Toki Koryu Kaikan

With a history of 800 years, Niibo Katagami Onsen is rumored to have been frequented by Emperor Juntoku in the 13th century. Onsen bathing in this area is said to have originated when a samurai warrior tried using the water after he saw a white heron (or toki, as some people claim) treat its injuries at the onsen. Known as "the waters with healing properties," Niibo Katagami Onsen is frequented affectionately by many local people.

Ushio Shrine is familiar to locals, which is called "Katagami no Tenno-san," (Gozutenno in Katagami). The reconstructed hall of worship is richly embellished with elaborate sculptures depicting swimming carps and a story related to Emperor Juntoku. It reminds us of the skills and techniques of master carpenters and great craftsmen of the time. The shrine was established in 792 by dividing gods, including Okuninushinomikoto (a god of nation-building, farming, etc.), from Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture and re-enshrining them here. The sacred tree in front of the hall of worship, estimated at 1,000 years of age, is revered as a cedar that brings fertility and easy delivery. The Noh stage with a hip-and-gable tiled roof in front, and a hipped roof in the back, was reconstructed in 1901. It is a Niigata Prefectural Tangible Cultural Asset and it is one of the four Noh stages in the Kuninaka area where Noh performances were regularly held. The shrine has a long track record of Noh performances. It still keeps Noh masks of Okina (an older man with a white beard) and Sanbaso (the black mask of an older man) as the shrine's treasures, both of which are designated Niigata Prefectural Tangible Cultural Assets. Bonfire Noh performances are held in the evening before the annual festival in June.

Holding status as the centre of Noh in Sado is the Honma family, present-day grand master and the 18th head of Sado Hosho School. They have been playing a vital role in the promotion and popularization of Noh. Reconstructed in 1885, the Noh stage with its hipped, tiled roof (a Niigata Prefectural Tangible Folk Cultural Asset) has clay pots set under the floor to create good sound effects during performances. It is the most authentic among others in existence in Sado, and the only one that is privately owned. Regular Noh performances are held on the last Sunday in July every year.

Toki Terrace allows visitors to observe wild toki without disturbing them, and offers a view across Sado's mosaic and lush satoyama landscape. The indoor observation room displays information outlining the efforts to reintroduce toki to the wild, as well as the bird's ecology and habitat. Stuffed actual tokis, which used to live in the wild, are exhibited, too. Telescopes are available and visitors can watch a variety of birds, including toki. From the roof terrace, enjoy a panoramic view: the vast expanse of beautiful rice paddies nurturing all living things in the Kuninaka Plain, and the distant Osado Mountains around Mount Kinpoku, the tallest mountain on Sado Island.

Mozem offers hand-kneaded soba noodles and soba-centric multi-course meals. The neatly cut, thin strips of soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat flour, are exceptional because of the strong flavour of buckwheat and smooth texture. You can choose from Sado-style soba drenched in soba sauce made from grilled-dried flying fish, or morisoba served with a dipping sauce made from bonito broth. A selection of dishes prepared with a little extra will leave gourmet palates satisfied and impressed. Book your seat by the afternoon on the day before your visit.

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.

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.

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.