Sado Island

Nature and culture still remain on the Sea of Japan’s largest remote island.

Sado Island is the largest island in the Sea of Japan, located approximately 32km from the Honshu mainland. It’s one and a half times the size of Tokyo's 23 wards! It has two mountains running parallel, dotted with several settlements around the harbor that faces the valley and the sea. Among the Japanese, Sado is known as the island habitat of the toki (or crested ibis), an endangered bird species. It is also a place of sea and mountain, touched by an island life remaining from ancient times. Let's take a look at a typical village.

The village of Shukunegi has been inhabited by shipping workers since the Edo era

Shukunegi, a settlement at the southern end of the island, has been inhabited since the Edo era by villagers working in the transport shipping industry. These ships carry passengers and cargo around from port to port – a popular profession that prospered in the Edo era. Many houses of unique wooden wall construction are concentrated in the bay area, with some built over 150 years ago. The whole area has been designated as a national heritage district for traditional buildings.

Try your hand at fishing work in a tub boat

If you visit Shukunegi, stop by the port of Ogi, a 10-minute walk away. Here you can experience a Sado specialty – the taraibune tub boat. The tarai is a Japanese household item – a flat basin or tub. Usually of a size held with both arms, the tarai has been used since ancient times as a laundry tub. However, tub boats are also used in the local fishing industry, with tarai tubs big enough for a person to ride in.
Try riding in a tub boat – you’ll feel ancient tradition while enjoying the beautiful Sado sea.

Dramatic sunsets sinking into the Sea of Japan and beautiful beaches

If you love beautiful sunsets, Nanaura Coast comes recommended. Here the Meoto Iwa (“Married Couple Rocks”) stand as though snuggling together, with the sun sinking dramatically behind them at dusk. Aside from this, Sado Island has other attractions such as Senkaku Bay, which is covered with sunflowers when summer arrives, and the Onogame area, where Tobishima daylilies bloom wildly. In the north is situated the Futatsugame bathing resort, which received two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon. Time your visit to suit the season, and make sure you take in the superb scenic views of the time.

For reference

Adress

Sado-shi, Niigata-ken
Phone

None
Regular days of closure

None
Website

http://www.visitsado.com/en/

Access

Approx. 1 hour and 5 minutes from Narita Airport to Niigata Airport

Approx. 55 minutes from Chubu International Airport to Niigata Airport

Approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes from Itami Airport to Niigata Airport

Approx. 1 hour and a half from Fukuoka Airport to Niigata Airport

Approx. 3 hours from Naha Airport to Niigata Airport

JR Niigata Station is 25 minutes by shuttle bus from Niigata Airport.

Niigata Port is 15 minutes by bus from JR Niigata Station.
Sado Island is 1 hour and 5 minutes by high-speed jetfoil from Niigata Port, or 2 hours and a half by car ferry.