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- Sightseeing
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Gift Shops Pleasure Boats
"Tub-boat" Rikiya Kanko Kisen
You cannot talk about Sado's special tub-boats without mentioning Rikiya Kanko Kisen. Lady skippers skillfully shift the oars, and this is a unique experience that you will never forget. Other popular activities are a cruise around Nansenkyo (the best part of the Ogi Coast) and Sawasaki Lighthouse aboard a high-speed pleasure boat, and another speedy cruise on a high-speed motor boat, to visit other scenic spots. The waiting room houses a ticket booth, souvenir shop and light-meal eatery.
Minami Sado area -
Gold and Silver Mines
Kitazawa Flotation Plant
The Kitazawa area in Aikawa is home to a group of facilities, such as a power plant and a thickener (designated National Historical Site), which contributed to the modernization of mines. The flotation method had originally been used for copper beneficiation, but at Kitazawa Flotation Plant, the technniques were applied to silver and gold extraction, and successfully utilized for the first time in the world. Under a war-time increase in production plan, large-scale investment was made. As a result, the Flotation Plant was able to process over 50,000 tonnes of ore per month, and the plant was declared the greatest one in the East.
Aikawa area -
Gold and Silver Mines
Historic Site Sado Kinzan Gold Mine
Sado Kinzan Gold Mine is a collection of historic relics which tell the 400-year history of Sado's gold and silver mines. On the Edo Kinzan Emaki (illustrated scrolls of gold mines) course (Sodayu Tunnel course), full-size dolls and robots provide accurate presentations of the workings of the mines in the past. On the Meiji Government-Controlled Mine course (Doyu Tunnel course), relics of modernization and industrialization still remain. Furthermore, there is also a guided tour course which includes facilities such as "The Best Gold Processing Plant in Asia" and "Japan's First Wetsern-Style Vertical Tunnel", that will cause visitors to marvel at the impressive scale.
Aikawa area -
Gold and Silver Mines Gift Shops
Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park
Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park is a hands-on facility situated on the old site of Nishimikawa Gold Dust Mine, which is thought to be the oldest among others. Anyone can easily try panning for gold on three levels: beginner, Intermediate, and advanced. On the advanced course, you will pan for gold on a river! The gold you panned for can be made into a phone strap or pendant (for a charge). You can learn about the history of gold in the exhibition room on-site, and there is a souvenir shop featuring their original goods including sweets and jewellery.
Kuninaka area -
Toki (Japanese crested ibises)
Toki Forest Park
Toki Forest Park has toki-theamed facilities. Toki Materials Exhibition Hall showcases a collection of resources on the themes of preservation, breeding, and reintroduction into the wild. Toki Exchange Plaza is a popular spot where you can see toki up close. You can take a pleasant stroll around the park where you will ffind a monument to commemorate Japan's last wild toki named Kin. Don't miss out on the popular soft ice cream made with Sado-grown green edamame beans.
Kuninaka area -
Pleasure Boats
Hangiri (washtub boats) in Shukunegi
Take a ride on a hangiri (washtub boat) and explore the world at sea level. The hangiri have been an essential fishing tool for people living on the Ogi Peninsula since old times. Each boat is handmade using cedar and bamboo grown on Sado. In front of the retro backdrop of Shukunegi Town, you will be leisurely guided along the rocky and otherworldly shore created by the earth over a long period of time. This is an eco-friendly slow 'cruise,' navigated by a local skipper who speaks in the Ogi dialect.
Minami Sado area -
Townscape
Shukunegi
Having been a port since the medieval times, Shukunegi went through the prosperous 17th century brought about by Sado Kinzan Gold Mine, and developed as a kitamaebune port of call for the merchant shipping industry. Facing a small inlet, Shukunegi is characterised by the crowded rows of over 100 houses built with plate walls made from ship planks, and it has been designated as a National Important Preservation Area for Traditional Buildings and Architecture. Three private houses are open to the public (admission charges required), and the entire Shukunegi village represents a history of involvement in ship-related industries.
Minami Sado area -
Pleasure Boats
Yajima Taiken Koryukan (experience & exchange centre)
Yajima Taiken Koryukan is nestled at the back of a cove with a view of Yajima and Kyojima. You can enjoy a tub-boat ride in the picturesque scenery of the Sado Geopark and Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Quasi-National Park. The centre also offers an array of workshops such as fishing from the rocky shore, dried squid making and soba (buckwheat noodles) making. (Please contact the centre for details.) At the eatery, you will experience the delights of soba and udon noodles with nagamo seaweed.
Minami Sado area -
Pleasure Boats
Senkakuwan Ageshima Yuen
Senkakuwan Ageshima Yuen is a tourist attraction of Ageshima Kyowan (narrow bay), the fifth most scenic spot at Senkakuwan Bay. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a dynamic, panoramic view. The surrounding area is a marine park, designated as one of Japan's 100 Scenic Foreshores. You can also enjoy a cruise around the bay, and the underwater world, aboard a glass-bottom boat (for a fee). On site, there are also an aquarium, which is home to fish found in the sea surrounding Sado, and a resource centre, which displays panels about a famous Japanese film, "Kimi no Na Wa" [What is Your Name?
Aikawa area -
Gift Shops Museums, Art Galleries and Resource Centres
Sado Rekishi Densetsukan
Full-size robots intriguingly tell of the history and legends of Sado. On the first floor, famous scenes with historical significance are introduced by robots in elaborate clothing which are exact replicas of historical figures. Witness Emperor Juntoku mourning his fate with the moon at the place of his exile, or a famous Tsukahara debate between Nichiren and other priests from other schools, and Zeami (14th-15th-century Noh actor and playwright) dancing to pray for rains. On the second floor, photographs and art objects inspired by Sado's ambiance are on exhibit. Shodo Sasaki Museum is located within the museum, where the works of lost-wax casting by Shodo Sasaki, a living national treasure, are on display. You may also enjoy the taste of Sado at a restaurant on site.
Kuninaka area -
Toki (Japanese crested ibises)
Toki Watching Tower and Observation Deck "Toki Terrace"
Toki Terrace allows visitors to observe wild toki without disturbing them, and offers a view across Sado's mosaic and lush satoyama landscape. The indoor observation room displays information outlining the efforts to reintroduce toki to the wild, as well as the bird's ecology and habitat. Stuffed actual tokis, which used to live in the wild, are exhibited, too. Telescopes are available and visitors can watch a variety of birds, including toki. From the roof terrace, enjoy a panoramic view: the vast expanse of beautiful rice paddies nurturing all living things in the Kuninaka Plain, and the distant Osado Mountains around Mount Kinpoku, the tallest mountain on Sado Island.
Kuninaka area -
Townscape
Gashima Cinema
Gashima Cinema is located on historical Kyomachi Street, which connects Sado Gold and Silver Mine with the Sado Commissioner's Office. This former residence of the Sado Gold Mine captain, built about 80 years ago, has been converted into a café while maintaining the ambiance of the olden days. A monthly featured film is shown daily, and a monthly book corner provides movie-related books. An old carbon arc film projector, which was once used at an actual movie theatre, is on display. This spot is perfect for a break on a stroll through history, in the old mining town of Aikawa.
Aikawa area -
Gift Shops Sake Breweries
Hokusetsu Shuzo Sake Brewery
Hokusetsu Shuzo Sake Brewery was established in 1872. Hokusetsu is a dry, smooth sake, which evokes images of heavy snow in the northern provinces. Committed in their passion to Sado's water, rice, climate and people, Hokusetsu wholeheartedly makes sake which can only be made by Hokusetsu, and explores the various possibilities of sake with sensibilities suited to the times. Sake produced by Hokusetsu is loved at Nobu restaurants in New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, and Dubai, among others, which attract celebrities from around the world.
Minami Sado area -
Asahiso
Situated in the heart of the Aikawa, Asahiso has been loved as a good base for leisurely sight-seeing (such as a downtown stroll), sea bathing, camping and fishing. With its central location, Asahiso is close to great scenic spots like Senkakuwan Bay and the Nanaura Kaigan coast, and only 10-minutes by car from Sado Kinzan Gold Mine. Fully satisfied with the seasonal dishes made by the Okami female manager, Asahiso boasts many repeat customers!
Aikawa area -
Townscape
Sashu Oyarikan (Aikawa Tourist Exchange Center)
The perfect base for a walking tour, Sashu Oyarikan was established after repairing a historical accommodation named Sashukan, where celebrities, like famous writers, once stayed. Oyari means "take it easy" in the Aikawa dialect. Sashu Oyarikan has a lounge, exhibition rooms and public restrooms on the first floor, so please feel free to visit us. The second floor is designed for simple lodging for students (18-years-old and up) and is available for training camps, study trips and seminars.
Aikawa area -
Gift Shops Sake Breweries
Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery
Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery, the brewer of "Manotsuru" brand sake, was established in 1892. Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery has won the gold prize a total of ten times at the nation's most respected National New Sake Awards. It was also honoured three times with a prestigious gold medal in the sake category at the world's largest wine competition held in London, the International Wine Challenge, (in 2004, 2007 and 2015). They offer brewery tours and sake tasting as well a selection of sake for sale.
Kuninaka area -
Gift Shops Sake Breweries
Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery
Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery, the brewer of "Manotsuru" brand sake, was established in 1892. Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery has won the gold prize a total of ten times at the nation's most respected National New Sake Awards. It was also honoured three times with a prestigious gold medal in the sake category at the world's largest wine competition held in London, the International Wine Challenge, (in 2004, 2007 and 2015). They offer brewery tours and sake tasting as well a selection of sake for sale.
Kuninaka area -
Townscape
Kyomachi Street
Kyomachi Street is a main street that connects Aikawa's gold and silver mines with the Sado Commissioner's Office. Kyomachi Street leads up the hill from Shimokyomachi, where the time bell tower is located, through Nakakyomachi to Kamikyomachi. In the past, many residences of both mine-related workers and merchants used to stand side-by-side on this street. The street itself, studded with narrow alleyways, is a reminder of the haphazard town planning that took place during Aikawa's time of prosperity. A symbolic event of Kyomachi Street, "Yoi-no-mai", is held in early June. Dancers, clad in kimonos of the past, dance to the Aikawa Ondo folk song and accompanying music.
Aikawa area -
Gift Shops
Sea Town Shopping Street
Sea Town Shopping Street is attached to Sado Kisen's Ryotsu Ferry Terminal. Souvenir shops, including Sado Kisen Shoji (0259-27-5673), Ebisu Shoji (0259-27-5007), and Nakamise Kanko (0259-23-3335), are lined up on either side of the street. They offer an extensive variety of Sado souvenirs, such as local sake, seafood, famous confectioneries, crafts, and so on. Yellowtail Curry is served only at Sea Town Shopping Street and enjoys great popularity.
Ryotsu area -
Museums, Art Galleries and Resource Centres
Sado Hangamura Museum
Sado Hangamura Museum exhibits a collection of woodblock prints, which are the crowning achievements of the woodblock engraving movement led by late Shinichi Takahashi, a woodblock-print artist and high school teacher. Approximately 260 pieces, centering around Mr. Takahashi's posthumous works and works by amateur artists living in Sado, are on permanent display. You will encounter a variety of print art, including woodblock, copperplate and silk screen prints. The museum also hosts monthly exhibitions and woodblock print workshops (for a fee). The museum building is housed in the former Aikawa Summary Court, the architecture of which contains traces of the Meiji Period.
Aikawa area -
Sake Breweries
Henmi Shuzou
This brewery was established around the time of the Meiji Restoration and a small number of its brewers continue to make sake in earnest. The brewers' combined experience, limited dependence on machines and attitudes of utilizing these two aspects when brewing sake, are all based on a natural stance. The irreplaceable water, from a well on the premises, supports this choice sake, called Shinryo. Use of an activated charcoal filter, which usually removes color from the sake, is restrained as much as possible. The strongest selling point of this sake is its“natural” flavor, created by leaving the finished sake as it is. You can take a tour of the brewery, and sample its sake, too.
Kuninaka area -
Gold and Silver Mines Museums, Art Galleries and Resource Centres
Sado Gold and Silver Mine Information Center Kirarium Sado
A gateway to the mine, Information Center Kirarium Sado serves as a base for exploring the site. The center will navigate you through the historical value and attractions of the mine in an easy-to-follow manner, using a variety of videos and scroll paintings. The center also utilizes guide maps and apps to provide useful information about the site and to recommend walking routes.
Aikawa area -
Gift Shops
Omiyage Ichiba Ogiya
Connected with Sado Kisen's Ogi Port Terminal, Ogiya is a shopping centre offering a great selection of Sado specialties. The selection includes sea products, traditional crafts and famous confectionery. The cafe/restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options, such as kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot) with fresh seafood and set meals. Their specialty menu is "kamameshi with squid". The sumptuous dish consists of "Toki to Kurasu Sato", special rice recognised by Sado City, which is cooked in special broth, and colourful toppings of seafood including squid, shrimp and scallops, plus bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms.
Minami Sado area -
Museums, Art Galleries and Resource Centres
Sado Island's Ogi Folk Museum, Sengokubune Exhibition Hall
Sado Island's Ogi Folk Museum is housed in the building of the former Shukunegi Elementary School. This museum exhibits a magnificent collection of over 30,000 folk materials including tools and equipment of fishery in South Sado and shipbuilders, as well as objects closely related to the everyday life of the common people which evoke the retro ambience of the Showa times (1926-1989). The ship on display was restored based on the design drawings of a sengokubune (wooden freight ship), which was built in 1858 in Shukunegi. The museum is adjacent to the Shukunegi village, a designated preservation area for important traditional buildings and architecture.
Minami Sado area -
Gift Shops
Mumyouiyaki Gyokudou Kamamoto
Mumyouiyaki Gyokudou Kamamoto is a pottery gallery and gift shop with its factory in the Hatano area. You can, not only, see, touch, and purchase potteries, but also create your own pottery at workshops (throwing or hand carving courses), for a fee.
Kuninaka area -
Gift Shops
Akadomari Tourist Centre
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.
Minami Sado area -
Gift Shops
Sawata Fresh Fish Centre Kasuke
Sawata Fresh Fish Centre Kasuke is located on the Sawata bypass. It sells fresh fish from the surrounding sea of Sado, processed products such as dried fish, and other Sado specialties. Founded in 1848, and specialising in fugu processing, Kasuke is the only fishmonger in Sado which produces and supplies the special delicacy, "Fugunoko Kasuzuke". Kasuke also offers nationwide shipping and online shopping. At Fish Restaurant Kasuke next door, you can enjoy dishes prepared from locally sourced fish to your heart's delight.
Kuninaka area -
Gift Shops Sake Breweries
Kato Shuzoten Sake Brewery
Founded in 1915, Kato Sake Brewery is located in the Kanai area, where they transferred to seek out good quality water. Seventy per cent of their sake is consumed within the island. "Kintsuru," a favorite among Sado Islanders, is a hidden gem not very known outside the island. However, the company's sake-making policy and the resulting flavors, which are embodied in Jogen no Tsuki (a pure sake with highly polished rice organically cultivated with natural farming methods by their own workers), are attracting local sake connoisseurs all around Japan. Free tasting available!
Kuninaka area -
Gift Shops Sake Breweries
Tenryohai Sake Brewery
Tenryohai Sake Brewery has consistently maintained a high quality of sake making. Sake rice "Koshitanrei" goes well with the underground water at Mt Kinpoku, the tallest mountain in Sado. The water produces aromatic, smooth and refreshing sake. Brewery tours are available with a guide within the sake brewing factory, where the precision and skills of brewers and cutting-edge technologies are mixed. A variety of "Tenryohai" brand sake can be purchased at the shop at Tenryo no Sato.
Ryotsu area -
Gift Shops
Sado Tokusen Ichiba Market
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.
Kuninaka area