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Aikawa Gino Densho Tenjikan (Aikawa Traditional Skills Museum)
Aikawa Gino Densho Tenjikan offers opportunities to learn about traditional art handed down from generation to generation in Aikawa. The museum offers hands-on experiences of Mumyoiyaki, an art which uses potter's clay produced in the gold mine, and rag-weaving on a traditional back-strap loom with careful instruction by staff members. Pottery by artists in Sado, rag-weaving works, and Bunya puppets are on display. The museum sits right in the middle of the tourist area with Kitazawa Flotation Plant and Aikawa Folk Museum.
Aikawa area -
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Sado-no-Kakimochi Honpo
Sado-no-Kakimochi Honpo produces and sells mochi and other confectioneries prepared only from Sado-produced ingredients, with a focus on individual flavors. The products of Kakimochi Honpo include persimmon mochi pounded with dried Okesa persimmons (Sado's specialty), deep-fried persimmon mochi, yuzu-citrus mochi, yomogi (Japanese mugwort) mochi, egoma perilla mochi and dried persimmons. The products of Sado-no-Kakimochi Honpo are available at Shima Marché on the grounds of Shimafumi on Saturdays and Sundays.
Kuninaka area -
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Iwayasan Cave and Buddha Statues
There is a sacred cave in the middle of Mt Iwaya at the back of Shukunegi Village. Various Buddha statues are carved into the surface of the rock. There are eighty-eight stone statues of Buddha, imitating the eighty-eight temples of pilgrimage in Shikoku. The place is called "Iwaya-san" by locals. Worshippers stay overnight in the cave, and practise "Nemari Henro (sitting pilgrimage)" discipline, chanting mantras and pilgrimage songs while seated.
Minami Sado area -
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Oma Port
Oma Port was constructed in the traditional method of using slaked lime mixed with other materials, a common building technique before concrete became popular, and was completed in 1892. This port was used for loading ore and unloading materials for the mines, such as coal. This heritage site includes the seawall built of masonry, a truss bridge, loader pier and crane support pedestals.
Aikawa area -
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A group of marine potholes in Hiranezaki
Thousands of round holes can be seen on the slope of rocks stretching approximately 500m on Hiranezaki Coast, situated to the north of Senkakuwan Bay. This is the largest group of potholes in Japan, formed by the whirl of sea water, and these potholes are designated as Japan's natural monument. Pebble can be seen in the holes, and those pebbles whirl around in the turbulence of waves and accelerate erosion. Hot water is bubbling up from the sea bed offshore, and that is a renowned spot popular for divers.
Aikawa area -
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Otowaike Pond
Take a stroll (about 600 metres) along a trail starting at a signboard on the street around Odaira Highland on Osado Skyline, and you will find the mysterious Otowaike Pond enclosed in woods of beech and Mongolian oak. A natural pond deep in the mountains, Otowaike Pond is an important area (together with the surrounding natural forest), and has been designated a Niigata Prefecture Natural Monument. In the middle of the pond, there is a floating bog, one of the largest of its kind in Japan, with over twenty species of plants, including mosses of Polytrichaceae and Climaciaceae, growing naturally upon it. There is a heart-shaped hole in the middle of the bog, which is considered to be the life-line of the islet, and is also thought to induce romantic ambience. The name of this pond is derived from lore, which says a young woman named Otowa was loved by a gigantic serpent, the master of the pond, and committed suicide by throwing herself into the water.
Kuninaka area -
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Hiyoshi Shrine
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.
Kuninaka area -
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Shiizaki Suwa Shrine
Shiizaki Suwa Shrine is perched on a hill overlooking Lake Kamo. It was built in 1376, as a shrine to where the god divided from Suwa Taisha, in Nagano Prefecture, was invited and reenshrined. It is, reputedly, a guardian god for the Kujihonma family, the neighbourhood manor's lord. The Noh stage, with its gable-style tiled roof, was built in 1902 (a Niigata Prefectural Tangible Cultural Asset) and hosts the largest number of Noh performances in Sado. Atmospheric bonfire Noh performances are held on Saturdays, from May until early October (excluding August). You can join workshops of Noh and shimai (a simplified version of Noh, which is danced/performed to jiuta songs).
Ryotsu area -
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Shokoji Temple
An ancient temple tucked away in the back of the Shukunegi village, Shokoji Temple was founded in 1349 as the first Jishu School temple in Sado. On the Sanmon main gate, there still remains a munefuda [an inscription related to the building], written in 1717, and this gate is one of the oldest pieces of architecture in Shukunegi. Shokoji has been enshrining the Tokai Benzaiten (literally means sea-crossing goddess of the sea), since the olden days. It has continuously been worshipped as a guardian deity protecting against shipwreck, and as a goddess of artistry. A master artist, Mahori Hogan Yoshitaka, donated his painting entitled "Tokai Benzaiten" to the temple. Shokoji Temple is one of the temples on Sado's Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route. Within the temple precinct, there is a graveyard of Shuzo Shibata, a Shukunegi-native who studied Western Studies in the late Edo Period (early 19th century), and later drew an elaborate world map.
Minami Sado area -
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Sobama Beach
Sobama Beach features one of the few long sandy beach in Sado, stretching four kilo metres. The water is crystal clear, and the swimming area is the largest in Sado. It is a secluded beach away from the town centre, and there are no houses nearby. Although the beach is a shoal, it is an unparalleled location for fully enjoying the pristineness of the waters and bathe. There are free campsite and lodges adjacent to the beach. Sobama Beach is currently attracting the attention of many people as a great base for exploring Sado.
Minami Sado area -
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Jinmeniwa (Tateiwa)
Jinmeniwa is an oddly-shaped rock approximately 10m high, standing on the Koshi no Nagahama seashore stretching from Mano to Ogi. The rock is made of green-coloured andesite, and it is called "Jinmeniwa (human face rock), as it resembles to a person looking into far distance. Jinmeniwa is a popular location to take photos with the background of Mano Bay, and the rock stands out from all of the other numerous unique rock formations in Sado.
Kuninaka area -
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Sado Osaki Lighthouse
Sado Osaki Lighthouse is situated within the grounds of a tourist attraction, Senkakuwan Ageshima Yuen, and you can easily walk there on a promenade. Sado Osaki Lighthouse flashed its first light in 1964. Sado Osaki Lighthouse flashed its first light in 1964. This lighthouse became widely known with a film "Kimi no Na (What is your name?)", and it is located in front of the Machikobashi Bridge (Yusenkyo Bridge), which is a filming location. The bridge leads to the viewing deck, where you can view over Senkakuwan Bay, one of the best scenic spots in Sado.
Aikawa area -
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Mano Kanko Centre
Mano Kanko Centre is located next to Mano Imperial Mausoleum, and houses a variety of Sado specialties, such as Mumyoiyaki potteries, various sweets, and local Japanese sake. Sado red stones (akadama-ishi) are stones produced in Sado that are highly-prized for their colour, and are displayed at both the Imperial Palace and Ise Jingu Shrine. The stones are exhibited and sold at the Red Stone Garden, scattered with beautifully shiny stones. Meals are available for groups of visitors only, but any visitor can make use of the tea lounge with its view of the Osado Mountains and Mano Bay.
Kuninaka area -
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Kusakari Shrine
Impressive stone light towers stand along the front path leading to the worship hall. Kusakari Shrine was called "Hachioji Gozutenno" around the middle of the Edo Period (early 19th century), and worshipped as a god of agriculture. It was later called Gion Hamochi Shrine for a time, and then renamed after the old name of the village "Kusakari no Sato," in 1870. Kusakari Shrine is known for offerings of bonfire Noh performances, and a kind of kagura (dance and music dedicated to gods) called "Onimai Tsuburosashi," (designated a Niigata Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Asset) performed at Hamochi Festival held annually on the 15th of June. The Noh stage (also one of Niigata Prefecture's Designated Tangible Folk Cultural Assets), which is considered to have been built before the Meiji Period, has a hip-and-gable thatched roof in front and a hipped roof at the back. The structure blends well with the idyllic landscape, whilst projecting a stately ambience.
Minami Sado area -
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Hongyoji Temple
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.
Ryotsu area -
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Nagate Peninsula
Located in the heart of Nanaura Kaigan, the peninsula is a picturesque scenery made up an endless flat rocky surface. The uniqueness of the elevated coast has earned it the designation of ‘Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Semi-National Park’. The shoreline is dotted with ever-changing strangely shaped rocks which contributes to the beauty of the coast. This spot is popular for gathering shellfish, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing and is also known to witness magnificent views of the sun setting into the ocean.
Aikawa area -
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Nashinoki Jizo (Statues of the Bodhisattva)
A jizo (stone statues dedicated to local deities) hall is located on the Nashinoki Pass on Prefectural Route 65 (the former Akadomari trunk road), which passes through the Kosado Mountains from Toyota in the Mano area. There is a jizo statue installed to wish for children's convalescence, and small statues of migawari jizo (who takes the place of people) dedicated as tokens of appreciation after prayers have been answered. The number of jizo statues, also called Koboshi (young Buddhist monk), adds up to thousands, and they surround the hall. Jizo Festival is held annually on 24 August. Locals stay overnight there chanting Shingon mantra the night before.
Kuninaka area -
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Umaimon-ya (farm shop)
Umaimon-ya's retail focuses on locally produced foodstuffs, prepared foods, and processed foods. Here, local producers and their spouses personally sell and give you hints about how to prepare and cook their bounty. A second retail site is located in the Sado Information Center, just a 2-minute walk away. If you are on Sado, please drop in.
Ryotsu area -
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Japan Amateur Masterpieces Museum
Japan Amateur Masterpieces Museum is located adjoined to the Ogi Library. This is one of the rare museums in the world that exhibits only amateur artists' works. The final work by Shikita Nakagawa, a native to Ogi who brought passion into teaching art to amateurs, is on display. You will find oil paintings by British Prime Minister Chuchill and Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, and a monochrome ink painting by Soseki Natsume, an outstanding Japanese novelist of the Meiji Period (1868-1912).
Minami Sado area -
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Ryotsu Ogawa
Ryotsu Ogawa stretches out approximately 2.5 km from Himezaki to the east and Hotokezaki to the west, and is home to about fifty households. Woodblock prints have given rise to this area's name, and a collection of woodblock prints is described as the "Ogawa Outdoor Woodblock Prints Museum". You will see woodblock printing, by locals, everywhere on the walls of the houses in this village. Works are created based on the theme: Life in Ogawa. The dynamic works will leave you amazed.
Ryotsu area -
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Aikawa Folk Museum
Founded in 1956, the building of the Aikawa Folk Museum is a converted Sado branch building of the imperial office (which manages imperial property under the Meiji Constitution), and this is why the roof tiles bear the Imperial Seal of a chrysanthemum. This building is designated a National Historic Site. The three-story exhibition halls display materials related to the gold mine and the Sado Commissioner's Office, tools used by courtesans in Aikawa, art work, folk materials, and archeological objects. Explore the rich history of the town which developed along with the silver and gold mines.
Aikawa area -
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Tassha Beach
Tassha Beach is situated in the scenic Senkakuwan Bay. The tranquil, deeply indented inlet is protected by levees and concrete blocks, so it is calm in inclement weather. The water is crystal clear, creating a quiet environment where you can hear the songs of the black-tailed gulls. Close from the Aikawa town centre (approximately ten minutes by car), the beach is popular with families and youngsters in high season. The name "Tassha" derives from the folk tale of Anju.
Aikawa area -
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Jogahama Beach
Jogahama Beach is a tranquil beach with a width of 150 metres. With clear water perfect for swimming, the beach features impressive white sand. You can enjoy the sand on the clean, small-scale beach, making it perfect for families with small children. As the beach is conveniently located next to the accommodation "Sunrise Jogahama" which offers day-trip hot spring services, you can refresh yourself with a hot spring bath after sea-bathing.
Minami Sado area -
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Dairenji Temple
Dairenji Temple is a temple of the Soto Zen school of Buddhism established in 1421 as a temple to take care of ancestors of the Honma clan, Lords of Hamochi Castle. The sanmon main gate is the east gate of the castle (Niigata Prefecture's Historic Site), which survived destruction in a siege by Kagekatsu Uesugi (lord of Echigo), and was later relocated. This temple served as accommodations for successive Deputies for Sado and officials in the Edo Period (1603-1867). Within the precinct, there are the 500 Arhats Hall, created by a sculptor of Buddha statues in the Edo Period; Kannondo Hall, enshrining a secret Buddhist icon, Maria-Kannon (Mary statue in Kannon disguise); and Hotei (god of good fortune) Hall worshipped for wealth and happiness. Mahori Hogan Yoshitaka, a master painter, donated his painting, entitled "Amazawa Hoteison." Dairenji Temple is one of the temples on Sado's Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route. Referred to as a temple of camellia flowers, Dairenji Temple is familiar to locals,
Minami Sado area -
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The Grave of Ichizaemon Shizume
Ichizaemon Shizume is a samurai warrior of Momoyama Period to early Edo Period (1564 - 1627). He played an active role as a vassal of Ieyasu Tokugawa at the Battle of Sekigahara. (The Battle of Sekigahara is a major battle which took place near Sekigahara in 1600 between Tokugawa and Toyotomi. After this battle, Ieyasu acceded to power and established the Shogunate.) After assuming the role of Commissioner for Sado in 1618, he practised a range of policies, and gained in fame as a great commissioner who contributed to development of gold and silver mines. This grave was built in 1845 in memory of his achievement.
Aikawa area -
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Time Bell Tower
Time signal in Aikawa Town started in 1709, by striking taiko drums set within the Sado Commissioner's Office. The first "time bell" was cast with Sado-produced bronze in 1712, under the ordinance of Shigehide Ogiwara, a Sado Commissioner. The time bell rang out to let people know the time until around 1871, but it then went silent. The bell recently began striking again, in the morning and evening. The brick wall is part of a former court building, and the inside serves as the Sado Hangamura (print art) Museum.
Aikawa area -
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Akagameiwa Rock
Akagameiwa is a big, red stone of iron quartz, which can be seen from a bathing beach in Akagame Kazashima Nagisa Park. The rock has a hollow in the middle, and the shape resembles to parent and child nestling up together. "Once upon a time, when a fisherman in Suizu encountered a turbulent sea, a big turtle appeared, and the fisherman and his boat rode on the turtle's back and returned to the port. The turtle turned into a rock, and villagers named the rock "Akagame". The rock has this folk story, and there is a shrine to enshrine Akagame Myojin god.
Ryotsu area -
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Ogi Diving Center・Clubhouse
Ogi Diving School is a clubhouse and home for divers, situated on an inlet with crystal clear water in Kotoura. It takes just 1 minute on foot to the ship departure point for diving sites. You can also go on an adventure in the mysterious caves in Kotoura. Please relax and unwind yourself at nearby onsen hot spring Ogi no Yu after a day of diving. Guests can have a great time together while eating dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients.
Minami Sado area -
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Anjuzuka (Memorial Mound of Anju in Hatano)
Two different versions of the folk tale "Anju and Zushio" have been passed down from generation to generation in Sado. Hatano is arguably the place where Anju passed away while on her way to Kyoto, after she and her brother had a reunion with their mother. This mound is said to be the burial place of some of her mementos such as her favorite comb. It has been worshipped for good harvests, and for miracles in finding a partner and healing eye diseases. Anju Tenjin Festival takes place every summer.
Kuninaka area -
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Keikuji Temple
Keikuji Temple is a temple of the Shingon School (founded in 807) with Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana: supreme Buddha of the Cosmos) as the main object of worship. The name of the temple "Keikuji (written as 慶宮 in Japanese) derives from the lore that Emperor Juntoku's eldest daughter, Princess Keishi (慶子), spent her life here. The Princess worshipped Fukurokuju Sonten (God of Longevity), so a master artist, Mahori Hogan Yoshitaka, donated a painting entitled "Jingo (divine protection) Fukurokuju". Keikuji Temple is one of the temples on Sado's Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route. Hasso (eight patriarchs) Hall, equipped with an octagonal shrine with a rotational system, is one of a Niigata Prefecture's Tangible Cultural Assets.
Kuninaka area