00 AM Start / 12:00 AM Arrival at the shrineAizawa Festival(Daizen Shrine) at Mano(Aizawa)Group: Aizawa Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:00AM - Start / 20:00 - 21:00 - ReturnApril 16 (Thursday)Akai Shrine Annual Festival(Akai Shrine) at Ryotsu(Ryotsu Fukuura)Group: Fukuura Oni GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:00 AM: Procession to the shrine7:00 AM: DepartureAkai Shrine Annual Festival(Akai Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kamoutashiro)Group: Kamoutashiro Onidaiko GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:00AM ~ End 21:00 at Community CenterApril 18 (Saturday)Kasuga Shrine Annual Festival(Kasuga Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kasuga)Group: Kasuga Oni GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Atsuta Shrine Annual Festival(Atsuta Shrine) at Ryotsu(Akitsu)Group: Akitsu Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:00AM Start / 22:00 EndMaki Festival(Kawasaki Shrine) at Ryotsu(Maki)Group: Maki Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 8:00 Start / 18:00-19:00 Enter into the shrineApril 27 (Monday)Suwa Shrine Annual Festival(Suwa Shrine) at Sawada(Kawarada)Group: Kawarada Suwa Shrine Parishioners' AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:30 AM Start / 20:30 PM FinishApril 29 (Wednesday)Tsubaki Festival(Arasaki Shrine) at Ryotsu(Tsubaki)Group: Tsubaki Oni groupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Start 6:00 AM / Finish 17:00
Next season
-
2026.03.18
2026 Noh Theater Schedule
The 2026 Noh Theater Calendar for Sado Island has been announced! Enjoy a Noh Theater show on the beautiful Sado Island. Programs marked are fire-lit Noh Performances.Shuttle Bus Services are available for select performances marked below. For reservations, please contact the Niigata Kotsu Sado Liner Bus Reservation Center. Reception Hours 9:00～17:00 ☎ 0259-52-3200 Please note only Japanese-speaking staff are available. If you cannot speak Japanese, please call with an interpretor. Please note only inquiries in Japanese are accepted.➡ See the full 2026 Noh Theater Schedule Here, including bus details
-
2026.03.01
The best places to see Cherry Blossoms on Sado Island
Welcome to Sado Island, a hidden gem in Japans landscape that comes alive with a burst of color every spring. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Sado Island is a great place to escape the tourist crowds of larger cities and enjoy Japans Sakura (cherry blossom) season. There are numerous flower spots scattered around the island that you can explore, so get your camera and a picnic ready! In this blog post, well take you on a virtual tour of some of the best cherry blossom viewing sites on Sado. Spot #1: Sado Gold Mine ParkThis historic site is a very popular place to see cherry blossoms. The road up to the Gold Mine and around the grounds is lined with the trees. The blossoms are also lit up at night during the height of the season. In 2026, the light-up event is planned for April 4th - April 20th, in the evening hours of 19:00 - 21:30. Address: 1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado, Niigata 952-1501By Bus: right in front of Kinzanjaya-mae (main line) Spot #2: Mano ParkMano Park is the perfect place for a picnic, and with about 2000 sakura trees, this is Sado’s premiere cherry blossom viewing spot! You can also visit Mano Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Juntoku. Come visit after sundown, when the trees are illuminated for night-time cherry blossom viewing, known in Japan as yozakura. The light-up at Mano Park in 2026 will be held from April 4, 2026 - April 19, 2026. The Cherry Blossom Festival in 2026 will be held on April 18 (Saturday) from 10:00 - 19:00 and April 19 (Sunday) from 10:00 - 16:00. Enjoy performances, food stalls and more. Address: 655 Mano, Sado, Niigata 952-0313By Bus: 3 minutes walk from Manomiya-mae (Akadomari Line), 20 minutes walk from Mano Goryo Entrance (Ogi Line), and directly in front of the Sado History and Legend Museum stop (Ogi Line - on Saturdays and Sundays only). Spot #3: Niibo DamEnjoy some 1,500 cherry trees spanning around 20 varieties. Niibo dam is definitely one of Sado’s top cherry blossom viewing destinations. In spring, the area bustles with photographers and picnickers coming to enjoy the flowers. Address: 1072-1 Kaminiibo, Sado, Niigata 952-0108By Bus: 30 minute walk from the Ryokomura Uryuya bus stop Spot #4: Shiroyama Park (Ogi)Ogi is the southern gateway to Sado Island, and once prospered as a gold and silver shipping port and port of call for Kitamaebune ships during the Edo period. Shiroyama Park is located on a hill where you will find about 500 cherry trees. It is also where the “Kodo: Earth Celebration” was originally held annually in late August. Address: Ogi, Sado, Niigata 952-0604By Bus: 15 minutes walk from Ogi (Ogi Line) Spot #5: Lake KamoJust a few minutes walk from Ryotsu Port, Lake Kamo is the biggest lake in Niigata Prefecture, and one of the most picturesque spots in Sado, with sections of the promenade lined with cherry trees. A great way to take in the views is by renting an e-bike in Ryotsu from Sado Outdoor Base and cycling around the circumference of the lake. For more details on E-bike Rentals: Outdoor Base For more details on the route: Lake Kamo Course Spot #6: Tanemaki Sakura (Hojobo temple in Hamochi Osaki)This beautiful rosebud cherry tree, the Tanemaki Sakura, is about 20m high and 6.9 meters in circumference at its base, and is estimated to be over 250 years old! Legend has it that the former chief priest of Osaki’s Uenobo Temple retired to Hojobo Temple in his later years, and when he traveled around the country as an ascetic, he bought a cherry seedling in Yoshino and brought it back here. Address: 1167 Hamochi Osaki, Sado, Niigata 952-0252By Bus: 15 minutes walk from Ogi (Ogi Line) Spot #7: Shinbo Hachimangu Shrine Check out the beautiful path up to this shrine lined with cherry blossoms. There is also a festival held here every April 15th where you can see Onidaiko drumming and other traditional arts! Timing your visit with the Taiko Drumming Festival adds an extra layer of cultural richness to your cherry blossom experience. Address: 1109 Kanai Shinbo, Sado, Niigata 952-1208By Bus: 3 minutes walk the Undo Koen Mae bus stop (Honsen Line) Spot #8: Karasaki Shrine (Yoshii) You’ll notice the bright pink cherry blossoms that line the long path up to this small shrine’s gate, visible all the way from the main highway. Take a moment to reflect as you witness the harmonious blend of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility. Address: Yoshiihongo, Sado, Niigata 952-1202By Bus: 3 minutes walk the Yamato bus stop (Honsen Line) ConclusionSado Island's cherry blossom spots are the perfect place for a sensory journey through history, culture, and nature, away from the crowds of the mainland. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking tranquility or a group of friends ready for a picnic party, Sado Island caters to all. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and explore all the blooming sakura Sado Island has to offer!
Campaign
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.
