A hotel of the legend of the Japanese crested ibis and outdoor baths: Kiraku

Shiizaki Suwa Shrine is perched on a hill overlooking Lake Kamo. It was built in 1376, as a shrine to where the god divided from Suwa Taisha, in Nagano Prefecture, was invited and reenshrined. It is, reputedly, a guardian god for the Kujihonma family, the neighbourhood manor's lord. The Noh stage, with its gable-style tiled roof, was built in 1902 (a Niigata Prefectural Tangible Cultural Asset) and hosts the largest number of Noh performances in Sado. Atmospheric bonfire Noh performances are held on Saturdays, from May until early October (excluding August). You can join workshops of Noh and shimai (a simplified version of Noh, which is danced/performed to jiuta songs).

Aokiya stands at the top of the hill overlooking Lake Kamo, and all guestrooms have a sea view. The sun setting behind Osado Mountains while turning the lake into a beautiful orange colour is exceptionally memorable. Dishes prepared mainly from seafood caught from the local sea surrounding Sado are delicious. Shiizaki Onsen's natural hot spa water, which was used for healing by the toki, the Japanese crested ibis, eases your fatigue. The Aokiya is a perfect place for a casual stroll and relaxation as it is close to Shiizaki Park and noh theatre stage.

Hotel New Katsura is superbly located on the lakeside, close to the sea. Standing on the heights of the Shiizaki Onsen hot spring village, with an abundance of hot spring water, Hotel New Katsura provides large bathrooms for men and women, as well as, two outdoor bathrooms and a private outdoor bath. Baths are also open for day-trip visitors. Hotel New Katsura treats you to meals only available in Sado, prepared using seafood sourced from the local Ryotsu market, Koshihikari rice harvested in the rice paddies in front of the hotel, and the vegetables grown with utmost care by the hotel staff members.

Shokoji Temple, close to Kita' birthplace in the Ryotsu Minato area, is a temple for deceased ancestors of the Kita family. His tomb is situated in the Aoyama Cemetary of Shokoji Temple, overlooking the rural landscape of Harakuro (Shiizaki). Although Kita Ikki was a leading thinker and socialist from the Meiji to early Showa times (early 20th century), many people still visit and lay flowers on his grave.

Oni Café is a coffee shop serving locally loved handmade potstickers, which were passed down from a longtime ramen shop after it closed its doors. Enjoy chatting with the owner who has a deep affection for Ondeko (deity [oni

Café Rest Moa is located opposite the Sado Kisen's Ryotsu Ferry Terminal. Their delicious box lunch (served at lunchtime between 11:00 - 14:00) enjoys great popularity. The selection of bento includes Squid & Spring Onion, Breaded Deep-fried Meat, as well as seasonal items such as the Deep-fried Breaded Oysters Bento. Breakfast deals, known as "morning service" in Japan, are available. The original blend coffee tastes rich and mellow.

Sushi Uohide is located in front of Sado Kisen's Ryotsu Ferry Terminal. The owner/chef wholeheartedly crafts sushi with Sado-grown Koshihikari rice and toppings purchased from auctions at the Ryotsu Market. The chief draw is "Sado's Local Fish Nigiri Sushi Set," hand-crafted with seven toppings from the day's best catch. The signature item at Sushi Uohide is a creative one: "Sushi with Squid Innards." Squid innards are used instead of wasabi. This dish has an exquisite balance of flavours and is truly a masterpiece of hand-crafted sushi.