Shikisai Kappo Den

Two different versions of the folk tale "Anju and Zushio" have been passed down from generation to generation in Sado. Hatano is arguably the place where Anju passed away while on her way to Kyoto, after she and her brother had a reunion with their mother. This mound is said to be the burial place of some of her mementos such as her favorite comb. It has been worshipped for good harvests, and for miracles in finding a partner and healing eye diseases. Anju Tenjin Festival takes place every summer.

Keikuji Temple is a temple of the Shingon School (founded in 807) with Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana: supreme Buddha of the Cosmos) as the main object of worship. The name of the temple "Keikuji (written as 慶宮 in Japanese) derives from the lore that Emperor Juntoku's eldest daughter, Princess Keishi (慶子), spent her life here. The Princess worshipped Fukurokuju Sonten (God of Longevity), so a master artist, Mahori Hogan Yoshitaka, donated a painting entitled "Jingo (divine protection) Fukurokuju". Keikuji Temple is one of the temples on Sado's Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route. Hasso (eight patriarchs) Hall, equipped with an octagonal shrine with a rotational system, is one of a Niigata Prefecture's Tangible Cultural Assets.

Honkoji Temple in Miyakawa was established by Nichigyo Shonin, with Nichiro Shonin as the first head priest. Within the precinct, you can see relics closely related to Nichiren (exiled founder of the Nichiren School of Buddhism): including the "Shamen-ishi", a seating stone where Nichiren Shonin seated himself when his lead disciple Nichiro Shonin delivered and revealed an amnesty letter from Kamakura; and "Kesagake no Matsu," a pine tree where Nichiren hung his monastic robe.

Kamo Shrine was established after Yoshitsuna Minamoto (also known as Jiro Kamo) was exiled to Sado in 1109, by dividing and re-enshrining the gods of Kamo Shrine in the ancient capital city of Kyoto, where he had his coming-of-age ceremony. Transferred from the original location to where it stands now, the shrine buildings were reconstructed in 1694. This shrine considers fowls to be divine messengers, so the buildings have wood-carved nosings shaped like fowl and votive panels with a fowl motif which are dedicated to the shrine, including the Giant Fowl Votive Panel (a City Designated Tangible Cultural Property). At the back of the shrine, there is a free-standing Noh stage representing Sado. The Noh stage at Kamo Shrine is one of the Four Noh Stages in the Kuninaka Area, four prestigious Noh stages where performances were regularly held, including the one at Nyakuichioji Shrine (Sawata Nakahara), Daizen Shrine (Mano Takeda), and Ushio Shrine (Niibo Katagami). Evening Noh performances are held annually in August.

Ougi Zushi is a sushi bar located on main street, and a popular venue for leisurely lunches and dinners . You can feast on sushi crafted with seasonal seafood toppings and sushi rice served at body temperature with mild acidity. Other highlights include seasonal miso soup. Ougi Zushi also serves unagi (grilled and basted eel) in summer and hot pot dishes in winter. The voluminous "tendon" (rice bowl with tempura) is popular at lunchtime. Ougi Zushi provides three sections with tatami mat flooring, and is ideal for parties.

Tengu, named after the legendary crow-like yokai with a long nose, has won praise for its fish dishes. The kitchen delivers daily specials centering around sashimi and grilled fish. The chef, who loves fishing, sometimes serves his haul of the day. Chargrilled Yakiniku and Yakitori are popular menu items, be it your main dish or a nibble to accompany your drinks. Tengu serves set meals and Chinese ramen noodles during lunchtime hours. This is a reliable place for a casual lunch, or visiting for food and drinks in the evening.

Ajigokoro Kagura offers three options for traditional Japanese multi-course dinners: Hana (flower) for 3,500 JPY, Irodori (color) for 4,000 JPY, and Miyabi (elegance) for 5,000 JPY. Sashimi, the tempura set and the seafood rice bowl, all prepared with seasonal ingredients, are also gaining popularity.