Myosenji Temple

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.

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.

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.

Sado Kokubunji Temple is one of the provincial temples which were founded in each province on the order of Emperor Shomu. The construction of the temple was completed in 764. Kokubunji Temple was one of the first temples built in Sado, and was a rare example of temples with tiled roofs in the Hokuriku Region. It was burnt down several times after being struck by lightning, as well as catching fire, and then reconstructed. You can see a row of cornerstones from Kondo Main Hall, cloisters, Chumon (middle) Gate, Nandaimon (great south) Gate, a pagoda and Shindo Hall all within the grounds.

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.

Ajigokoro Kagura offers three options for traditional Japanese multi-course dinners: Hana (flower) for 3,500 JPY, Irodori (color) for 4,000 JPY, and Miyabi (elegance) for 5,000 JPY. Sashimi, the tempura set and the seafood rice bowl, all prepared with seasonal ingredients, are also gaining popularity.

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.

Tengu, named after the legendary crow-like yokai with a long nose, has won praise for its fish dishes. The kitchen delivers daily specials centering around sashimi and grilled fish. The chef, who loves fishing, sometimes serves his haul of the day. Chargrilled Yakiniku and Yakitori are popular menu items, be it your main dish or a nibble to accompany your drinks. Tengu serves set meals and Chinese ramen noodles during lunchtime hours. This is a reliable place for a casual lunch, or visiting for food and drinks in the evening.