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Kayak & Paddleboard Sado Island

Experience Sado's Clear Emerald Waters from on board a Kayak or Paddleboard!It's the season for marine sports on Sado Island and time for fun in the sea kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, and swimming! Here is a run down of all the great places to kayak and paddleboard around the island, whether you are a seasoned paddler or complete beginner, visiting on your own or with your friends or family - a kayak experience is a great way to make memories during your visit and see the island in a new way.You can go for kayak / paddleboard tours on four main areas of the island: Lake Kamo (Ryotsu), Mano Bay (Sawada), the Blue Grotto at Ogi and Mushizaki Beach.Note that most experiences require reservations 3 days in advance from your visit.Lake KamoKayak or Paddleboard on the largest lake in Niigata Prefecture! This tour will take you around this picturesque lake, one of the most scenic spots on Sado Island. Originally, this lake was freshwater, but it was opened to the sea during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) in order to prevent flooding, and became a brackish lake. Choose between a daytime paddle (morning/afternoon), sunset, or a night kayak - this experience is held in the evening, so you can enjoy the the seafloor lit up under your kayak!・Day Kayak/SUP Tour on Lake Kamo・Sunset Kayak/SUP Tour on Lake Kamo・Night Kayak Tour on Lake KamoMano Bay (Sawada)Sea Kayak or SUP at Sado's Sawata Beach. Nestled in Mano Bay, the beach is shallow and the waters are calm. Sawata is conveniently located in the central area of Sado with an easy access to other parts in Sado. You'll find plenty of restaurants, convenience stores and accommodatons nearby. This is an especially popular spot for families with children, since the water is very shallow and the waves are calm. You can also take photos at the popular 'Ameya Pier.'・Day Sea Kayak/SUP at Sawada Beach・Sunset Sea Kayak/SUP at Sawada Beach・Night Kayak at Sawada BeachOgi Launching from Ogi Diving center, located in the historic port town of Ogi. Your guide will take you along the rugged coastline, navigating through a narrow sea cave and discovering a hidden beach inaccessible by land. The crystal-clear waters reveal a vibrant marine life. Whether you're a novice or an experienced kayaker, Ogi offers an unforgettable journey through some of Sado Island's most stunning and secluded spots.・Sea Kayak Sado's Blue Grotto - OgiMushizakiLocated just a 30-minute drive from Ryotsu Port, Mushizaki Beach is renowned for its stunningly clear waters. Hop into a sea kayak and glide through tropical-looking waters that will completely change your perception of the Sea of Japan. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sado Sea and enjoy its hidden charms along the way—with small group size ensuring you can soak in the scenery at your own pace. After the kayak tour, we recommend exploring the northern tip of the island to find scenic spots like Oonogame and Futatsugame. Snorkeling and combo experiences with hiking in the mountains are also available to choose from!・Sea Kayak / Diving Experience Mushizaki Beach・Sea Kayak / Snorkeling Experience Mushizaki Beach・Sea Kayak / Trekking Experience Mushizaki Beach・Sea Kayak Mushizaki Beach

Explore the Mountains with Liner Buses in May/June 2026

Sado Island, a nature lover’s paradise in Niigata Prefecture, offers breathtaking mountain hikes, scenic coastlines, and lush forests. To make your adventures easier in May/June 2026 three special liner buses will be operating—Donden Liner Bus, Mt. Kinpoku Liner Bus, and the Kanzou Liner Bus. These buses provide direct access to Sado’s best trekking spots.Donden Liner Bus – to Hike Mt. Donden or the ridgeline to Mt. KinpokuDonden Liner BusRoute: Ryotsu Port → Aoneba Trekking Trail → Donden Lodge Operating Period: Daily from April 25 (Sat) to May 31 (Sun), 2026Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Donden LinerWhy Take This Bus?- Perfect for exploring Donden Mountain, known for its tranquil forests and well-maintained trails.- Choose to get dropped off at the Aoneba Trekking Trail, a great starting point for hiking Mt. Donden- Or get dropped off at Donden Lodge, where you can prepare to hike the entire ridgeline to Mt. Kinpoku.Mt. Kinpoku Liner Bus (One-Way Only) – For Osado ridgeline hikersKinpoku Liner BusRoute: Hakuundai → Ryotsu Port → Shiizaki OnsenOperating Period: Daily from April 25 (Sat) to May 31 (Sun), 2026Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Kinpoku LinerWhy Take This Bus?- Ideal for hikers tackling the ridgeline from Mt. Donden to Mt. Kinpoku (1,172m), Sado’s highest peak, offering stunning island views.- Ends at Shiizaki Onsen, where you can relax in a hot spring after your adventure.Kanzou Liner Bus – For Onogame Kanzou & Coastal ViewsKanzou Liner Bus Route: Ryotsu → Futatsugame → OnogameOperating Period: May 23 (Sat), May 24 (Sun), May 30 (Sat), May 31 (Sun), June 6 (Sat), June 7 (Sun), 2026Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Kanzou LinerWhy Take This Bus?- Connects you to Futatsugame and Onogame, two of Sado’s most famous coastal rock formations.- Great for photographers and nature lovers—these spots offer dramatic ocean views and the tobishima kanzo flowers in bloom!Bus Reservations and InquiriesPlease Direct all Reservation Requests and Inquiries to: Niigata Kotsu Sado Liner Bus Reservation Center0259-52-3200 (9:30-17:00)Please Note:- Reservations are mandatory for all passengers- If a bus reaches capacity, no additional reservations will be accepted- Passengers without reservations may be denied boarding depending on seat availabilityTips for Travelers- Check the exact departure times - the Kanzou Liner only runs on select weekends.- Bring a camera—the views from Onogame and the Osado ridgeline are spectacular!- Wear comfortable hiking shoes—the trails can be rugged but rewarding.- Combine your hike with a soak at Shiizaki Onsen—a perfect post-hike treat!We strongly recommend booking early to guarantee your spot!

April Festivals on Sado Island 2026

April on Sado Island is a vibrant season of festivals, centered around the ritual of Onidaiko. Throughout the month, villages all over the island hold their own shrine festivals featuring this tradition, where dancers wearing fearsome oni (demon) masks perform to the rhythmic beat of taiko drums. However, on Sado, these oni are not villains but friendly deities who visit communities to ward off evil, purify homes, and pray for a successful rice planting season. Each performance is unique, with styles ranging from the Noh-influenced sliding steps of the central Katagami-style to the one-footed jumping of the Issoku-style in the Ogi area. These April festivals often include other traditional arts like Yabusame (horseback archery) and portable shrine processions, creating a powerful and deeply spiritual atmosphere that marks the island's most important festival season of the year.Find the schedule of festivals in April this year - and enjoy the ritual of Onidaiko on Sado Island!→　See more about Onidaiko on Sado Island→　See the complete schedule in Japanese (Sado Cultural Foundation)April 1st (Wednesday)Sugino-ura Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Ryotsu (Suginoura)Group: Sugino-ura Lion Dance Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oshishi and KoshishiStart / End Time: Procession begins after Shinto Ritual at 7:00. 16:00 ClosingGosha Shrine Annual Festival (Gosha Shrine) at Niibo (Niibo Uryuya)Group: Uryuya Children's AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> [Children's Oni-daiko]Start / End Time: 13:00: Start, 16:00-16:30: ends at Ag. Center.April 3 (Friday)Ichinomiya Shrine Spring Festival (Miyaura Festival)(Ichinomiya Shrine) at Hatano(Miyagawa)Group: Ichinomiya Shrine Youth Group(Ichinomiya Onidaiko Preservation Society)Performance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 14:00 Ceremony / 15:00 Onidaiko performanceNagaki Hachiman Wakamiya Shrine Annual Festival(Hachiman Wakamiya Shrine) at Sawada(Nagaki)Group: Nagagi Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 11:30～April 4 (Saturday)Nagaki Yahata Wakamiya Shrine Annual Festival (Yahata Wakamiya Shrine) at Sawada (Nagaki)Group: Nagaki Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Start 7:30 AM / 17:30 Mikoshi finale at the ShrineKawachi Shrine Annual Festival (Kawachi Shrine) at Hatano (Hamakawachi)Group: Hamakawachi Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Maehama style>Start / End Time: 6:00～April 7 (Tuesday)Murakami Shrine Annual Festival (Murakami Shrine) at Sawada (Shinkoji Temple)Group: Shinkoji Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:00～April 8 (Wednesday)Hakusan Shrine Annual Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Sawada(Nishiyamada)Group: Nishiyamada Iwano Group Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daikoStart / End Time: ～April 11 (Saturday)Asahi Festival(Nisho Shrine and Mishima Shrine) at Ryotsu (Asahi)Group: Asahi Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 9:00: Start Nisho Shrine / 9:30: Mishima Shrine / 19:00: EndOhata Shrine Spring Grand Festival(Ohata Shrine) at Aikawa(Okura)Group: Okura Grand Festival Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko<Mamemaki style>Start / End Time: 11:00 Shinto ritual ceremony 11:30: Performance at shrineHakusan Shrine Annual Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Niibo (Niibo Minagawa)Group: Minagawa OnidaikoPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 8:30 Start / around 17:30 FinishUriuya Youth Association Onidaiko (Gosha Shrine) at Niibo(Niibo Uriuya)Group: Uriuya Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 4:30 Start / 23:30 End at temporary shrine.Aono Grand Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Sawada (Aono)Group: Otowa-kaiPerformance: Oni-daiko <Mamemaki style>Start / End Time: At Showa Kaikan. 1st performance: 11:00 AM - 2nd performance: 14:00Mononobe Shrine Festival (Mononobe Shrine) at Hatano(Ogura)Group: Ogura Mononobe Youth Group Performance: Oni-daiko <Maehama style>Start / End Time: 5:00 AM: Depart Shrine / 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Return to the shrine.Minamikatabe Hakusan Shrine Annual Festival (Evening Festival)(Hakusan Shrine) at Aikawa(Minamikatabe)Group: Minami Katabe Taiko Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Issoku-style>Start / End Time: 18:30 (Little lion dance from 19:00) Kumano Shrine Annual Festival (Evening Festival)(Kumano Shrine) at Aikawa(Kitagawauchi)Group: Kitagawachi Festival Preservation SocietyPerformance: Small Lion Dancewith Onidaiko <Mamemaki style>Start / End Time: 19:00~ small lion dance*The small lion dance will only be performed on the evening of the festival.April 12 (Sunday)Minami Katabe Hakusan Shrine Annual Festival (Hakusan Shrine) at Aikawa(Minamikatabe)Group: Minami Katabe Taiko Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Issoku-style>Start / End Time: 9:00 Gate procession, scheduled to enter the shrine around 15:00Kumano Shrine Annual Festival(Door-to-Door Performance)(Kumano Shrine) at Aikawa(Kitagawauchi)Group: Kitagawachi Festival Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko<Mamemaki style>Start / End Time: Start around 8:00 AM, Finish around 15:00Kamiyokoyama Festival (Kinpo Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kamiyokoyama)Group: Kamiyokoyama Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> Start / End Time: 5:30 Start / 6:00 Depart from the shrine / 20:00 Return to the shrineTateno Sansha Shrine Main Festival (Sansha Shrine) at Ryotsu(Tateno)Group: Tateno Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> Start / End Time: 10:00 AM: Shrine Start / Around 19:00: ClosingKawasaki Festival (Mizuo Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kawasaki)Group: Kawasaki Oni Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> Start / End Time: 13:30 Prayer and performance at Konpira Community CenterIzuna Shrine Annual Festival (Izuna Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kakinoura)Group: Kakinoura Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> <Maehama style> Start / End Time: 8:00 (scheduled) Departure / 18:00 (scheduled) Entry into the shrineIzuna Shrine Annual Festival (Izuna Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kakinoura)Group: Kakinoura Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> <Maehama style> Start / End Time: 8:00 (scheduled) Departure / 18:00 (scheduled) Entry into the shrineKumano Shrine Annual Festival (Kumano Shrine) at Kanai(Obana)Group: Obana Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style> Start / End Time: Implemented at the neighborhood association level.April 13 (Monday)Sanno Festival (Hiyoshi Shrine) at Niibo (Niibo Funashita)Group: Sado Funashita Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Sanno Festival (Hiyoshi Shrine) at Niibo(Niibo-Ono)Group: Ohno Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 18:00 at Hiyoshi Shrine in Ohno / 19:00 at Hiyoshi Shrine in Kami-ShinboApril 14 (Tuesday)Sanno Festival (Hiyoshi Shrine) at Niibo(Kami-Niibo)Group: Niibo Central Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Mireichi Shrine Annual Festival (Evening Festival)(Mireichi Shrine) at Aikawa(Kitadanoura)Group: Goreichi Shrine Festival EventsPerformance: FuryūodoriStart / End Time: Around 19:00, performances of Hanagasa Odori (flower hat dance) and Shishi (lion dance, three lions) will be held at the Revitalization Center and four other locations. *Furyu Odori will not be performed at the main festival on the 15th.Susanoo Shrine Annual Festival (Evening Festival)(Susanoo Shrine) at Aikawa(Ishihana)Group: Ishihana Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Around 19:30: From the shrine to the intersection on the prefectural road, until around 20:30.Senbon Spring Festival (Evening Festival)(Hachiman Shrine) at Aikawa(Senbon)Group: Senbon Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Around 18:00 to 20:00April 15 (Wednesday)Susanoo Shrine Annual Festival (Door-to-Door Procession)(Susanoo Shrine) at Aikawa(Ishige)Group: Ishige Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 8:00 Start / 18:00 ShrineSenbon Spring Festival (Door-to-door performances)(Hachiman Shrine) at Aikawa(Senbon)Group: Senbon Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 8:30 Start / 17:00 FinishKumano Shrine Annual Festival(Kumano Shrine) at Niibo(Niibo Aoki)Group: Aoki Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:00~Hakusan Shrine Annual Festival(Hakusan Shrine) at Niibo(Uchimaki)Group: Uchimaki Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 9:30 AM: Start / 17:00: EndShinbo Hachimangu Shrine Annual Festival (Shinbo Matsuri)(Shinbo Hachimangu Shrine) at Kanai(Shinbo/Chigusa)Group: KenchikaiShinbo DoshidanChigusa YorikikaiPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Each Onidaiko enters the shrine around 14:45 / Simultaneous Onidaiko dedication – around 15:00〇 Chikusa settlement "Monotsuke" (door-to-door performance)　▶ Ōwada – 6:00 – Yakushidō (Kenchi-kai)　▶ Nishikata – 5:30 – Nishikata Activation Center (Chikusa Yoryoku-kai)〇 Niibo settlement "Monotsuke"Please watch the Onidaiko performance by the Niibo Dōshi-dan at the dedication ceremony starting at 15:00 at Niibo Hachiman Shrine.Izumi Festival(Araki Shrine) at Kanai(Izumi)Group: Izumi Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Yamato Festival(Ryosho Grand Shrine and Karasaki Shrine) at Kanai(Yamato)Group: Yamato Youth AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:00 Start / 16:00 ReturnTakahama Shrine Annual Festival(Takahama Shrine) at Sawada(Kubota)Group: Kubota Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:30-6:30 AM: Start / 20:30-21:00: ReturnMeguro-cho Kumano Shrine Annual Festival(Kumano Shrine) at Hatano(Meguro-cho)Group: Meguro-cho Oni TaikoPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:30 Start / 19:00 ReturnSannomiya Hata Festival(Sannomiya Shrine and Kumano Shrine) at Hatano(Sannomiya/Hata)Group: Sannomiya Shota Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 4:45 Start / Return at 12:00 to Kumano Shrine / 17:00 Sannomiya ShrineKamo Shrine Annual Festival(Kamo Shrine) at Hatano(Kurinoe)Group: Kurinoe Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Hamanaka Festival(Takiya Shrine) at Mano(Hamanaka)Group: Hamanaka Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daikoStart / End Time: 6:00 AM Start / 12:00 AM Arrival at the shrineAizawa Festival(Daizen Shrine) at Mano(Aizawa)Group: Aizawa Youth GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:00AM - Start / 20:00 - 21:00 - ReturnApril 16 (Thursday)Akai Shrine Annual Festival(Akai Shrine) at Ryotsu(Ryotsu Fukuura)Group: Fukuura Oni GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:00 AM: Procession to the shrine7:00 AM: DepartureAkai Shrine Annual Festival(Akai Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kamoutashiro)Group: Kamoutashiro Onidaiko GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:00AM ~ End 21:00 at Community CenterApril 18 (Saturday)Kasuga Shrine Annual Festival(Kasuga Shrine) at Ryotsu(Kasuga)Group: Kasuga Oni GroupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Atsuta Shrine Annual Festival(Atsuta Shrine) at Ryotsu(Akitsu)Group: Akitsu Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 5:00AM Start / 22:00 EndMaki Festival(Kawasaki Shrine) at Ryotsu(Maki)Group: Maki Onidaiko Preservation SocietyPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 8:00 Start / 18:00-19:00 Enter into the shrineApril 27 (Monday)Suwa Shrine Annual Festival(Suwa Shrine) at Sawada(Kawarada)Group: Kawarada Suwa Shrine Parishioners' AssociationPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: 6:30 AM Start / 20:30 PM FinishApril 29 (Wednesday)Tsubaki Festival(Arasaki Shrine) at Ryotsu(Tsubaki)Group: Tsubaki Oni groupPerformance: Oni-daiko <Katagami style>Start / End Time: Start 6:00 AM / Finish 17:00

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!

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

Sado Feature: Good Luck Trip

Sado Island has been featured on the multilingual Japan travel site "Good Luck Trip!" The itinerary is for a 4-Day, 3-Night World Heritage Expedition in Sado & Niigata, using the SADO NIIGATA Pass, a special discount pass for foreign-passport holders!Check out their curated model itinerary if you’re down for regional foodie delights and cultural deep-dives you won’t find anywhere else but on Sado Island!➡　Good Luck Trip: A 4-Day, 3-Night World Heritage Expedition in Sado & Niigata!已刊載使用 SADO NIIGATA Pass 的「佐渡島＋新潟市區 3 晚 4 天行程規劃」。內容不只有介紹佐渡島與新潟市的特色景點，也一併介紹了 僅限持有非日本護照的人才能購買、相當便利的 SADO NIIGATA Pass。➡　Good Luck Trip好運日本行➡　樂吃購！日本

Explore Sado and Niigata with the SADO NIIGATA Pass: Best Travel Deal for Visitors

SADO NIIGATA Pass is a great-value ticket set that includes a round-trip car ferry ticket with Sado Kisen, the Niigata City Loop Bus, and a 3-day free pass for buses in Sado City. It is available exclusively to international visitors. You can apply online and pick it up at the Niigata City Tourist Information Center. Special offers at participating shops are also available with the bus tickets.This PASS is only available to foreign tourists.See here for more details.

Congratulations! World Cultural Heritage registration decision! "Sado Island Gold Mines"

On July 27, 2024, at the World Heritage Committee meeting in India,The universal value of the gold and silver mines on Sado Island was recognized and “Gold Mines of Sado Island” was registered as a World Heritage Site.Please take this opportunity to enjoy sightseeing and learn more about the “Sado Island Gold Mines”.The Sado Mines has been registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site! Discover an island where Oni demons are venerated as divine incarnations, brought to life with art, cuisine, and music at the Sado Island Heritage Festival 2024!Sado Island Heritage Festival Webpage

Sado Island was featured by JNTO as a Sustainable Destination!

We are thrilled to share that Sado Island has been featured as a Sustainable Tourism destination on the official Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website!Nestled in the clear waters of the Sea of Japan, Sado Island offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. But what makes it truly remarkable is its commitment to sustainable practices. As travelers, we have a responsibility to tread lightly on the planet, and Sado Island sets an inspiring example of how tourism can be a force for good. By supporting sustainable initiatives, we not only enrich our own experiences but also contribute to the well-being of local communities and ecosystems.Check out the full article on the JNTO website to read more about how residents have worked to preserve its natural beauty and traditions for generations to come, and start planning your Sado Island adventure today!

Obata Sake Brewery got introduced in Sustainable Japan Magazine

Obata Sake Brewery has been producing high-quality rice wine for over 130 years now and under the leadership of the fifth generation`s head, Obata Rumiko, successfully built a bridge between the small island of Sado and the world by introducing several ambitious projects.The following article was published in Sustainable Japan Magazine.Learn more about Obata Sake Brewery`s efforts in the following articles.Obata Brewery Distills Sado`s Charms Into Sake: Sake Brewers Deepen Their Learning In Sado: