Seisuiji Temple

This giant ginkgo stretches its branches in the garden of a house in front of Seisuiji Temple, and locals affectionately call it "Seisuiji's Giant Ginkgo." Ginkgo trees have either male or female flowers, and this giant ginkgo is a male. An estimated 1,000-years old, leaves sprout every spring and turn golden yellow in autumn. Measuring 29.5 meters tall and 16.7 meters in circumference at the base, the crown spreads approximately 19 meters both east-to-west and north-to-south.

Situated in Okuyama, which is a releasing point for toki (the Japanese crested ibises), Niibo Ginzan Silver Mine, also known as Takizawa Ginzan Silver Mine, first produced silver around the same time as Tsurushi Ginzan Silver Mine. Although records and a pictorial map from the Edo Period (1603-1867) remain to this day, little is known about this silver mine, including the year of its discovery. Sparsely inhabited today, in the olden days the surrounding area prospered so much that it was called "a town with 1,000 houses." Mining structures, including "Hyakumai Mabu (pit)" and "Ogon Mabu (pit)," still remain.

Just a 10-minute drive from the Niibo town centre, Niibo Dam Campsite is a free camping area close to the Niibo Dam. 2,000 cherry blossom trees are planted on the outskirts, and you can look out onto the lush forest over the dam. With many tourist attractions such as Toki Forest Park nearby, the location in the heart of Sado is a perfect base for you to explore Sado. Please take your own litter home.

Dainichido is a worship hall in Ohirume Shrine, which is considered to have been established in 1490. The existing building (a Niigata Prefecture's Designated Tangible Cultural Asset) was reputedly reconstructed in 1718. The hall enshrines a statue of Seated Dainichinyorai (Vairocana), considered to be created by Mokujiki Seigen. Seen as a place of worship for a tutelary deity of cows, in the past, cowherds from all over the island traveled on foot with their cows, to pay visits to Dainichido. Many ema (wooden plaques with prayers written down on them) with pictures of cows, and waraji (straw sandals) for cows are dedicated to make wishes come true.

Izakaya Matoi, located on a corner in a rustic setting, specialises in chicken dishes. The kitchen serves over twenty kinds of chicken dishes such as Chicken Nanban (marinated deep-fried chicken) with tartare sauce containing boiled eggs, nibbles, pasta, pizza and rice or noodle dishes. The wide range of menu items enchants its customers. Yakitori, finished with a special sauce passed down from the previous generation, consists of various items from rare parts to original, creative ingredients. "Sado's Special Big Takoyaki" which won the grand prize of "Sado Island's Gourmet Contest" is highly recommended.

Nacchan has an established reputation for its fresh, seasonal seafood purchased at the market, and delicious nibbles. Bento box meals and catering services also enjoy popularity. The food menu consists of a plethora of dishes, including noodles, donburi (a bowl of rice with toppings), and set meals. Nacchan offers an all-chuhai-you-can-drink deal (chuhai are mixed drinks with shochu, Japanese distilled spirits) between 17:00-22:00 (valid for two hours). Prices are 1,000JPY for men and 500JPY for women. Head to the sister snack bar "Shante" after Nacchan. You can get 50% off karaoke there.

Chozaburo is a renowned restaurant serving Sado-style sushi, thronging with locals and tourists. It delights you with the freshest toppings directly sourced from Ryotsu Market and local fishermen. You can also savour name-brand toppings such as tuna from Oma and sea urchin from Aomori, available only at renowned sushi shops. The menu also covers options such as set meals and donburi (a bowl of rice with toppings). Chinese ramen noodles passed down from preceding generations boast a refreshing taste. A combination meal of sushi and ramen noodles has achieved great popularity.

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.