Travel / Tourism Spots in Sado Area

  • Hokusetsu Shuzo Sake Brewery
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Sado-shi Tokuwa 2377-2
    This sake brewery was founded in 1872. The brewery has passed down and refined masterful brewing skills since this time while also taking on the challenge of creating innovative, new alcoholic beverages incorporating novel methods such as music performance and ultrasonic vibration. The brewery primarily uses brewer’s rice grown together with specially contracted farms in the terraced paddies of Akadomari. These farms exclusively employ a distinctive farming method making use of superior water and avoiding reliance on pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The brewery’s shizukuzake, made by placing un-pressed moromiunrefined sake in special suspended bags and gathering until the drops which trickle down, has a delicate flavor and light aftertaste.
  • Himezu Ohashi Bridge Squid Ichiyaboshi Making
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Sado-shi Himezu
    A fishing activity center a 15-minute drive from the Sado Gold Mine located in the Himezu area, which boasts the greatest catches of squid on the island. Here visitors can experience surf fishing and preparing squid. Squid preparation activities visitors can try include squid dressing; making ichiya-boshi (squid dried overnight, which enhances and locks in flavor); and making shiokara fermented squid paste, which has a rich seafood flavor. Staff are on hand to provide you with attentive guidance, ensuring even those who have never handled a squid before will have fun. Rod rentals are provided for shore fishing in the island’s clear blue waters, meaning there’s no need to haul your own.
  • Nashinoki Jizo
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Sado-shi Toyota 1932
    A group of stone statues situated along an old road connecting Sado’s Mano District and Akadomari District. Beyond stone steps on the Nashinoki Pass, visitors will find a Jizodo temple surrounded by what some say are several thousand to tens of thousands of small stone Jizo (Kshitigarbha) statues. The temple’s principal object of worship is a Jizo statue said to have been fished out of the sea by a local fisherman, and it is widely believed to cure the illnesses of children. The Jizo statues, also called the “Koboshi” (“little priests”), were donated by worshippers after their prayers were answered. Their worn faces speak of the long years they have stood here. Each year a Jizo Festival is held on August 24th, and the night before it is customary for worshippers to stay here and chant Buddhist mantras.
  • Yuzuru no Hi Monument
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Sado-shi
    "The area was named after the playwright Kinoshita Junji's play ""Yuzuru"" (Twilight Crane) which was based after a famous Japanese folktale. Regarded as his masterpiece, the play has been performed more than 1000 times by the theatrical company he presided over. It is also been staged as an opera by the composer Dan Ikuma. The monument has an inscription written by Kinoshita Junji. It's across from Mourazaki Park, which is a famous place for viewing iwayuri Japanese lilies."
  • Hajikizaki Lighthouse
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Washizaki Magazine
    Hajikizaki Lighthouse, built in 1919, is located in the northernmost cape of Sado Island, in Washizaki, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. The white, octagonal lighthouse has been built on the beautiful cape surrounded by the vast sea from where both the sunset and sunrise can be seen. The lighthouse is known as the location of the film Yorokobi mo kanashimi mo ikutoshitsuki, otherwise known as The Lighthouse or Times of Joy and Sorrow, directed by Keisuke Kinoshita, and which tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife. Next to the lighthouse is a statue of the couple which commemorates the film. The lighthouse is open to the public only one day a year on the day of the Sado Kanzo (licorice) Festival in June.
  • Nanaura Beach
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi
    Nanaura Beach is a rugged rocky coastline stretching for about 10 kilometers from Futami to Kabuse in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. The contrast between the sunset-lit ocean and the black shadows of the rocks is beautiful and it is no surprise that it has been chosen for the 100 Best Sunsets in Japan. Among these, the scenery of the setting sun at Cape Nagate in Tachibana and that at Kasugazaki are simply sublime. The two large rocks called meoto-iwa (husband-and-wife rocks), which according to the Kojiki (the oldest extant chronicle in Japan) is where the nation came into being, is also a must-see.
  • Iwaya Cave
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Shukunegi
    "A stone cave located at the top of a mountain (commonly called ""Iwaya-san"") in the back of Shukunegi, Sado City. Geomorphologically, it is a sea-eroded cave, but it is sometimes called ""Iwaya Cave"" because oyster shells used to adhere to it. It is also known as a sacred site where Buddhist monks built Magaibutsu (Buddha statues in cliffs and rocks), 88 Buddhist statues, and a Kannon-do hall in the cave."
  • Abutsubo Myosenji Temple
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Awazoo 29
    A 30-minute drive from Ryotsu Port, this temple is one of the three main Nichiren Buddhist temples. When Nichiren Buddhist monk Endo Tamemori was exiled to Sado Island he and his wife Sennichini opened their home as a temple. On the grounds of the temple stands a five-story pagoda erected in 1825 during the Edo-period. It is the most prominent part of the grounds and has been designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. There are also three volumes of historical Nichiren Buddhist texts and spearheads said to have been dedicated to the temple by Naoe Kanetsugu.
  • Osado Skyline
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Kanai area - Aikawa area
    This almost 30-kilometer-long driving course that connects Kanai and Aikawa gives a lovely panoramic view of Sado Island and is just a 15-minute drive from Ryotsu Port. The highest point of the drive stands over 900 meters above sea level and from there you can see Mano Bay, Ryotsu Bay, the Kuninaka Plains, and the Kosado Mountain Range, making this the perfect place to see the changing faces of the island from season to season. At the Exchange Center Hakundai you'll find shops and observation platforms giving you a chance to take a break as you enjoy the scenery. The stunning autumn colors are on display every year from late October to around early November. There is no toll but starting late November the road is closed for the winter.
  • Obata Sake Brewery
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Manoshinmachi 449
    A 30-minute drive from Ryotsu Port or take the bus to the Manoshinmachi Bus stop and walk about five minutes. The first place in Niigata to allow visitors to see their brewery, these makers of famous Manotsuru sake opened in 1892. Now they're open every day of the year for tours and you can sample various types of Manotsuru sake along with original confections. They also put on special closed workshops in one of their warehouses. Space is limited but you can experience their craft at these special warehouse lectures.
  • Lake Kamo
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Ryotsu area - Shinho area
    Four minutes by car from Ryotsu port, or three minute walk from Ryotsuko-Sadokisen bus stop. At 17km in circumference, this is the largest lake in Niigata Prefecture. It was once a freshwater lake, but after an inlet connecting it to the ocean was created to prevent flooding in 1903, it became brackish. There are well-maintained trails and bike paths along the banks to enjoy scenery that has long been the inspiration for waka poetry. It's a popular oyster farming area, and in spring they hold the Lake Kamo Oyster Festival, where you can enjoy all kinds of oyster cuisine.
  • Mano Goryo Mausoleum
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Mano 457
    The official name of this site is The Burial Mound of Emperor Juntoku. It is located on the ruins of the Juntokuin imperial crematorium, which was built upon a hill overlooking the Kuninaka Plains in Mano, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. After the Jokyu Rebellion ended in failure, the emperor was banished to this island, and he was hoping to retake the capital, but died on the island. Pine and cherry trees were planted to mark the remains of the site where he was cremated. Although it is not his grave, it is managed by the Imperial Household Agency as if it was an imperial mausoleum. About 20 minutes' walk from the mound, is Manogu Shrine, where Emperor Juntoku is enshrined.
  • Shukunegi
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Shukunegi
    Shukunegi is a village on the southern tip of Sadogashima Island. From the latter half of the Edo period to the early Meiji period it was a port of call on the Kitamaebune shipping route leading to it becoming a prosperous port town. In those days the rows of houses facing the tiny bay were largely built by shipwrights. The looks of these buildings are largely unchanged from those times leading to their selection for Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Some of these private residences such as Seikuro and Kanekoya are able to be toured for a fee. While the exteriors may be plain inside you'll find lacquered central pillars and extravagant interior designs. Ask about how those who made their fortunes from the Kitamaebune ships lived their lives.
  • Futatsugame
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Washizaki
    This small island looks like two turtles nestled close together and floats just off the northern shore of Sado Island. Also called 'Oki no Shima' and 'Iso no Shima' the island is isolated at high tide but reconnects to Sado Island during low tide. Boasting the clearest seawater in the Sado area, the spacious beach in front of Futatsugame has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 beaches. Along with nearby Onogame, this spot has received two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Campsites are also available and the summer opening of beach season always draws large crowds of tourists.
  • Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Sadoshi Takose
    Sado Island is the source for many legends in the Kojiki (Japan's Records of Ancient Matters). Meoto Iwa Rocks near Nanaura Beach is one such legend. It is said that after the god Izanagi and goddess Izanami created Japan they made rocks in their image to heal their fatigue. Legend states that Meoto Iwa are those rocks created in their image and that the nearby islands came forth from those rocks. Due to this legend the rocks draw those seeking good childbirth and strong marriage as well as plenty of tourists. There are other sources of legend including Nekoiwa and Hokakeiwa as well as plenty of reefs. Making this the perfect place to watch the sunset and beautiful natural formations.
  • Seikuro’s Residence
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Sado-shi Shukunegi 400
  • Kaneko Ya
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Sado-shi Shukunegi 390
  • Sankaku Ya
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Sado-shi Shukunegi 448
  • Sado Bugyosho
    rating-image
    4.0
    64 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Niigata Sado-shi Aikawa Hiroma Machi 1-1

    佐渡奉行所の歴史や収集した鉱物から金銀を取り出すプロセスを学べました。入口でボランティアの方に奉行所の案内を行って頂いたので助かりました。勝場(せりば)で金や銀を精錬する設備が見学出来て勉強になりました。

  • Sado Kane Ginzan Guidance Facility
    rating-image
    4.5
    15 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Sado-shi Aikawasanchomehamamachi 18-1

    A very fun and informative exhibit on the history of Sado and its relation to gold and silver mining. The exhibits were not interactive per se, but I would strongly recommend this place to visitors...

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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.

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