guesthouse ZINK

Within the grounds of Sado Japan Coast Guard Station, a Japanese black pine tree with beautifully shaped branches stands nineteen metres tall, and has a girth of six metres. It used to be a navigational aid for maritime pilots at sea, and is mentioned in the folk song, "Ryotsu Jinku". Murasame no Matsu used to be called "Otabisho no Matsu" (a pine tree at the midway resting point of a god during a procession), or "Gobansho no Matsu" (a pine tree at a port observation post). Koyo Ozaki, a novelist who visited Sado in the Meiji times (1868-1912), thought the tree getting splashed by waves resembled the wetness of getting caught in a shower of rain (called "murasame" in Japanese). The tree's name is derived from this episode. Murasame no Matsu is a Niigata Prefecture Natural Monument.

Sea Town Shopping Street is attached to Sado Kisen's Ryotsu Ferry Terminal. Souvenir shops, including Sado Kisen Shoji (0259-27-5673), Ebisu Shoji (0259-27-5007), and Nakamise Kanko (0259-23-3335), are lined up on either side of the street. They offer an extensive variety of Sado souvenirs, such as local sake, seafood, famous confectioneries, crafts, and so on. Yellowtail Curry is served only at Sea Town Shopping Street and enjoys great popularity.

Just steps from Ryotsu Port, this café features an attached guesthouse and is a great spot for lunch. The signature item are hot, handcrafted Pirozhki. The crispy pastry is filled with savory ingredients and pairs perfectly with coffee, making it an ideal light lunch or travel snack. Enjoy proudly-served, charmingly exotic flavors while waiting for your ferry or between sightseeing stops in this bright, Wi-Fi-equipped space.

Sushi Uohide is located in front of Sado Kisen's Ryotsu Ferry Terminal. The owner/chef wholeheartedly crafts sushi with Sado-grown Koshihikari rice and toppings purchased from auctions at the Ryotsu Market. The chief draw is "Sado's Local Fish Nigiri Sushi Set," hand-crafted with seven toppings from the day's best catch. The signature item at Sushi Uohide is a creative one: "Sushi with Squid Innards." Squid innards are used instead of wasabi. This dish has an exquisite balance of flavours and is truly a masterpiece of hand-crafted sushi.

Hotaru is a Japanese-style pub with a home-like atmosphere. Nibbles such as deep-fried natto (fermented soy beans) and squid balls are well regarded for its deliciousness. Among them, the grilled pork skewers, which are freshly prepared once an order is made, is especially scrumptious. They are grilled with sweet miso (bean paste) sauce, which compliments the pork perfectly. Hotaru is also famous for its flavourful Chinese ramen noodles. The ever-popular "chilled Chinese ramen noodles" has a light taste and is also highly recommended.