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Overview of Sado Island
Welcome to Sado Island, a hidden gem nestled in the sparkling waters of the Sea of Japan, off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. Sado is the sixth-largest island in Japan – if you walked along its 280km coastline, you’d be walking for nearly three days to complete a loop. Indeed, Sado is bigger than you might imagine, and it has a lot to explore. Renowned for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, fresh local cuisine, and historical significance, a visit to Sado invites you to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
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2025.12.22
Sado Island Feature: AFAR's 'Where to go in 2026'
Sado Island has been named one of AFAR Magazine's top destinations for 2026, celebrated as a place "on the rise and off the beaten path."The article invites readers to explore our island's treasures—from golden beaches and a rich gourmet scene to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sado Gold Mine and charming tarai-bune boat rides. Dive into the full story below!➡ AFAR Magazine: Where to Go in 2026: Places That Are on the Rise and Off the Beaten Path
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2025.12.20
Visiting Sado Island for the First Time? Read this First!
This guide has essential information for first-time visitors to Sado Island. Take a look and make the most of your trip!Sado is a Big Island!Sado Island is a BIG island in the Sea of Japan—covering approximately 855 km² (330 sq mi). To put that in perspective, Sado is:・ 1.4x the size of Tokyo's 24 wards (the Yamanote Line could fit neatly within Sado’s plains!)・ Larger than Singapore (~725 km²)・ Larger than New York City (~783 km²).・ 55% the size of Oʻahu, Hawaii (~1,545 km²)To fully explore the island, we recommend staying for at least two nights and three days. A day trip will force you to see only one area of the island, and two days will feel rushed. For the best experience, opt for a three-day, two-night trip!Day 1: Arrive in the morning and see some sights in the afternoon.Day 2: Spend the whole day touring major attractions.Day 3: Depart around noon by ferry after some final sightseeing in the morning.This schedule allows you to see all the key spots without feeling hurried.Getting to Sado IslandFrom TokyoFrom Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Niigata Station.From Niigata Station, take a bus or taxi to Niigata Port.Board the Sado Kisen Ferry to the island.✅ → [Travel from Tokyo]From the Kansai Region / OsakaFrom Itami Airport or Kansai Airport, fly to Niigata Airport.Take the Airport Shuttle Bus to Niigata Port (or take the local bus via Niigata Station).Board the Sado Kisen Ferry to the island.✅ → [Travel from Kansai Region / Osaka]✅ → [Airport Shuttle Bus]The Sado Kisen Ferry (Main Access to Sado)The most common route to get to the island is Niigata Port → Ryotsu Port. This route has the most ferry options.There are two types of ferries you can take to get to Sado: The Car Ferry and the Jetfoil.Car FerryWhat it is:・ A large, conventional ferry that carries both passengers and vehicles.・ Offers open seating (2nd class) or reserved seating (1st-Class, Suite, etc) for an extra fee.Best for:・ Those who prefer a cheaper, more relaxed journey, and travelers with a car.Travel Time:・ Niigata Port - Ryotsu Port - 2 hours 30 minutes・ Naoetsu Port - Ogi Port - 2 hours 40 minutesJetfoilWhat it is:・ A high-speed, hydrofoil boat.・ Reserved seating only.Best for:・ Passengers who want to save time on their journey.・ Travelers without a car. Travel Time:・ Niigata Port - Ryotsu Port - 1 hour 7 minutes* No Jetfoil from Naoetsu - Ogi PortSchedules vary by season and weather—check the Sado Kisen website for updates.✅ → [Sado Kisen Ferry (Online Reservations)]Travel Time on Sado IslandTravel by CarWith 280 km (174 miles) of coastline, Sado Island is big! Renting a car on the island is by far the most popular (and most recommended) option to get around. A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and is ideal for scenic coastal drives and remote sights. Booking your rental car in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Be sure to fulfill all requirements for driving in Japan including bringing an International Driving Permit, valid home country license, official JAF Japanese translation of your license as necessary (required if you are from Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland or Taiwan), and your passport with you to the island.★Key Travel Times on SadoRyotsu Port → Aikawa (Sado Gold Mine): ~50 minutes by car.Ryotsu Port → Ogi (Famous for the Tub Boats): ~60 minutes by car.Ryotsu Port → Onogame: ~60 minutes by car.Circling the island’s outer perimeter: ~7–8 hours by car.✅ → [Car Rental Details]Travel by BusThere are no train lines on Sado, but local buses are available. Note that bus services can be very limited, and getting around the island by bus can be cumbersome - you'll need to check the bus timetable and bus line map, and plan carefully. Bus Passes are available at Tourism Information Centers or you can buy one directly on the bus. Note that the Buses on Sado Island do not accept IC Cards/Suica, etc.Until October 31, 2025, a free Shuttle Bus can bring you around the Sado Gold Mine sites in Aikawa (see link below for timetable).★Key Points to Note About Local Buses・Direct buses from Ryotsu Port to Sado Gold Mine are infrequent.・You will need to transfer buses to travel from Ryotsu Port to Ogi.・The bus ride from Ryotsu Port to Ogi takes about 2 hours one way.・There are few buses that go to Yajima-Kyojima and Shukunegi, which are famous for their tub boats.✅ → [Bus Lines Map]✅ → [Bus Timetable]✅ → [Aikawa Area Free Shuttle Bus]Travel by Chartered TaxiCan't drive? You could also charter a taxi for a few hours, or for the day. It may be a pricier option, but it can be convenient if you only have one day to visit, or for a group. ✅ → [Reserve a Chartered Taxi - 5 Hour Tour]✅ → [Reserve a Chartered Taxi - 3 Hour Tour]Travel by BicycleWhen the weather’s nice, it feels amazing to cycle on the island. The island is very big, so this is a good option if you are a cyclist eager to travel 40km or more a day! If you want to enjoy exploring by cycling, but keep distances shorter, you can also take a local bus to Aikawa or Ogi, and then use a bicycle to explore the area there.Bike Rentals: You can rent a bicycle at one of the Tourism Information Centers in Aikawa (Kirarium Sado) or Ogi (Ogi Tourist Information Center). In Ryotsu, local shop Sado Outdoor Base (5 minute walk from Sado Kisen Terminal) also offers a selection of rental bicycles. Bring your Own Bike: You can also bring your own bicycle to Sado, just disassemble, put into a bike bag and purchase a 500 yen 'Te-Nimotsu'/Hand Luggage ticket at Sado Kisen to bring it onto the ferry. Note that a bicycle bag is also required to bring bicycles on local buses.✅ → [Bicycle Rental Details]✅ → [Cycling Routes for Avid Cyclists]The SADO - NIIGATA Discount PassThe SADO NIIGATA Pass is convenient if you are visiting both Niigata City and Sado Island, and planning to travel by Bus. This package gets you:・ 3-Day Bus Pass for Sado Island・ 1-Day Bus Pass for the Niigata City Loop Bus・ Return Trip Bus Ticket between Niigata Station and Sado Kisen Niigata Port・ Ferry Round-trip Ticket to Sado Island (Niigata - Ryotsu Port, Car Ferry 2nd Class)・ 2-Hour Electric Bicycle Rental on Sado Island (at Aikawa Tourist Information Center, Minami-sado Tourist Information Center)This pass is only available to foreign (Non-Japan) passport holders.✅ → [Reserve your SADO-NIIGATA PASS]Experience the Island by booking a Sado Island AdventureDiscover the authentic culture and stunning nature of Sado Island by booking a Sado Island Adventure! Lots of fun experiences like Sea Kayaking, Sakiori Weaving, and Taiko Drumming are available. These experience programs are a great way to interact with locals and deepen your island experience.Booking your adventure is easy: reserve online with a credit card at your convenience. Please note that all experiences require advance booking—a minimum of 3 days for some activities, and even more for others. We recommend checking availability and securing your spot before finalizing your travel plans.✅ → [Explore Sado Island Adventures]Peak Seasons on the IslandRed = Busy | Green = Less crowded(Note: This is an estimate—actual conditions may vary.)Enjoy & Respect Sado IslandCheck our tips on Sado Do's and Don't's before you visit the island so you can be sure to make a respectful visit. ✅ → [Enjoy and Respect Sado Island]Useful LinksWe’ve gathered helpful resources for trip planning:✅ Suggested Itineraries✅ ATMs that Accept Overseas Cards on Sado✅ Coin Lockers on Sado Island✅ Sado-Niigata PASS✅ Sado Island Adventures (Experience Reservations)✅ Brochure Library (Digital PDF guides)Final ThoughtsBeyond sightseeing, the real charm of Sado Island lies in its slow-paced atmosphere, rich nature, history, and warm hospitality. Take your time to soak it all in—your trip will be unforgettable! If you need assistance with anything, like booking a rental car or hotel, feel free to reach out to us at info(at)visitsado.com. We hope you enjoy Sado Island!
Next season
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2024.11.07
Winter is Sake Season on Sado Island
Sado is famous for its great sake, so you might say a visit to Sado Island is incomplete without a sake tasting. This is especially true in winter! Rice is harvested in Autumn and sake brewing traditionally begins in winter when fermentation works best at a constant, cold temperature. Back in the Edo period, when there was no refrigeration, winter-brewed sake fetched the highest prices – colder temps meant higher quality sake. Nowadays, the strong tradition of brewing sake in winter still exists.When did Sake Brewing Begin on Sado Island?The earliest mention of sake brewing on Sado dates back to the Jokyo Era (1680’s), when the Yamamoto family purchased a share in a liquor store in Mano Shinmachi. However, sake was likely produced long before that, given the advanced rice cultivation that was fostered by many noble families who had been sent to Sado from ancient times. It was during the Edo period (1603-1867), when the gold mines were flourishing, that sake production truly began to thrive, with over 200 breweries in operation at one time. On Sado, there are still sake breweries that have been in operation for over 100 years.How is sake brewed?Sake brewing is a complex process. First, rice has to be grown, harvested, and processed. Then it has to be polished and washed, steamed, spread onto trays to cool and then sprinkled with koji mold, then mashed, fermented and pressed. Visiting the sake breweries offers a fascinating glimpse into this craft. Many of the island's sake makers still use traditional wooden tools to create their unique sake. In winter, the breweries are in full swing, and visitors can see firsthand how the brewing process comes to life.Sake Brewery Tours and Tastings on Sado IslandSado has five active sake breweries that you can visit on the island. Breweries Tenryohai Shuzo, Henmi Shuzo, and Hokusetsu Shuzo offer tours for guests who make a reservation in advance. Here’s the rundown: Obata ShuzoFounded in 1892, Obata was the first brewery open to the public in Niigata Prefecture. They are well known for their ‘MANOTSURU’ brand of sake. On top of their regular brewery, they have also renovated Former Nishimikawa School into a sake brewery and training center ‘GAKKO GURA’, where trainees can come to learn how to brew sake from start to finish. The grounds also have a cafe open to the public with a beautiful view of the sea of Japan. Take a Brewery Tour and Taste Sake with a magnificent view!Obata Shuzo BreweryFind on Google MapsOpen: 9:00 – 16:00, daily, free tastings available.Tours: No brewery tours currently offered.For More information: Gura CafeFind on Google MapsOpen: Thurs - Sun 11:00 – 16:00Book Online 3 days in advance for a Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour: Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour at Gakko GuraHokusetsu ShuzoFounded in 1871, Hokusetsu is particularly noted for its smooth, balanced flavors and a wide variety of top-class sake, including both junmai and daiginjo types. Hokusetsu is a favorite of Hollywood star Robert De Niro, and is served at the Nobu chain of Japanese restaurants, which are popular dining spots for celebrities around the world.Find on Google MapsOpen: 8:00 – 17:00 daily.Tours: Call 0259-87-3105 directly a day in advance to schedule (tours can be scheduled between 9:00 – 16:00).For More Information: ShuzoFounded in 1872, Henmi is the smallest of the sake breweries on Sado Island, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with a passion for innovation, producing a smooth and refined range of sake that reflects the unique characteristics of the island’s environment.Find on Google MapsOpen: 9:00 – 16:00 dailyTours: Call 0259-55-2046 directly in advance to schedule.For more information: ShuzoTenryohai takes sake brewing seriously, producing quality sake through the daiginjo method. Sado Island’s rich agricultural heritage and unique climate contribute to the distinct flavors of their sake – they use clear water that flows from the Osado Mountain Range and locally-grown koshihikari rice to make their sake.Find on Google MapsOpen: 9:00 – 17:00 dailyTours: Reservation in advance required by 5:30pm two days priorFor more information, and to reserve a tour: ShuzoFounded in 1915, Kato Shuzo’s pride is their sake Kintsuru, a local favorite. They make a total of 12 types of sake, with 70% of their annual production being distributed on Sado Island itself. Free tastings are available at their showroom.Find on Google MapsOpen: 9:00 – 18:00, daily.Tours: No brewery tours currently offered.For more information: t0ki BreweryFor something a little different, check out Sado’s craft beer! t0ki offers limited edition beers in their taproom, brewed right here on Sado Island. You can also get a peak inside the brewing room through the glass viewing area from the taproom.Find on Google MapsOpen: Weekends onlyFriday 12:00 – 20:00Saturday 10:00 – 20:00Sunday 10:00 – 18:00 Pick up a Sake Souvenir at Ryotsu PortOn your way off the island and on to your next part of your journey, why not stop by the shops in the Ryotsu ferry terminal to pick up some sake! You can even do tastings. Check out the new Sado Sake Port, managed by Tenryohai Brewery. There is also a sake tasting server in the souvenir street of Sado Kisen, where you can taste sake from all five of Sado's breweries!Exploring the Island’s Scenic Beauty in WinterWhile the sake breweries are a highlight, there’s more to explore on Sado Island during the winter season. Check out our list of 10 Winter Adventures on Sado Island to see more - The island’s low-lying hills are perfect for winter hikes, where visitors can take in the crisp air and panoramic views. Snow-capped mountains offer opportunities for winter sports, and birdwatching is a popular activity, with species like the Japanese crested ibis being commonly spotted.Whether you're a sake aficionado, a nature lover, or simply someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Sado Island offers a truly unique winter escape where you can slow down, relax and indulge in the timeless charm of this hidden corner of Japan.
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2024.10.30
10 Winter Adventures on Sado Island
Most people flock to Sado in the warmer seasons, but a winter visit can be fun, too! You can expect fewer tourists, a peaceful atmosphere, fresh seafood, and snowy scenery. Here's a quick round-up of 10 Winter Adventures to make the most of a trip to the island during the colder months.1. Stay at a Cozy Ryokan Hotel & Enjoy Local Winter CuisineThe best way to enjoy the local cuisine is to stay at one of the many Ryokan (Japanese-style hotels) around the island that offer breakfast and dinner. Seasonal ingredients in winter include fresh oysters farmed in Lake Kamo and Mano Bay, and snow crab landed in Akadomari. Kan-buri (winter yellowtail) is another favorite. For vegetarians, Sado has a bounty of fresh fruit and veg – try the locally grown mushrooms, persimmons, pears, apples, and bamboo shoots. Plus, what better way to warm up in the cold winter months than with a dip in an onsen? Some Ryokan even offer a private attached bath. See a list of accommodations here.2. Make your Own Traditional CraftsTry your hand at the arts of Sakiori and Warazaiku on Sado Island. Sakiori is a traditional art form that involves weaving strips of old cloth on a loom called a Nemaribata. The Traditional Skills Museum in Aikawa offers workshops where you can learn from local weaving artists. (Reservations in advance are required for the winter months.) Warazaiku is the art of crafting rice straw. This handicraft is deeply rooted in everyday life on Sado Island: performers of the traditional masked deity drum dance, ‘Onidaiko,’ traditionally wear rice-straw sandals during rituals. In the rice straw art experience on Sado Island, you can learn how to create your own rice straw art directly from local artisans. Make items like decorative wreaths, coasters, pot stands or traditional Japanese sandals.3. Stroll Around Shukunegi VillageWinter can be a good time to take in the deep history of Sado Island. For those who want to know the cultural heritage of the island deeply, it’s best to hire an English-speaking guide (See a list of guides here) For those who prefer to explore on their own, mark the following down on your map! On the southern tip of Sado Island, about an hours’ drive from Ryotsu Port, lies Shukunegi Village, an old shipbuilder’s town characterized by its crowded rows of over 100 houses built with ship planks and donned with stone-mounted roofs. Designated a Preservation Area for its traditional Architecture, it is fascinating to walk the narrow alleyways of this historical village and imagine what it was like in its heyday when Shukunegi was a high-traffic port for kitamaebune ships traveling north to Hokkaido.4. Explore Ogi Folk MuseumHighlights here include climbing aboard and exploring the interior of a real-life size sengokubune (wooden freight ship) that was built in 1858 in Shukunegi. The museum also exhibits over 30,000 folk materials from around South Sado that you can view up close and in person. The museum is like a time capsule treasure chest filled to the brim, it’s fun to see what you can find.5. See the Sado Gold MineA visit to Sado wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Sado Gold Mine. Here you can explore two mine tunnels that show the remnants of the past – from the time when gold was mined by hand over 400 years ago, to the more modern history of the mine in the Meiji era of Industrialization. *note that in winter of 2025-2026, the Gold Mine will experience closures due to renovations. Please check here for exact dates.6. Tour the Island’s Powerspots Covered in SnowMyosenji Temple is home to the only 5-story pagoda in Niigata Prefecture, which was impressively built by two master carpenters with not one nail or screw in the entire structure. The temple was established around 1278 by a monk of Nichiren Buddhism. Formerly a samurai warrior in Kyoto, he came to Sado accompanying the exiled Emperor Juntoku. The grounds are a calming and peaceful sanctuary, made even more beautiful with a light dusting of snow in the winter months.Seisuiji Temple was established in 808 making it Sado’s oldest temple of note. It feels like forest sanctuary, lined with cedar trees that are several hundred years old, and located on a small mountainous hill surrounded by countryside and rice fields. It may be an interesting visit for travelers who have already crossed the ancient capital of Kyoto off their list. It was built by order of Emperor Kammu as a kind of ‘miniature replica’ of Kyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. Even the kanji (Chinese characters) for the temples are identical, with different readings - 「清水寺」.7. Explore the Snowy Outdoors with a Snowshoe HikeFor those who want to get outside in nature, Sado offers snowy hillsides, forests, and even skiing. Go for a guided snowshoe hike to a frozen waterfall with Local guide Hiro-san. See his tour details here (in Japanese only) or reach out to him on Instagram directly.You can also go for a hike on one of the trails in the Osado Mountain Range, a stunning beauty with snow-capped mountains and views of the sea of Japan. Some hiking routes are still accessible in winter, so you can bring your own snowshoes (or rent them for 1,000 yen a day at Sado Outdoor Base) and safety equipment to go on a winter hike – but do so at your own risk as routes are not patrolled, and the mountains in Sado in winter generally go untouched. By the end of February, trees on Sado’s highest peak, Mt. Kinpoku, are typically completely covered in snow.8. Adventure to one of Japan's most remote Ski SlopesThe local Daira Ski Area on Sado is tiny, with only one lift, but it is has cred as the only pair ski lift on a remote island in all of Japan. Season start and end is highly variable depending on the snow conditions each year. A day ticket will run you just 2,000 yen (around $13 USD), and rental equipment and gear are available. In general, Daira is open Thursdays to Sundays and on national holidays until the end of February. If you catch it at the right moment in the season, you might just get to experience Sado's powder! Note: to drive up to the ski area, you'll need chains on your tires - or park at Kanai community center and take the shuttle bus (phone reservations required in advance).9. Take a Dip in a Natural Hot SpringAfter all the fun in the cold outdoors, what better way to warm up than soaking in a local Hot Spring? Since the hot springs in Sado are close to the sea, most of them are sodium springs. You can find day-use onsen facilities across the island at the following locations (mainly inside hotels/ryokans). See here for a list of onsens to take a dip in!10. Taste the local Sake For the Sake LoversSado is renowned for its rich sake brewing tradition, so why not tour the island's Five Sake Breweries while you are visiting? While all are celebrated for their commitment to traditional brewing methods, and for the use of high-quality local rice, each has its own distinct style and methods, producing a range of refined sake that reflects Sado’s cultural heritage and pristine natural environment. In winter, the colder temperatures influence the brewing process, allowing for a slower fermentation that can result in richer, more complex flavors. Explore the breweries, enjoy free tasting and learn more about the brewing process. Here's the lineup: Hokusetsu Shuzo, Henmi Shuzo, Tenryohai, Kato Shuzo, and Obata Shuzo. For something a little different, check out Sado’s craft beer at t0ki Brewery. They offer limited edition beers in their taproom, brewed right here on Sado Island.Are you feeling excited for a winter adventure on the island? One thing to keep in mind that only Ryotsu and Niigata ports are in operation during winter (no ferries run to Ogi port). During the months of December, January and February, the Sea of Japan has a tendency to get wild and unstable, with waves that can reach up to 6m high. You’ll want to be aware that when a storm hits, travel to the island can mean a bumpy ride on the Car Ferry, and Jet Foil ferries often experience cancellations. And another note on getting around on the island itself - travel by local bus is possible, but with limited routes and departures, you’ll find it more convenient to either rent a car or hire a charter taxi. (Do note the mountain roads that are closed in winter). So, Sado is definitely an off-the-beaten-track treasure – especially in the winter time, but we think it’s worth the adventure!
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How to enjoy Sado Island
Sado Island is rich in seasonal changes.
In fact, it is about 1.5 times the size of Tokyo's 23 wards and Awaji Island
It is the largest island on the Sea of Japan side.
