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Koyo: Best Places to See Autumn Leaves on Sado Island
When you think of Sado Island, do beaches, summer sun, and fresh seafood come to mind? As fun as Sado is in the summertime, its also a great place to visit during the fall season. Fall on Sado means a fresh autumn harvest, end-of-summer festivities, and less crowds heading into the off-season. September to November is a great time to visit the island. And what better a way to enjoy the season than a walk in nature to admire the autumn colors, called koyo (紅葉) in Japanese? Here is a quick run-down of the best spots on the island to take it all in.
1. Momijiyama Park (Find on Google Maps)
One of the most popular spots to see the autumn colors on Sado is Momijiyama Park. Check out the Kagami-ike Pond, surrounded by autumn foliage. Expect an explosion of color across these hills from the end of October and through the middle of November! There are also walking trails to choose from that go up to Mt. Ogamiyama and Mt. Megumiyama. Its about a 25 minute climb to reach the observatory.
2. Sado Gold Mine (Find on Google Maps)
If you head to Aikawa, you wont want to miss a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sado Gold Mine.
The maples in the garden and around the mine are beautiful if you catch them at their peak. This year, you can even visit the gold mine at night for a special Night Experience (until the end of October). The mountain and tunnels will be lit up at night with projection mapping. To save some time and money, pick up the Kinbura Gold Pass (available until November 30th) to explore both Kirarium Gold Mine Guidance Facility and the Sado Gold Mine.
3. Osado Skyline (Find on Google Maps)
If you are driving on the island (or a hardcore road cyclist) the Osado Skyline is a popular driving route to take in the autumn displays of color. This 30km road runs from the gold mine in Aikawa, passing through mountains over 1,000m elevation, and ends at Kanai in the middle of the island. The road is lined with Japanese rowan trees and maples. You can also get a panorama view of the island from the deck at Hakuundai. Depending on how early the snow hits, Hakuundai/the skyline may close from Mid-November.
4. Mt. Donden / Mt. Kinpoku
Looking for a koyo hike? Autumn is a great season to hike two of the most popular peaks on Sado, Mt. Kinpoku and Mt. Donden. For reference, check out our English Trekking Map here
When you hike Mt. Donden, you can get a panoramic view of the island from above. Take the trail from Aoneba Trailhead (青ネバ登山口) up to Donden Lodge, and from there, hike the Donden Plateau path to Shiritateyama (尻立山). Alternatively, you can drive up to the lodge and do a short hike from the peak.
Looking to hike Sado's tallest peak? For a short, but steep route, try the trail that starts at Sawaguchi Trailhead(沢口登山口) to the summit of Mt. Kinpoku, and return via the 天狗岩 (Tenguiwa) route.
Traverse from Mt. Donden to Mt. Kinpoku: If you are looking for a challenge, try the traverse route that runs between the two peaks(it may take more than seven hours!) You will also need to arrange for transport to pick you up at Mt. Kinpokus Hakuundai, or Mt. Dondens Lodge.
5. Myosenji Temple (Find on Google Maps)
Visit Myosenji temple in early to late November. This ancient temple associated with the monk Nichiren houses the only five-storied pagoda in Niigata Prefecture, which looks even more spectacular when surrounded by fiery foliage.
6. Seisuiji Temple (Find on Google Maps)
Seisuiji temple temple was founded in the 9th century by a Buddhist monk from Kyoto, and was modeled after the famous Kiyomizudera. This is another popular spot where autumn leaves shine in early to late November. The large ginko tree opposite the temple takes a little longer to turn color.