Sushi Chozaburo

Hiyoshi Shrine is familiar to locals, and known as "Sanno-san". The shrine was established in 1226 for Emperor Juntoku, who was banished to Sado, after his high ranking servant, Kiyonori Ike, initiated dividing and re-enshrining the god enshrined at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Omi (present-day Shiga Prefecture). Many wooden and stone statues of monkeys, messengers of a god, can be seen around the grounds of the shrine. The statues include the "three wise monkeys", which are Mizaru, covering his eyes; Kikazaru, covering his ears; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth. The most important annual festival is held over three days in April.

The collections of Niibo Museum of History and Folklore feature items of traditional performing arts and closely related to the everyday life of the common people, resources of Sado's history and culture including toki (Japanese crested ibises), as well as numerous archaeological objects such as the Japanese ancient bronze mirror unearthed at Tamatsukuri Ruins in Niibo. Workshops of rag-weaving and magatama making (both for a fee) are available. You can also have a chance to see works by Kiyoshi Yamamoto, who is remembered as having a deep connectiong with Niibo, and final works by the Niibo-native brothers of Bakusen Tsuchida (Japanese-style painter) and Kyoson Tsuchida (philosopher).

The Sanmaido Hall within the grounds of Konponji Temple is reputed to be the place where Nichiren (a Buddhist monk and the founder of the Nichiren School) had a debate with monks from other schools, and authored Kaimokusho (The Opening of the Eyes). It is one of the sacred places for the Nichiren school, along with Myoshoji Temple in the Sawata area, where Nichiren wrote Kanjinhonzonsho (The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind). Konponji Temple is a temple complex consisting of twenty-nine buildings and halls on an area of approximately 56,200 square metres. Included on the grounds are Soshido Hall (named after its founder) and the Main Hall, constructed and donated by wealthy gold-mining engineers in the Edo Period (1603-1867).

Green Village Patio House is an inn with a casual atmosphere situated in an idyllic setting in Niibo, known as the home to toki (Japanese crested ibises), and it attracts many fans locally and nationally. The accommodation is in a fantastic location close to temples and shrines with a long and distinguished history, and Toki Forest Park. You can enjoy cycling and trekking at nearby Niibo Dam which is surrounded by rich nature. Green Village Patio House is situated in Kuninaka Plain with a good access to other tourist spots, and is a popular as a base to explore Sado.

Opened over forty years ago in one corner of a shopping street, Snack Bar Noroma has gained popularity recently with its hand-made dishes by the master and hostess. The top menu item is undoubtedly the "Special Katsu Sando." It is a filling, signature sandwich made by topping slices of bread with sauce-soaked, thick pork cutlets. Moreover, dishes prepared with a little bit of extra care, including curry over rice, gyoza dumplings, croquettes and more, have achieved popularity among regulars.

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.

Arinko is a local's favourite in the Niibo area. The pub has counter seats and a section floored with tatami mats which provide the characteristic cosy feel of a genuine izakaya pub. Dishes to complement sake (Japanese whisky) is prepared by the Okami female manager, who is fastidious about locally produced ingredients. They offer a wide range of hearty food, including grilled skewers and fish, handmade gyoza dumplings, rolled omelette, etc. Arinko can accommodate parties according to your budget.

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.