Welcia Sado Niibo Store

The Sanmaido Hall within the grounds of Konponji Temple is reputed to be the place where Nichiren (a Buddhist monk and the founder of the Nichiren School) had a debate with monks from other schools, and authored Kaimokusho (The Opening of the Eyes). It is one of the sacred places for the Nichiren school, along with Myoshoji Temple in the Sawata area, where Nichiren wrote Kanjinhonzonsho (The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind). Konponji Temple is a temple complex consisting of twenty-nine buildings and halls on an area of approximately 56,200 square metres. Included on the grounds are Soshido Hall (named after its founder) and the Main Hall, constructed and donated by wealthy gold-mining engineers in the Edo Period (1603-1867).

Hiyoshi Shrine is familiar to locals, and known as "Sanno-san". The shrine was established in 1226 for Emperor Juntoku, who was banished to Sado, after his high ranking servant, Kiyonori Ike, initiated dividing and re-enshrining the god enshrined at Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Omi (present-day Shiga Prefecture). Many wooden and stone statues of monkeys, messengers of a god, can be seen around the grounds of the shrine. The statues include the "three wise monkeys", which are Mizaru, covering his eyes; Kikazaru, covering his ears; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth. The most important annual festival is held over three days in April.

Sado Tokusen Ichiba features almost 100% Sado-produced products, including fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits and mushrooms, marine produce as well as processed products, crafts and souvenirs. Whether you are an inhabitant, a tourist or back home for a visit on Sado, please drop in.

Kumano Shrine is a village shrine nestled in cedar woods. Built in 1869, the Noh stage, designated a Niigata Prefectural Cultural Asset, has a hip-and-gable tiled roof in front, and a hipped roof at the back. Also, because of having a ridgeway with a tiled roof, and a room with a mirror separated by a curtain from the ridgeway (used as a worship hall, too), it is considered an authentic Noh stage in Sado. A kaerumata (frog-leg strut) on the transverse beam is carefully inscribed with the four distinct characters of ka-gu-ra-den.

Arinko is a local's favourite in the Niibo area. The pub has counter seats and a section floored with tatami mats which provide the characteristic cosy feel of a genuine izakaya pub. Dishes to complement sake (Japanese whisky) is prepared by the Okami female manager, who is fastidious about locally produced ingredients. They offer a wide range of hearty food, including grilled skewers and fish, handmade gyoza dumplings, rolled omelette, etc. Arinko can accommodate parties according to your budget.

Opened over forty years ago in one corner of a shopping street, Snack Bar Noroma has gained popularity recently with its hand-made dishes by the master and hostess. The top menu item is undoubtedly the "Special Katsu Sando." It is a filling, signature sandwich made by topping slices of bread with sauce-soaked, thick pork cutlets. Moreover, dishes prepared with a little bit of extra care, including curry over rice, gyoza dumplings, croquettes and more, have achieved popularity among regulars.

Chozaburo is a renowned restaurant serving Sado-style sushi, thronging with locals and tourists. It delights you with the freshest toppings directly sourced from Ryotsu Market and local fishermen. You can also savour name-brand toppings such as tuna from Oma and sea urchin from Aomori, available only at renowned sushi shops. The menu also covers options such as set meals and donburi (a bowl of rice with toppings). Chinese ramen noodles passed down from preceding generations boast a refreshing taste. A combination meal of sushi and ramen noodles has achieved great popularity.

Izakaya Matoi, located on a corner in a rustic setting, specialises in chicken dishes. The kitchen serves over twenty kinds of chicken dishes such as Chicken Nanban (marinated deep-fried chicken) with tartare sauce containing boiled eggs, nibbles, pasta, pizza and rice or noodle dishes. The wide range of menu items enchants its customers. Yakitori, finished with a special sauce passed down from the previous generation, consists of various items from rare parts to original, creative ingredients. "Sado's Special Big Takoyaki" which won the grand prize of "Sado Island's Gourmet Contest" is highly recommended.