Hotel Familio Sado Aikawa

The sunflower field in Ogawa is en route to Senkakuwan Bay from the Aikawa town center, along Sado's Ring Road (Prefectural Route 45). The sea of sunflowers with a backdrop of blue ocean is a must-see stop that cannot be passed by. With the ocean breeze softly blowing, it is a popular place for a break. Many people visit this spot every year to enjoy the view, only available on Sado in summer.

Ichizaemon Shizume is a samurai warrior of Momoyama Period to early Edo Period (1564 - 1627). He played an active role as a vassal of Ieyasu Tokugawa at the Battle of Sekigahara. (The Battle of Sekigahara is a major battle which took place near Sekigahara in 1600 between Tokugawa and Toyotomi. After this battle, Ieyasu acceded to power and established the Shogunate.) After assuming the role of Commissioner for Sado in 1618, he practised a range of policies, and gained in fame as a great commissioner who contributed to development of gold and silver mines. This grave was built in 1845 in memory of his achievement.

Benkei no Hasamiiwa is a peculiar sight located on seashore in Shimoaikawa, along Prefectural Route 45. A wedge-shaped rock is stuck between two giant rocks. Once upon a time, Sado Benkei and his company mountain priests were making their way to Mount Kinpoku for ascetic training, when a demon appeared in an ambush and requested a contest of strength. Sado Benkei threw rocks in the air, and the rocks are said to be thrown onto the beach in Shimoaikawa. A grave of a consummate governor of Sado, Ichizaemon Shizume adjoins the beach.

Known as a scenic spot since olden times, Senjojiki is a flat, rocky shore situated on the coast of Shimoaikawa at the northern tip of Aikawa Town Center. The shore is called Senjojiki (literally: a thousand tatami-mats) because of its flat, vast landform. A bridge spans over the sea toward the seawall, and from there, you can see the rolling surf of the Sea of Japan and observe the rocky shore beneath the surface. A popular relaxing spot for locals, people enjoy strolling along the trail when the sea is calm.

Kinzanjaya is an eatery located in the third car park of the historic site "Sado Gold Mine". You can enjoy lunch made from fresh seafood. Kinzan Soba (buckwheat noodles) topped with chewy mekabu seaweed, shrimp tempura and iwanori seaweed and gold dust is highly recommended. In addition, "Kinzan Curry" served in a shape of Doyu no Wareto (split mountain top of the gold mine), and "Special Kaisendon", are popular menu items among others.

Gashima Cinema is located on historical Kyomachi Street, which connects Sado Gold and Silver Mine with the Sado Commissioner's Office. This former residence of the Sado Gold Mine captain, built about 80 years ago, has been converted into a café while maintaining the ambiance of the olden days. A monthly featured film is shown daily, and a monthly book corner provides movie-related books. An old carbon arc film projector, which was once used at an actual movie theatre, is on display. This spot is perfect for a break on a stroll through history, in the old mining town of Aikawa.

Converted from an old Japanese-style house in the Aikawa area, this dining establishment offers a hotel-like atmosphere with a sense of Sado's long-standing traditions. Enjoy dishes highlighting Sado-sourced ingredients while taking in the stunning views of Aikawa. The outdoor terrace is a perfect spot to enjoy a warm and sunny day. This spot also offers a space for rent, so exhibitions and live entertainment are a common occurrence.