Sobama Campground

Sobama Beach features one of the few long sandy beach in Sado, stretching four kilo metres. The water is crystal clear, and the swimming area is the largest in Sado. It is a secluded beach away from the town centre, and there are no houses nearby. Although the beach is a shoal, it is an unparalleled location for fully enjoying the pristineness of the waters and bathe. There are free campsite and lodges adjacent to the beach. Sobama Beach is currently attracting the attention of many people as a great base for exploring Sado.

Kobie Shrine used to be a shrine for enshrining the tutelary deity that protected Rengebuji Temple, and was located within the precinct of the temple. It was later separated from the temple, and became a village shrine in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The stone-built torii gate and main hall, enclosed in an ooiya (a layer of building covering the building inside), are both registered as National Important Cultural Properties. According to the inscription carved on the torii gate, the gate was constructed by Kaiyu, the head priest of Rengebuji Temple, with offerings from Nagayasu Okubo, the Deputy for Sado (later the first Commissioner for Sado) and his brother, Yasumasa Okubo. The thatched worship hall hosts a ritual every February, called "Ta-asobi (rice field work) Shinji," to pray for a good harvest.

Rengebuji Temple was established by Kukai (Kobo Taishi, who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism) around 806, since Sado is considered to be an unlucky direction from the Imperial Palace. Rengebuji Temple is said to have been built on the order of Emperor Saga, and is one of the holy places of the Shingon school of Buddhism, along with Kongoji and Murouji Temples. Kobodo Hall, Kondo Main Hall and Kotsudo Ossuary are designated as Japan's Important Cultural Properties, and sixteen other buildings and halls within the precinct are registered as National Tangible Cultural Properties. The hydrangeas come into full bloom in July, and the scenery is breathtaking.

Kamomeso is situated in a lush, green area, where the chirpings of little birds delight your ears. Just one step in from the entrance, you will find a space like a modern art gallery. Kamomeso proudly provides hot spring baths with a continuous flow of hot spa waters, and dishes prepared with fresh seafood, landed at the local fishing port. Outdoor baths where you can enjoy the starry night sky is popular among guests. Conveniently located from Ogi Port, Kamomeso is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy seeing around Shukunegi and Rengebuji Temple.

Surrounded by persimmon trees, the farmhouse café "Pouteau Indicateur" stands in the Hamochi Murayama area. You can use the ichirizuka to find the cafe, an old Japanese version of a milestone, the only one still in existence on the Aikawa and Ogi road. The menu items are all hand-made, using home-grown vegetables and fruits. The top reccommendations are pasta and curry with rice. Beef curry is made from the famous Sado Beef. All dishes are served with a fresh salad. Desserts which fully express the taste of the season are also popular. The name "Pouteau Indicateur" means signpost/milestone in French.

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.

Kushishige is a yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant nestled on a seaside street with a sea breeze. All skewers are grilled over fastidiously selected, yet traditional, high-quality Bincho charcoal. The chicken skewers have a deep flavour, and are finished with a homemade special sauce which is topped up daily. Every evening, Kushishige is crowded with local regulars who seek out delicious yakitori offered at reasonable prices. In summer, the menu expands to offer Kanto-style grilled and basted unagi (eel cut open in its back, steamed first and grilled), finished with a special unagi sauce.

Kassai is situated in the seaside area dotted with eateries and accommodations, a 5 minute-walk away from Ogi Port Sado Kisen's Ferry Terminal. This restaurant, run by a family and the gentle Okami female manager, has a home-like soothing atmosphere. Among the treats on offer are rice bowls topped with seafood and set meals with sashimi made with plenty of local fish from Ogi. Kassai is the locals' favourite, as a place where you can enjoy the seasonal fish to your satisfaction.