- The Hojo's Residence
The Hojo's Residence
Facility Basic Information
- Address
- Izumi, Sado, Niigata 952-1212
- Transport Access
- Ryotsu Port Approx 35 minutes by car
- Nearest bus stop
- Izumi (Honsen [Main Line]) Approx. 30 minutes on foot from bus stop
- Parking
- Not Available
Nearby Spots
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Museums, Art Galleries and Resource Centres Other
Sado Daikannon Showaden
A group of Buddha statues, numbering over 220, is installed in one corner of the Nakaoku area. The main image of Buddha is the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bosatsu a.k.a. Sado Daikannon (Ekadaśamukha), which was erected in 1970, and initiated by Ryukai Yamaguchi, the 24th generation of head priests at Ishina Seisuiji Temple. This huge statue, more than seven metres tall, is made from the single trunk of a Japanese cypress tree over 2,200 years old. It is said that this is the world's largest wooden Buddha statue.
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Heritage and Relics
Kuroki 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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Shrines and Buddhist Temples
Honkoji 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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Shrines and Buddhist Temples
Shohoji Temple
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.
Stores where you can eat and drink nearby
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Fish Dishes Sushi
Sushiya 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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Kappo Japanese Fine Cuisine at a counter Fish Dishes Set menus/Rice bowls/Kamameshi(hot pot rice)
Kappo Ishiyama
The master chef demonstrates his culinary skills to serve dishes focusing on his carefully selected seafood. Ishiyama's motto is: serve dishes that maximises the freshness of seasonal ingredients. Dishes which make you experience the wonders of the season have established a great reputation. Recommended "Set Meal of the Day" served with the freshest sashimi will satisfy your palate. Ishiyama will meet your needs whether you are having a casual lunch, gathering with your friends, or having a party. The courtyard also has a very relaxing atmosphere.
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Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) Fish Dishes Grilled Skewers/Yakitori/Chargrill Yakiniku (Japanese-style barbecue)
Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) Nogata
Izakaya Nogata has an attractive appearance with striking black plate walls. Nogata attracts regulars seeking out the skewers of Sado Beef, local seafood, and more, grilled by the friendly master. A small, table-top grill is provided so you can enjoy yakiniku (Japanese-style barbecue), too. Depending on the day, Nogata serves dishes such as seasonal sashimi and grilled fish. Izakaya Nogata is a cosy izakaya where you can enjoy pleasant drinks.