JA Matsugasaki Service Station

Matsugasaki is said to be the place where Nichiren Shonin arrived on Sado. Hongyoji Temple was established by Futsujubo Nichiryo (Buddhist monk who was a strong believer of Nichiren) to commemorate the Nichiren's first step on Sado. Within the grounds, you can see the stone statue of preaching Nichiren Shonin, and a large tree of Japanese zelkova (kayak in Japanese) called "Okeyaki", under which Nichiren kept the night dew out after landing on Sado.

Stay in an old Japanese-style house tucked away in a village, and engage with the local life of the season by joining our optional events including: strolls, rice planting, persimmon picking, rag-weaving, lotus root digging, rice harvesting, and more! It is our hope that by touching various aspects of island life—natural landscapes changing with the season, a variety of traditional culture, a myriad of local food, numerous people beating to their own drums, and diverse architecture—you will leave with special memories and the desire to return again. May Sado Island be your second home offering colorful memories.

Konose Cape is located closest to Echigo (Niigata) in Sado. The area used to flourish as a gateway to Sado in ancient times, and is also known as a landing point of Emperor Juntoku and Nichiren Shonin (Buddhist monk), both of whom were exiled to Sado. Konosehana Lighthouse stands within Matsugasaki History Park, a vast free campsite. Konosebana Lighthouse flashed its first light in 1952. Since then, Konosebana Lighthouse has been responsible for assisting the safe passage of all vessels in the straits between Sado and Niigata (aka Essa Straits).

Matsugasaki History Park is a leisure spot featuring a free campground and a beautiful park perfect for a stroll, with the pure white Konose Lighthouse and the Sea of Japan right before your eyes. In ancient times, the area once flourished as the main gateway to Sado Island from the mainland Echigo (Niigata), and is also known as a landing point of Nichiren Shonin (Buddhist monk) and Zeami (a playwright who perfected the art form of Noh), both of whom were exiled to Sado. Port Observation Point, a re-creation of the Sado Commissioner's Office in the Edo Period (1601 – 1868), offers a sense of ancient culture.

Located in one corner of Minato Park, Akadomari Tourist Centre is a government-run facility used for training sessions, and exhibitions. It is closely located to Sado Kisen's Ferry Terminal, where the high-speed passenger boat "Aibisu" departs and arrives, and the on-site restaurant is popular. Among the menu items, including set menus, rice bowls and ramen Chinese noodles, the highlight is the original and seasonal red snow crab all-you-can-eat (available from October-April). Come and enjoy fresh crabs, landed right at the port, to your heart's satisfaction.

Shikisai Kappo Den is a Japanese-style restaurant offering a variety of dishes utilizing local ingredients. Every dish is lovingly and carefully prepared by the chef. Delve into deliciousness accompanied by Sado's local and tasty sake. Lunch is served only on weekdays.

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.