- Mount Donden
Mount Donden
Camp site is popular! A refreshing highland with natural grass
Mount Donden, officially named Mt Tadaramine, is the whole highland area including three mountains above 900m. As the nickname,originated from the word "donden", which means roundtop mountain, indicates, Mount Donden is located at the heart of steep Osado Mountains and solely appears with modest inclines among the mountains. The surrounding area is a treasury of alpine plants and wildflowers. Mount Donden is one of the new Top 100 Mountains and TOP 100 Mountains of Flowers in Japan and many trekkers visit there from April towards early Summer.
Facility Basic Information
- Address
- Umezu, Sado, Niigata 952-0005
- Transport Access
- Ryotsu Port Approx 40 minutes by car
- Parking
- 30
- Note
-
Shuttle bus services from the Ryotsu are available. * Operated from May (everyday) to mid-June (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Nearby Spots
-
Government-run Facilities OtherDonden Highland Lodge (mountain lodge)
Donden Sanso, situated right in the middle of the traverse course on Osado Mountains, has been loved by hikers and tourists who visit Osado Mountains such as Mt Donden, one of the Top 100 Mountains with Flowers in Japan. Seafood, riches of the soil special to Sado, and delicious rice are popular among visitors. The view from the deck is stunning, and you can look out to the mountain ranges in Echigo on the mainland when the weather is clear. Sunrise and starry night skies are also fantastic.
-
PlantsGiant Aino Mulberry in Hayoshi
As an island of silk-farming using Aino mulberry leaves, Sado used to boast the top sericulture industry in Niigata Prefecture. This giant, ancient Aino mulberry tree is estimated to be 1300 years old, measuring 9 meters tall and 5.2 meters around the base. The trunk divides into four branches, and the crown spreads 18 meters. Hayoshi's Aino mulberry tree is one of the three great mulberry trees in Japan, together with one at Ebisu Shrine in Otaru City, Hokkaido, and another in Usune, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture.
-
OtherSado Nichiren Shonin Daidozo (Huge Bronze Statue)
This bronze statue of Nichiren (founder of the Nichiren School of Buddhism and an exile to Sado) was erected as a result of the concerted contribution of over 3,000 monks and followers all around Japan, and as a part of a celebration for the 750th anniversary since the establishment of the Nichiren School. With Ryotsu Bay as its backdrop, the statue stands facing India, the Buddha's birthplace, at approximately 13 metres high (26 metres including the base). The statue appears with a great dignity well-suited to Sado, which is closely related to Nichiren.
-
Mountains PlantsOsado Ishina Natural Cedar Forest
There is a walk path in Ishina natural cedar forest for anyone to enjoy a walk around natural cedar trees at around at 900m up in the mountain. You can get to the entrance of the path by car. Along the 650-meter long path, you can see giant trees, some of which were named "Zogesugi (ivory cedar)", "Hagoromosugi (magic robe cedar)", etc. in competition. The cedar trees were warped by strong winds and in fog, and trees unsuitable for timber remain without being cut down. Some of the trees are over 300 years old.
