Hangiri (washtub boats) in Shukunegi

The first floor of Uoharu is a fishmonger shop, where local fish, caught fresh and purchased at early-morning markets, is sold. The second floor is a restaurant with tatami-mat rooms. Uoharu serves classic dishes, but you can choose your seafood at the shop downstairs and then have it cooked according to your preferred taste. "Rice Bowl with Stewed Abalone" and "Abalone Steak", both of which have captured the media's attention, come highly recommended and add an unforgettable dining experience to your travels.

Takaraya is situated Ogi's Shopping Street, where you can enjoy a stroll around a town with retro flavours. Treat yourself to handmade dishes made with local ingredients centering around fresh seafood. Takaraya is where Koyo Ozaki, a renowned novelist, stayed, and still attracting literature lovers. Located very close to Ogi Port, Takaraya is a popular base for tub boat rides and exploration in Shukunegi. You can enjoy meals in a private room in comfort.

Japan Amateur Masterpieces Museum is located adjoined to the Ogi Library. This is one of the rare museums in the world that exhibits only amateur artists' works. The final work by Shikita Nakagawa, a native to Ogi who brought passion into teaching art to amateurs, is on display. You will find oil paintings by British Prime Minister Chuchill and Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, and a monochrome ink painting by Soseki Natsume, an outstanding Japanese novelist of the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Saiwaimaru is a Japanese-style wooden ship which belonged to the Kan-uemon Hasegawa family who were in the shipping business for three-generations in old Teradomari Town. Later, it was donated to Ogi Town. The ship made round trips over the Sado Straits until 1961, carrying daily commodities from Teradomari, and bamboo, charcoal and firewood from Ogi. Saiwaimaru measures 19.1 metres in length and 3.8 metres in width, with a mast height of 13.0 metres, and reminds us of the booming shipping industry of the olden times.

Takoboushi is a Japanese-style pub located in a corner in the Shukunegi village. A friendly mama-san (female manager of the bar) awaits you with stylish dishes. Takoboushi serves menu options which emphasize the taste of the season, as well as crowd-pleasing snacks such as Deep-Fried Octopus and Tempura of Squid Dried Overnight. Enjoy dining and the entertaining conversations with mama-san. Curry with turban shellfish and baked turban-shellfish curry topped with cheese are signature menu items at Takoboushi, which attract fans from both inside and outside Sado. Dining only is also welcome.

Sabo Yamashita is a hearty café in a renovated shed, with tables made from washtub-boats unique to the Ogi area, where they are used locally. Simply sweet zenzai (sweet red bean soup with mochi rice cake) and warabimochi (Japanese jelly-like confectionery) are perfect for a tea break during a stroll through Shukunegi.

You cannot talk about dining in Ogi without mentioning Matsuhama. Matsuhama has been the locals' favourite, where they can leisurely enjoy the unbeatably delicious seafood, meat, and drinks. Matsuhama's specialty is a set menu of "Ogi Irifune Gozen", which was created to commemorate Ogi Port's 400th anniversary (reservation required). It is served in a deluxe two-layer box containing sashimi, grilled fish, deep-fried dish, grilled turban shellfish, igoneri (seaweed jelly), and you can enjoy Ogi-landed seafood to the full.

Inayoshi is a popular Japanese restaurant in Ogi. It has earned its reputation for delicious grilled and basted eel. The eel, which is rarely available all year around in Sado, is cooked and glazed with their special sweet sauce that is a signature taste of Inayoshi. Kamameshi (hot pot rice) and rice bowl with sauce-flavoured pork cutlet are also popular dishes. They offer three private dining rooms, set meals and noodles, so families can also have a great dining experience. You can also find their popular bento box lunch and cooked food to take away.