- The Honma Family's Noh Stage
The Honma Family's Noh Stage
Facility Basic Information
- Address
- 987 Agata, Sado, Niigata 952-3421
- Transport Access
- Ryotsu Port Approx 10 minutes by car
- Nearest bus stop
- Honmake Nohbutaimae (Minamisen [South Line]) Approx. 0 minutes on foot from bus stop
- Parking
- 10
Nearby Spots
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Shrines and Buddhist Temples Noh Stages Plants
Ushio Shrine
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.
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Ryokan (Japanese-style Inn) Use of bathing facilities only
Niibo Katagami Onsen (hot spring)
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.
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Government-run Facilities
Toki Koryu Kaikan
Toki Koryu Kaikan is a facility with lodging rooms established to promote the "Island Development for Both People and Toki" initiative. With forests behind, Toki Koryu Kaikan provides training programmes to learn about the preservation of farming landscapes near mountains. It can also cater to the demands of volunteer groups and school trips, and offers study sessions such as "A Lecture on Toki" and "Biotope-Making and Small Wildlife Creatures Observation." Rubber boots and other tools are available for rent for session participants and students.
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Shrines and Buddhist Temples
Choanji Temple
Located in the Kujikawachi village, Choanji Temple is said to have been founded in 831, and has a wooden seated statue of Amitabha and a bronze bell in its storehouse, both of which are designated as Japan's Important Cultural Properties. The statue is said to have been made in the late Heian Period (the 12th century). The bronze bell was pulled up from the bottom of the sea in Wakasa (present-day Fukui Prefecture) around the 13th century, and it is said to have later been dedicated to Choanji Temple. It is one of the forty-seven so-called Korean bells still in existence in Japan, and this is the only one of its kind in Niigata Prefecture. It is 107.5 cm tall and 61.2 cm diameter. The elaborately designed dragon-shaped handle at the top of the bell and the arabesque pattern are striking.
Stores where you can eat and drink nearby
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Casual Eatery Kappo Japanese Fine Cuisine at a counter Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) Soba (buckwheat) and Udon Noodles Tempura/Deep-Fried Dishes
Soba (buckwheat noodles) Mozem
Mozem offers hand-kneaded soba noodles and soba-centric multi-course meals. The neatly cut, thin strips of soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat flour, are exceptional because of the strong flavour of buckwheat and smooth texture. You can choose from Sado-style soba drenched in soba sauce made from grilled-dried flying fish, or morisoba served with a dipping sauce made from bonito broth. A selection of dishes prepared with a little extra will leave gourmet palates satisfied and impressed. Book your seat by the afternoon on the day before your visit.
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Restaurant Italian Cuisine
de Vinco Henjinmokko
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.
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Tea House/Coffee Shop Sweets
Fruit Café Saito
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.