Spots in Sado Area

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Sado

Category

Shiseki Sado Kinzan

4.0

303 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Shimoaikawa 1305

As Japan’s largest gold mine this was under the Tokugawa shogunate’s direct control and was engaged in the production of koban (small former Japanese oval gold coins). Operations ceased in 1989 due to an exhaustion of its resources, which brought to a close 400 years of history. The mining and refining facilities on the grounds have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Currently visitors can see exhibits of model exhibits of the Sado Kinzan during the Edo period based on drawings from Sado Kinzan Emaki (picture scrolls) as well as the remains of actual tunnels that were used.

I was told by multiple trusted sources that the Sado Gold Mine was really worth visiting, and I am so glad I did. Inside the mines you can really imagine previous eras, the historical, technical...
Toki Forest Park

4.0

191 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Nibonagaune 383-2

The Toki Forest Park is situated next to the Sado Toki Conservation Center in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. There are a number of different facilities dotted about the place relating to the crested ibis, or “toki”, designated a National Natural Monument. The Toki Rapport Plaza, complete with large breeding cages, enables visitors to see the toki up close. The Toki Materials Exhibition Hall highlights the conservation work surrounding toki through the use of panels, audio-visual materials and specimens, and the Observation Gallery enables visitors to observe the crested ibises in the Sado Toki Conservation Center through the windows.

The toki (crested ibis) are making a comeback on Sado thanks to this preservation and breeding program. These endangered creatures are a rare sight, so being able to see some of the breeding pairs up...
Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Nishimikawa 835-1

A hands-on museum built on the site of the former Nishimikawa Gold Mine in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. Mentioned in the Konjaku monogatarishu, a collection of stories dated to the end of the Heian period, this ancient and historic mine even helped fund the war efforts of Uesugi Kenshin, a historic figure. The museum presents a variety of materials relating to gold and gold mining in its exhibition rooms and theater. There’s also a museum shop. The museum lets visitors try panning for gold and participants can take home the gold dust they find stored in a keychain or pendant.

I remember gold panning as a kid in West Virginia. On a rainy day, we were traveling around Sado, and if you know this island, you know most of its charm is the outdoors - not exactly ideal to...
Sado History and Folklore Museum

4.0

59 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Mano 655

This museum houses life-sized robots which tell 800 years of Sado's history. The museum is located adjacent to the south side of Mano Park on Sado Island. Visitors can experience the legends of Sado Island with the diorama robots, as if travelling back in time. The robots act out 12 programs in total. The stories of Emperor Juntoku's first princess and Emperor Juntoku, who was sent into exile on Sado Island, the founder of the Nichiren sect and Zeami are acted outhere. In the establishment's restaurant, Yuzuru, visitors can enjoy a meal while looking out at the Japanese gardens. The restaurant also offers dishes cooked with Sado's specialty foods such as Mekabu soba.

佐渡へ流された人について（歴史）であった。ここで会えるのは順徳天皇・日蓮聖人・世阿弥である。ただし人形であるが。他に佐渡関連？の伝説のストーリーが演じられていた。佐渡の歴史かもしれないがイメージは違った。子供は楽しめるのかな？
Rikiya Kanko Kisen Tub Boat Rental

4.0

39 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Ogimachi 1935

This tourist boat dock in Ogi Port is a four-minute walk from Sado Kisen. It is popular for its taraibune (wash tub boat) rides, one of Sado's key tourist attractions. The relaxing boats, which seat up to three adults, can be paddled by an oarswoman or by the passengers themselves. While the boats might appear unstable, they are surprisingly hard to capsize, making riding one like taking a leisurely stroll on the ocean. The dock also offers motorboat tours of the Ogi Coast lasting between 10 to 35 minutes, as well as high-speed sightseeing boats (group reservation required).

漕いでくれる女性がいて私たちは乗っているだけ。揺れることは揺れるも救命胴衣付けることもないので安全なのだろう。港の中をグルっと回るだけなので景色が変わらないのは残念であった。たらい船は３か所あるみたい小木・宿根木・矢島と。小木・矢島はたらい船安定のための仕掛けがあるようだが、宿根木は本来のたらい船の様である。
Sado Island Taiko Centre

4.5

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Ogikanetashinden 150-3

This is a taiko facility where guests can experience a program of the international taiko performance group Kodo, which is based on Sado. Not only are groups welcome but individuals can also make advance reservations to try taiko. The facility has been constructed from Sado lumber, and one can enjoy views of Mano Bay and the Osado Mountain Range from the terrace. This is about one hour by car from Ryotsu Port.

This is one of the special art forms on the planet and Kodo has taken it to a mind-blowing, heart warming level! Seize any opportunity to experience taiko with world renowned Kodo drummers...
Sado Island’s Ogi Folk Museum, Sengokubune Exhibition Hall

3.5

26 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Shukunegi 270-2

This museum is located in a wooden schoolhouse built in 1920 that has been preserved as-is. Inside the building which still bears the vestiges of its days as a schoolhouse are displays for a collection of over 30,000 folk materials that have been designated as important tangible folk-cultural properties, including tools and equipment for shipbuilders. During the Hakusan Maru Matsuri festival held every summer, the Hakusan Maru, Japan’s first fully-restored sengokubune (wooden freight ship) that is on display in the museum, is pulled out under human power and an impressive large white sail that is 155 tatami mats in size is raised.

There is a video here you can watch in English that describes how the shipping history of Sado made this island such a melting pot of culture from around Japan. You can go inside the boat and see...
Watatsu Shrine

4.5

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Hamochiioka 550-4

This shrine is one of the nine Sado-no-Shikinai Shrines. Called Sado Ichinomiya, it is a prestigious shrine visited by many pilgrims as they travel to each of the Ichinomiya shrines. Isotakeru and Susano-no-mikoto are enshrined as the deities of this shrine, and it is said that they bring safety to travellers. There are also yearly festivals held here, such as the Island Safe Travels Prayer Festival and the Island Maritime Safety Prayer Festival.

度津神社（わたつじんじゃ）は、新潟県佐渡市羽茂飯岡（にいがたけんさどしはもちいいおか）にある佐渡国一宮だ。祭神は、五十猛命...
SEISUI Temple

4.5

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Niibo-ono 124-1

The magic and spiritual feel of Kyoto on an island in the sea of Japan. This place is worth a quick visit for anyone visiting Sado. Walk up the broken moss-covered stairs lined with massive cedar...
Chokokuji Temple

4.5

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Hase 13

This ancient Shingon sect Buzan-ha temple just a 30-minute drive from Ryotsu port and was founded by Gyoki or Kobo Daishi (Kukai). The Gochido Hall, a Cultural Property of Niigata Prefecture, is also known as the two-story pagoda. There are only a few of these buildings in Japan where the inner sanctum use a 'Daito' pagoda structure with a circular plane. There are also many other cultural assets such as the Eleven-Headed Kannon Statues, which are also National Important Cultural Properties. This temple is also known as the temple of flowers because of its Azalea, Hydrangeas, and other flowers. Every year they hold their Chokokuji Temple Peony Festival where you can enjoy peonies in full bloom on the grounds and along the paths.

Besides the temple being a beautiful spot, the bunnies were adorable! There was a huge statue of a rabbit kannon (the goddess of mercy) and tons of little rabbits nibbling the grass at her feet.
Daizen Shrine

4.5

14 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Takeda 562-1

Just when this ancient Shinto shrine was founded is not clear, but records state it was built by local influential personage Honma Yamashiroto enshrine late Kamakura period nobleman Hino Suketomo and ascetic hermit Daizenbo. It is said funds were solicited to build the shrine in order to appease the vengeful spirit of Daizenbo, who was executed for helping Suketomo’s child, Kumawakamaru, to run away. The structure which conspicuously asserts its presence on the grounds is Sado’s oldest extant noh stage. One of the Four Noh Stages of Sado Province, even today firelight noh theater and Sagi school kyogen farce performances are held using the stage. The stage’s painted backdrop depicts a pine tree with the sun in the background, and it is believed that this is the only remaining example of this unusual style of noh backdrop.

五重塔で有名な妙宣寺の近くにあります。大膳神社能舞台は１８４６年に再建されました。茅葺屋根と鮮やかな松の絵が印象的でした。現在でも実際に演能が行われているとのことでこちらで能を鑑賞してみたいと思いました。
Rengebuji Temple

4.5

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Kobie 182

A famous Buddhist temple believed to have been founded by the great Kobo Daishi which stands northeast of Kyoto, thus meaning it guarded the imperial palace from the influences of this unlucky direction. It is believed to have been founded around 806 in the Daido period, and, modeled after the Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, it was known as the “Little Mt. Hiei.” Records state Emperor Saga ordered it to be built, and, together with the Kongoji and Muroji Temple, it is considered one of the three most sacred Shingon Buddhist sites. In addition to the Kobodo hall and Kondo main temple, 16 structures on the grounds have been designated National Tangible Cultural Property. From late June through early July, some 7,000 hydrangeas on the grounds come into stunning bloom, and thus this temple is also widely known as the “Hydrangea Temple.”

小比叡山蓮華峰寺（こびえさんれんげぶじ）は、新潟県佐渡市小比叡（にいがたけんさどしこびえ）にある真言宗智山派の寺だ。本尊は、聖観音菩薩（しょうかんのんぼさつ）空海の開山とされ、金剛寺、室生寺とともに真言の三大聖地の一つとされる。 7,000株のアジサイが一斉に開花する様子が見事なため、別名アジサイ寺とも呼ばれている。 2021年7月3日、この日は度津神社（わたつじんじゃ）に参拝した。そこか...
Sado Hangamura Art Museum

3.0

11 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Aikawakomeyamachi 38-2

This is a private art museum on Kyomachi-dori Street that richly preserves Sado Kinzan’s history. The elegant building with its red-tiled roof occupies the old Aikawa Court House. Works by the late woodblock print artist and founder of Hangamura Shinichi Takahashi as well as by Hangamura artists are displayed. Visitors would do well to note that the museum is closed from December to February.

佐渡奉行所からすぐの場所。通りに面した美術館の塀には、美術館が所蔵する版画作品のモニュメントがずらり。朱鷺やたらい舟、夕日の沈む海など。白黒の作品や少し色彩を加えたもの。それぞれに趣があって、佐渡の思い出を深めてくれるような作品です。
Exchange Centre Hakundai

4.0

4 Reviews

Transportation

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Nakaoki Party B 3534 - 158

This roadside attraction is found along the Osado Skyline road. It opened as a tea house in the mountain pass serving local specialties. Amongst the local Sado products you'll find persimmon butter, fig jam, and grape liquors. In the restaurant one of the most recommended menu items is the black-pork curry which uses pork from local Berkshire pigs. The back deck of the restaurant stands almost 850 meters high, giving you a great view of Ryotsu Bay, the Kuninaka Plain, and Ogi Peninsula. They are closed from mid-November to mid-April due to snow.

佐渡観光で訪問しました。展望デッキからは佐渡が一望出来ます。料金は無料です。駐車場も無料です。16時頃に行きましたが、ちょっと霞が掛かっていました。早い時間帯の方が良いのかも知れません。登山姿の人たちが何組も居ました。施設内には佐渡の特産品が色々と販売されています。お土産選びにも最適なスポットです。
Sado Museum

3.0

5 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Yahata 2041

The Sado Museum is located on National Route 350 in the Yahata district of Sado City (on Sado Island). There are displays about the development of the gold and silver mine on Sado Island, as well as a “Nature, Archeology, History and Folk Traditions Display Gallery,” an “Arts and Handicrafts Display Gallery,” etc., enabling visitors to get a comprehensive overview of Sado Island’s culture (including its Noh drama tradition), its history, and its natural wonders, etc. Also well worth seeing are the display of sketches by Bakusen Tsuchida (a painter in the Nihonga style who was born on Sado Island), and the rock garden and the former Asashima family residence, a traditional thatch-roofed house, that are located in the Museum grounds.

佐渡の地理・文化の展示施設。あんまり目玉というものがなかった。時間がない場合はわざわざ訪れることもないだろう。
Aikawa Traditional Skills Museum

3.5

3 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Aikawa Kitazawa Machi 2

A cultural facility adjoining the former Kitazawa Flotation Plant, said to have once been the largest mineral flotation processing plant in Asia. Here visitors can experience Mumyoi ware and Sakiori recycled cloth weaving, two traditional crafts native to the Aikawa Area. A designated National Important Intangible Cultural Property, Mumyoi ware is a type of pottery fired at high temperatures made with “mumyoi,” a mineral-rich clay produced from the Sado Gold Mine which contains iron oxide. Extremely hard, this pottery makes a clear, metallic sound when struck. Sakiori cloth is woven from strips of old cloth using a loom called Nemaribata. The facility’s staff can provide you with attentive, detailed guidance with either craft, making it easy to experience these traditional arts (advance reservation required).

北沢浮遊選鉱場に面しています。入場無料です。裂織りや焼き物を体験できる施設です。裂織りの素晴らしい作品や小物なども展示販売されています。体験学習にも利用されているようです。選鉱場見学の後にふらっと立ち寄りましたが、素敵な場所でした。
Otowa Pond

4.5

2 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Yamada

Visitors touring Sado’s lakes and reservoirs should not miss this pond. Driving along the Osado Skyline Drive and continuing about 600 meters through a wooded stretch near Odaira Highland, one sees a mystical-looking natural pond. More than 200 species of plants flourish around this pond, and in the middle is Japan’s largest multilayer floating marsh island. It is the only natural pond surrounded by natural growth in the prefecture that has such an island. There is a heart-shaped hole in the island, which is said to be a natural birdbath. The name “Maiden Pond,” comes from a legend about a beautiful maiden who was taken into the water after being seen by the giant snake who was master of the pond.

佐渡市山田にある自然の緑が綺麗な池です。地元の人もあまり通わないところなので、人気は少ないですがいつも透き通った水と自然とのコントラストが綺麗です。
Yajima and Kyojima

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Ogi

Two islands floating on the south side of Sadogashima Island. They sit in the bay admits the calm waves and can be reached from the mainland via a bridge. The picturesque view of the classical arched red bridge connecting the two islands makes for a beautiful photo. Here you can see people fishing with boxes with glass bottoms from taraibune (tub shaped boats) and you even have the chance to go out in a tub boat yourself. Yajima is also known to produce fine quality bamboo arrow shafts and The Tale of the Heike claims that when Minamoto Yorimasa vanquished the monstrous nue (chimera type creature) he used Yajima arrows. There is also legend that Nichiro, disciple of the monk Nichiren, was shipwrecked and washed ashore on Kyojima Island where he would then spend the night reciting sutra.
Yajima Experience Community Center

3.5

2 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Niigata Sado-shi Ogi 365-1

This spot takes 10 minutes by car from Ogi port. You need to apply for a tour in a hut in this spot. The fee is 500 yen per person. They dont speak English, so you need to find a way to ask in...
Ono-kame

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Negai

This is a megalithic 167 meter high monolith in Negai, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, which looks like a small mountain protruding into the sea. From the side it looks like the shape of a tortoise, and is a scenic spot which has earned two stars in the “Michelin Green Guide Japon.” Visitors can climb up onto the top of the rock on foot and it has a great viewpoint of the sea and landscape. The surrounding area is the habitat of Tobishima Kanzo Lilies, and from the end of May to early June about 500 thousand flowers bloom. The “Sado Kanzo Lily Festival” is held on the second Sunday in June.

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Niigata Areas

Found along the northwestern coast of Japan, Niigata prefecture is celebrated for its high-quality rice and breathtaking nature, most notably its spectacular mountains, whose white peaks draw in snow sports lovers from far and wide over the winter months. Hit the slopes at Yuzawa, pick out your favourite modern artist at Echigo Tsumari, or take a ferry over to Sado Island for an extra adventure.