Hotel Ogi

You cannot talk about Sado's special tub-boats without mentioning Rikiya Kanko Kisen. Lady skippers skillfully shift the oars, and this is a unique experience that you will never forget. Other popular activities are a cruise around Nansenkyo (the best part of the Ogi Coast) and Sawasaki Lighthouse aboard a high-speed pleasure boat, and another speedy cruise on a high-speed motor boat, to visit other scenic spots. The waiting room houses a ticket booth, souvenir shop and light-meal eatery.

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.

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).

Sobama Seaside Villa are holiday cottages to rent dotted on Sobama Coast with a long sandy beach. All of 11 cottages has a sea view. Dining at an open terrace is popular among guests. You can shop groceries and snacks at shopping street in Ogi. Optional DIY barbecue catering, assorted sashimi, and rental beer server service, all of which are available upon reservation, has good reputation. The setting sun seen from the swimming pool or jacuzzi will stay memorable.

Sakaezushi is a sushi bar facing the port of Ogi. Sakaezushi earned a good reputation for its delicious but reasonably priced sushi from fish connoisseurs. The sushi bar serves locally landed fish as much as possible, and it is their passion to get the freshest fish, and only from fishermen whom they trust. Delicate flavours of their generously cut toppings will spread through your mouth. Enjoy a pleasant time with the warm, friendly chef and delicious sushi.

Yachi is a small restaurant measuring just ten square metres, which serves home cooked cuisine. The kind Okami (female manager) runs this place on her own, and offers handmade treats made from local fish and other ingredients. The most popular menu item is Karaage (deep-fried, soy-marinated chicken) Set Meal. Skinless chicken used for karaage tastes delicious even when cooled, and despite it being deep-fried, it is light and not greasy, making it popular amongst women as well. Yachi offers an izakaya (Japanese version of pub)-style dining experience in the evening.

Connected with Sado Kisen's Ogi Port Terminal, Ogiya is a shopping centre offering a great selection of Sado specialties. The selection includes sea products, traditional crafts and famous confectionery. The cafe/restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options, such as kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot) with fresh seafood and set meals. Their specialty menu is "kamameshi with squid". The sumptuous dish consists of "Toki to Kurasu Sato", special rice recognised by Sado City, which is cooked in special broth, and colourful toppings of seafood including squid, shrimp and scallops, plus bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms.