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Guide to Summer Festivals on Sado Island (2026)

Summer in Japan means vibrant festivals, and Sado Island is no exception! From fireworks and traditional drum performances to local food and lively parades, there’s something for everyone. Check out this year’s lineup of summer events—plan your trip and experience the magic of Sado’s summer celebrations!Tips for Festival Visitors:✅ Some outdoor events may cancel in heavy rain.✅ Bring cash – Most vendors, workshops, and ticketed activities don’t accept cards.✅ Arrive early – Popular events (fireworks, taiko shows) may get crowded fast!✅ Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking on streets, gravel, or grassy festival grounds.✅ Respect Sado’s traditions – Performances like Onidaiko, puppet shows, and folk songs are deeply cultural. Stay quiet during acts, avoid blocking views, and refrain from touching props/costumes.✅ Ask before photographing – Some performers or rituals may restrict photos/videos.✅ Dispose of trash properly – Festivals may have designated bins or "bring your trash home" policies.August 1, 2026: Akadomari Port FestivalLocation: Akadomari PortAkadomari's summer festival. The main event of the day is the "Grand Sumo Tournament on the Sea of Japan" held in a ring floating on the sea. The audience cheers for the wrestlers as they struggle to slide and fall on the swaying ring. There are performances by local performing arts groups, sales of local products, and a beer garden. At the end of the festival, fireworks light up the night sky.Event Highlights: • Specialty Products Market • Water Sumo Tournament • Traditional Performing Arts Programs • Beer Garden • Live Shows • Fireworks ShowAugust 7 - 8, 2026: Ryotsu Port: Tanabata Matsuri Kawabiriki & Fireworks ShowLocation: Ryotsu Port - Minato and Ebisu AreasWebsite:  summer magic under the stars at Ryotsu's Tanabata Matsuri Kawabiriki! This two-day festival transforms Ryotsu Port into a vibrant tapestry of tradition, with folk song parades, Onidaiko drum performances, and a nostalgic photo exhibit showcasing Ryotsu’s history. As night falls, the harbor comes alive with a breath-taking fireworks show on August 8.Event Highlights:Friday, August 7th • 9:00–10:00 Drum and fife performance • 17:30–19:30 Children's float parade (cancelled in case of rain) • 19:30–19:55 Taiwanese folk performing arts (I) • 19:00–19:40 Hometown folk song singing parade (Minato) • 20:00–20:50 Hometown folk song singing paradeSaturday, August 8th • 10:00–15:00 Float exhibition • 14:00–16:30 Sado puppet theater (Bun'ya puppets / Harukoma) • 18:30–19:15 Onidaiko performance (Minato) • 19:30–20:15 Onidaiko performance • 20:30–21:10 Grand fireworks displayAugust 8 (Sat) – 15 (Sat) Ryotsu Port Minato Oasis Beer FestivalLocation: Ai-Port Roadside Station, RyotsuWebsite: ’t miss the Minato Oasis Beer Festival in Ryotsu—a week-long celebration of beer, live music, and Sado’s vibrant culture! Sip on local sake and chilled beers while enjoying Onidaiko drum performances, folk songs, and even a fireworks show to kick off the festivities on August 8th. With food stalls, sake tastings, and a laid-back harbor vibe, this is the perfect way to toast to a fun visit to Sado Island. Kampai! *Poster displayed is from last year's eventAugust 11, 2026: Sawata Shishigajo Festival & Fireworks ShowLocation: Kawaharada Elementary School Grounds, SawataWebsite:  the summer sky of Sado Island, the Shishigajo Festival in Sawata erupts with energy! Feel the pulse of Onidaiko performances, sway to hula dances, and join the joyful Bon Odori circle dance as the community comes alive. As dusk falls, enjoy a spectacular fireworks show bursting over Kawaharada, lighting up the night with vibrant colors. Bring a blanket, grab some yatai street food, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening.Event Highlights: • 16:30–20:00 – Onidaiko, hula dance, Bon Odori • 20:00~ Fireworks ShowAugust 21 - 23, 2025 Earth Celebration 2026 (Kodo Taiko Festival)Location: Ogi PortEnglish Info:  August, the shores of Ogi Port come alive with the pulse of taiko and the spirit of cultural exchange at Earth Celebration, Sado Island’s most iconic international festival. Founded by the world-renowned Kodo taiko group, this three-day event transcends borders, blending thunderous drum performances with global music, workshops, and eco-conscious artistry. One of Sado’s biggest events! Check the website for the full schedule.August 22-23, 2026: Hatano: Anju Tenjin FestivalLocation: Hatano Service Center Parking LotGet ready for the Hatano Anju Tenjin Festival! See Onidaiko drum battles, a kids’ mikoshi parade (adorable chaos guaranteed), and the festival’s Neri Mikoshi, where teams jostle a portable shrine through the streets in a riot of shouts and laughter. During the festival, painted paper lanterns lined up on the shopping street brighten up the night sky.Event Highlights: • Evening live band • Marching band, kids’ mikoshi, Onidaiko, Neri MikoshiAugust 29-30, 2026: Ogi Port Festival & Fireworks ShowLocation: Ogi Town (Kizaki Shrine, Kotohira Shrine, Minato Park)As summer reaches its peak, Ogi Port transforms into a vibrant hub of tradition and celebration with its annual Ogi Port Festival! This one-day extravaganza brings together the best of Sado’s culture—lion dances, thunderous Onidaiko drum performances, and lively mikoshi (portable shrine) processions that weave through the streets. As night falls, the sky above Ogi Port erupts in a fireworks display, reflecting over the water for a magical seaside show.Event Highlights: • Lion dances, Onidaiko, mikoshi parades • Fireworks Show

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!

2026 Noh Theater Schedule

The 2026 Noh Theater Calendar for Sado Island has been announced! Enjoy a Noh Theater show on the beautiful Sado Island. Programs marked are fire-lit Noh Performances.Shuttle Bus Services are available for select performances marked below. For reservations, please contact the Niigata Kotsu Sado Liner Bus Reservation Center. Reception Hours 9:00～17:00 ☎　0259-52-3200 Please note only Japanese-speaking staff are available. If you cannot speak Japanese, please call with an interpretor. Please note only inquiries in Japanese are accepted.➡　See the full 2026 Noh Theater Schedule Here, including bus details

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: