Honkoji Temple (in Izumi)

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.

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.

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.

Guest House Third Place is an accommodation run on the concept of slow living surrounded by the woods, which evoke a sense of being showered by nature's power. You can see the green lawn in the front garden and feel the gentle breeze through the bamboo grove where leaves rustle outside the guest room. The common space is equipped with a living room and kitchen, where you will feel like a local. There is also a music studio and a quaint Japanese house on its premises. Please visit this place as a third home where you can relax, refresh and recharge yourself.

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.

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.

Zen offers creative cuisines by making full use of seasonal ingredients. At lunchtime, omuraisu (omelette stuffed with fried rice) and pasta dishes are served. At dinnertime, meat and fish dishes are the main menu. Great food prepared by the master chef, qualified as a food coordinator, is popular for its various flavours such as the Asian. Zen also provides over 100 selections of cocktails. Keep an eye on new monthly menus and housemade desserts! Bento box meal catering services also enjoy popularity.

"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.