Sado Kokubunji Temple

Considered to have been established in 764, Sado Kokubunji Temple (provincial temple) was burnt down several times after lightning strike and great fire. The present-day Kokubunji Temple is located to the east of the old site. The year of establishment is not clearly known, but it is said to be the early Edo Period (early 17th century). Within the grounds lie the main hall as well as Niomon gate with a pair of statues of Buddha's guardians, Rurido Hall, Bell Tower, and so on. The main image of Buddha, a wood statue of Yakushinyorai (Bhaisajyaguru: the Buddha of healing and medicine) survived fires and is installed in the storehouse.

Sesonji Temple houses a lovely green garden on its ancient grounds. Six temple buildings, including the main hall, are designated as Japan's Tangible Cultural Properties. Morikuni Endo, who was a member of Emperor Juntoku's troop and accompanied to Sado along with Emperor Juntoku, encountered Nichiren (founder of Nichiren School of Buddhism, exiled to Sado) and became a fervent follower of him. Sesonji Temple is a meditation hall established with Nikko, a leading disciple of Nichiren, as the head of the temple. The temple houses a mandala drawn by Nichiren Shonin, and also a drawing of Daikokuten (god of wealth) which Nichiren drew at the beach of Shibute (Mano) at the time of his departure from Sado after being pardoned. Mahori Hogan Yoshitaka, a master painter, donated a painting entitled Shibuya Daikokuten. Sesonji Temple is one of the temples on Sado's Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route. Sesonji Temple is also known for its beautiful azalea.

Tamemori Endo (Abutsubo Nittoku Shonin) served Nichiren upon being exiled to Sado and became an avid believer of the Hokke mantra. Together with his wife, Sen-nichini (a Buddhist nun), he opened his residence as a temple in 1278, and this is said to be the origin of Myosenji Temple. The temple used to be a residence of the Takeda Honma clan, deputy governor of Sado, and the ambience of a castle still remains. On site stands the only five-story pagoda in Niigata Prefecture, as well as the grave of Suketomo Hino, who was forced into exile on Sado after the Shochu Incident.

Daizen Shrine sits in a rustic setting resembling the landscape of Asuka in Nara Prefecture. Honma Yamashironokami, the manor's lord, initiated the enshrinement of Suketomo Hino (an exiled court noble) and Daizenbo (an ascetic hermit) together, while Miketsuokami (the god of food) is enshrined at the main building. When Kumawakamaru, the son of Suketomo Hino, came over to Sado to revenge his father's death by execution, Daizenbo helped him escape and was, consequently, executed. This shrine reputedly houses Daizenbo in order to calm his revengeful ghost. Reconstructed in 1846, the Noh stage with its thatched and hipped roof (designated a Niigata Prefecture Tangible Folk Cultural Asset), is one of the four Noh stages in the Kuninaka area where Noh performances were regularly held. It is said to be the oldest Noh stage still in existence in Sado. At present, Noh performances are offered at a festival on the 18th of April; and in June, Noh and Sagi School's Kyogen performances take place.

Family Restaurant Taigaa stands on the Minamisen bus route. The kitchen delivers a great variety of delights from burger steaks and a bowl of rice with breaded deep-fried pork cutlet to fried rice and Chinese ramen noodles. A popular man-pleasing menu item is "stamina-don", which is a bowl of rice with stir-fried garlic, Chinese chives and pork on top. Omuraisu (an omelette stuffed with fried rice) with its fluffy, soft eggs comes recommended for women and children. The restaurant is equipped with a stage and a drum set, so that you can enjoy live entertainment, too.

Garage cafe RENNSPORT was opened to display cars by the car-mania owner. The cafe exhibits changing displays of cars varying from classic Porsche vehicles to Lotus cars, which indeed make a garage! The cafe menu has weekly spaghetti and sweet delights, which speak of the cook's joy. Organic fruit juice and chai tea also have a crowd-pleasing reputation.

Chargrill Restaurant Toki is nestled in a quiet environment, near Mano's Shopping Street on the side road towards the mountainside. The interior is designed with a stylish counter made of a single hiba arborvitae plate. You can enjoy chargrilled seasonal fish and steak. Expect a wide variety of dishes, including Sado's local dishes, original eclectic dishes, set meals, rice bowls, and noodles. A good selection of local sake that accompanies the dishes is also available.

It is known for its set meals such as hamburger steak and Japanese-style pork cutlet, as well as for its "Sado beef sirloin steak" that is always available. Home-roasted coffee, handmade cakes made from Sado fruits and wild plants, and Sado Bancha pudding, a local pudding, are also popular. The mixed parfait "Jigoku-Mori" is a large parfait with cake on top, which is also a popular item.