Niibo Dam Campsite

Dainichido is a worship hall in Ohirume Shrine, which is considered to have been established in 1490. The existing building (a Niigata Prefecture's Designated Tangible Cultural Asset) was reputedly reconstructed in 1718. The hall enshrines a statue of Seated Dainichinyorai (Vairocana), considered to be created by Mokujiki Seigen. Seen as a place of worship for a tutelary deity of cows, in the past, cowherds from all over the island traveled on foot with their cows, to pay visits to Dainichido. Many ema (wooden plaques with prayers written down on them) with pictures of cows, and waraji (straw sandals) for cows are dedicated to make wishes come true.

This giant ginkgo stretches its branches in the garden of a house in front of Seisuiji Temple, and locals affectionately call it "Seisuiji's Giant Ginkgo." Ginkgo trees have either male or female flowers, and this giant ginkgo is a male. An estimated 1,000-years old, leaves sprout every spring and turn golden yellow in autumn. Measuring 29.5 meters tall and 16.7 meters in circumference at the base, the crown spreads approximately 19 meters both east-to-west and north-to-south.

Under Emperor Kanmu's ordinance, Seisuiji Temple was founded in 808 by Ken'o Hoshi, a Buddhist monk who came from Kyoto on a missionary tour. There is Guzeden (literally: salvation) Hall, imitating the wooden stage at KiyomizuderaTemple (written in the same characters as Seisuiji: 清水寺 in Japanese) in Kyoto, but the main object of worship is 1,000-armed Kannon Bosatsu (Guanyin: Goddes of Mercy), also in imitation of Kiyomizudera Temple. Enmeizenzaijurosonten (the god of longevity) is worshipped at this temple, too, and a painting called, "Zenzaijurojin," by Mahori Hogan Yoshitaka, a master artist, was donated. Seisuiji Temple is one of the temples on Sado's Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route.

The bronze bell owned by Jinguji Temple is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The bell was originally offered to Shokoji Temple (Hayoshi, Sado) at the end of the Kamakura Period, to wish Nobutoki Hojo (governor of Sado) peace and good luck in the war. According to the inscription carved on the bell, it was cast and dedicated in 1295. When Haguro Shrine was abolished in 1868 on the order of the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism, the followers of Jinguji Temple purchased the bell and dedicated it to Jinguji Temple. The graceful appearance is marvellous.

Izakaya Matoi, located on a corner in a rustic setting, specialises in chicken dishes. The kitchen serves over twenty kinds of chicken dishes such as Chicken Nanban (marinated deep-fried chicken) with tartare sauce containing boiled eggs, nibbles, pasta, pizza and rice or noodle dishes. The wide range of menu items enchants its customers. Yakitori, finished with a special sauce passed down from the previous generation, consists of various items from rare parts to original, creative ingredients. "Sado's Special Big Takoyaki" which won the grand prize of "Sado Island's Gourmet Contest" is highly recommended.

Nacchan has an established reputation for its fresh, seasonal seafood purchased at the market, and delicious nibbles. Bento box meals and catering services also enjoy popularity. The food menu consists of a plethora of dishes, including noodles, donburi (a bowl of rice with toppings), and set meals. Nacchan offers an all-chuhai-you-can-drink deal (chuhai are mixed drinks with shochu, Japanese distilled spirits) between 17:00-22:00 (valid for two hours). Prices are 1,000JPY for men and 500JPY for women. Head to the sister snack bar "Shante" after Nacchan. You can get 50% off karaoke there.

Saito's Fruit Café serves juices and shaved ice prepared with strawberries, peaches, nectarines, apples, Okesa persimmons and grapes, all fresh from Saito Farm. You can enjoy strawberry picking in spring, too.

The restaurant "de Vinco" is directly run by Henjinmokko, which is known for its famous sausages. It offers European-style dishes centered around Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. Don't miss out on the pizza baked at a high temperature in a pizza oven, which is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and pasta dishes served with scrupulously prepared sauce! The products of Henjinmokko are also served deliciously. The casual ambience with an open kitchen is also the reason for its popularity.