Shiraki

Sawasakihana Lighthouse is situated in Sawasakihana, on the tip of Ogi Peninsula around the ending point of Prefectural Road 45 (Sado's Ring Road). The first light was flashed in 1928, and the present lighthouse building is the reconstruction from 1987. Akiko Yosano, a famous poet (1878-1942) wrote a poem inspired by the lighthouse when she visited Sado. With its height of over 24.2m, the tallest in Sado, Sawasakihana Lighthouse provides a vital role in maritime safety in the southwestern sea of Sado.

The Ogi Coast stretches about 16 km from Shiroyamadai in Ogi to Mikoiwa in Sawasaki. The varied coastline, formed by volcanic activity, is designated as a Japan National Monument and Scenic Site under the name of Sado Ogi Coast. The area is home to many scenic spots, such as Yajima and Kyojima, Nansenkyo, and a plateau of pillow lava in Sawasaki. The Ogi Coast is also known for its tub-boat fishing, on which people can get around rocky shores easily.

Sado Island Taiko Centre is run by Kodo Cultural Foundation, located on the hill in the neighbourhood of Kodo Village. The spacious hall constructed using Sado-produced timber produces joyful resonance. Tatakokan is home to two huge taiko drums that were hand-carved from an enormous 600-year-old keyaki (Japanese zelkova) log. "Taiko Experience" programs led by the Taiko Centre's instructors and a range of other events are on offer. The hall, exhibition room and a Japanese-style room are also available for rent.

At Guesthouse Shimizuso, the fisherman master catches seafood, and his son, who was apprenticed to chefs at a hotel, cooks the haul. You will receive a warm welcome from the entire family. Varied coastlines, including fishing spots at the back of the inn, are fascinating to anglers. Minshuku Shimizuso is a popular base for exploring around the Ogi Peninsula, including tourist attractions such as the Designated Important Preservation Area for Traditional Buildings and Architecture, and Sawasaki Lighthouse. The inn also offers opportunities for hands-on experiences, including fishing off of a rocky shore and bamboo craft making.

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.

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.

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.