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- Explore the Mountains with Liner Buses in May/June 2026
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. Kinpoku
Donden Liner BusRoute: Ryotsu Port → Aoneba Trekking Trail → Donden Lodge
Operating Period: Daily from April 25 (Sat) to May 31 (Sun), 2026
Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Donden Liner
Why 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 hikers
Kinpoku Liner BusRoute: Hakuundai → Ryotsu Port → Shiizaki Onsen
Operating Period: Daily from April 25 (Sat) to May 31 (Sun), 2026
Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Kinpoku Liner
Why 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 Views
Kanzou Liner Bus Route: Ryotsu → Futatsugame → Onogame
Operating Period: May 23 (Sat), May 24 (Sun), May 30 (Sat), May 31 (Sun), June 6 (Sat), June 7 (Sun), 2026
Schedule PDF: Niigata Kotsu Kanzou Liner
Why 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 Inquiries
Please Direct all Reservation Requests and Inquiries to:
Niigata Kotsu Sado Liner Bus Reservation Center
0259-52-3200 (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 availability
Niigata Kotsu Sado Liner Bus Reservation Center
0259-52-3200 (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 availability
Tips 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!