- Shohoji Temple
Shohoji Temple
A temple of Zeami known for candlelight Noh performances
In 1324, Shohoji Temple was established to take care of deceased ancestors of the Honma family, the feudal lord of Izumi Village. This temple is also known as Zeami's place of exile, and there remains his seating stone. The temple's treasure, "Ritual Mask Beshimi" (a mask with a mouth clamped firmly shut), was reputedly made in the late Kamakura Period (around the 13th century), and it is the oldest mask in Niigata Prefecture. It is also said to be the mask that Zeami used for the dance to pray for rain. Hondo (main hall), Kannondo hall, sanmon gate, and so on, are all designated National Tangible Cultural Properties. Shohoji Candlelight Noh Performances are held every June.
Facility Basic Information
- Address
- 504 Kou Izumi, Sado, Niigata 952-1212
- For inquiries
- 0259-63-2032
- Transport Access
- Ryotsu Port Approx 20 minutes by car
- Nearest bus stop
- Izumi （Honsen [Main Line]） Approx. 3 minutes on foot from bus stop
- Parking
- 10
Nearby Spots
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Shrines and Buddhist TemplesHonkoji Temple (in Izumi)
Honkoji was founded in 1310 by a Buddhist monk Nissho Shonin, who became a strong believer of Nikko Shonin. It sits in the neibourhood of the ruins of Kuroki Palace, where Emperor Juntoku used to live. The temple treasures a wood-carved standing statue of Seikannon (Goddess of Mercy), a designated National Important Cultural Property, which is one of the four statues that Emperor Juntoku brought with him from Kyoto. The temple also has a Mandala (Sado City's designated Tangible Cultural Asset) drawn by Nikko Shonin, who was a leading disciple of Nichiren Shonin (founder of Nichiren School of Buddhism exiled to Sado).
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Heritage and RelicsKuroki Palace
Kuroki Palace is the ruins of the residence where Emperor Juntoku lived after being exiled to Sado as an alleged mastermind of the Jokyu Disturbance in 1221. The shabby palace building constructed using rough-hewn timbers was called Kuroki (black wood) Palace. The present-day mound has been maintained since the Meiji Period (1868-1912), after Kenkichi Kawakami, a local, proposed it necessary. The grounds are covered with many pine trees, including one planted by Emperor Showa, and there are also monuments inscribed with poetry by Mokichi Saito and Hiroshi Yosano.
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Outdoor ActivitiesOutdoor Island Yu
The owner, well-versed in the mountains and nature of Sado, will take you to every corner of the island. Outdoor Island Yu serves as the secretariat of OsadoTrekking Guide Club. Walking tours are designed on the themes of, not only mountain plants and giant trees, but also towns, historic relics, and festivals. Hiking gear, clothing, and equipment suitable to novices are available for purchase at the shop. The wood interior, with its cozy fireplace, leaves you feeling peaceful and relaxed.
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Shrines and Buddhist Temples PlantsJissoji Temple
It is said that Nichiren Shonin, founder of Nichiren School of Buddhism exiled to Sado, stood and chanted mantra on this hill every morning, after forced to live in Ichinosawa. The precinct is scattered with a bronze statue of Nichiren, praying to the rising sun whilst thinking of his parents at home in Awa (present-day Chiba Prefecture), Kesagake no Matsu (a pine tree which he hang his monastic robe on), a spring with which he rinsed his hands, and so on. Also, "Sanko no Sugi", a gigantic cedar tree over 1,000 years old (Sado City's Designated Natural Monument) stretches its branches.
Stores where you can eat and drink nearby
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Fish Dishes SushiSushiya Maruishi Flagship Restaurant
Maruishi is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant directly run by the Ishihara Suisan fishmonger. It provides handshaped sushi made from Sado-grown Koshihikari rice and local fish at reasonable prices. In addition, the tuna, directly delivered from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo on its own courier, has an excellent reputation. Maruishi always offers a choice of over eighty kinds of fresh toppings, and it will never fall short of your expectations. Handmade desserts and seasonal fruit provide the perfect post-sushi delights.
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Casual Eatery Tea House/Coffee Shop Set menus/Rice bowls/Kamameshi(hot pot rice) Light mealTokiwakan
Tokiwakan has a wide variety of menus available including set meals, noodles, spaghetti, bagel sandwiches, etc. The Set Meal of the Day, introduced on their Facebook page every day, is extremely popular. Food full of warmth, care and locally sourced vegetables will warm your heart. You can enjoy a Bunya Puppet Theatre show at the adjoining Tokiwa Company upon reservation. (For a charge / Please contact for details.)
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Casual Eatery Chinese Cuisine Chinese Ramen NoodlesChinese Cuisine Kinkaro
Kinkaro stands along Route 350, which you will know by its red signboard. The chef of the second generation learnt culinary skills at a famous Sichuan cuisine restaurant in Niigata, and wholeheartedly prepares dishes. The Sichuan-style Hot and Spicy Bean Curd, which carries on a traditional taste, gives rich flavours in spiciness, and this dish is highly recommended. Classic menus such as gyoza dumplings, fried rice, and sweet and sour pork are peerlessly delicious. Kinkaro also serves up noodles and set meals, and the set lunch on weekdays has a loyal following thanks to the reasonable price.
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Casual Eatery Chinese Ramen NoodlesIkebukuro Daishoken Sado Branch
"Ikebukuro Daishoken" established a great reputation in Tokyo for Tsukemen (ramen noodles served with a separate dipping soup). The master chef trained under Mr Kazoo Yamagishi, and was allowed to set up his own restaurant with the same name. He introduces the taste and philosophy of the master chef, Mr Yamagishi, to Sado. The well-balanced soup made from bones of pork and chicken, and seafood, and the homemade noodles taste authentic even for those who know the taste of the founder's restaurant. As Mr Yamagishi emphasized the importance of "pig bones, chicken bones, and the chef's personality," the set of noodles and dipping soup prepared by the chef's kindness and skill is delicious.