Sado Island: A Golden Voyage

Posted on 11/12/2021 Last updated on 12/21/2021

Top photo: 砺山さん on PhotoAC

Interested in seeing goldmines, spirited taiko drumming performances, and riding in wooden washtubs? Then book yourself a trip to Sado Island, Niigata!

A lesser-known island getaway, Sado Island is located just two hours east from Niigata City’s coast. Long ago, the island was once a place of exile. But when gold was discovered at the turn of the 17th century, the sleepy island’s fate changed forever. Now, Sado Island is one of Japan’s biggest tourist attractions. Don’t be deterred by the cold north! A spring or summer visit to Sado will surely delight your senses!

Photo by unterwegs on Shutterstock

Exciting Attractions

Summer is the ideal time to visit Sado Island. Not only for the warmer weather, but for the range of opportunities and events. Every August, there is the Earth Celebration Festival, an annual festival focusing on drumming, nature, and traditional Japanese culture.

For some history, you can visit Sado Kinzan Gold Mine and Nishimikawa Gold Park. Learn more about Sado Island’s gold mining past which helped shaped the island into the tourist destination it is today. Just don’t expect to find much if you’re in the prospecting business!

You can travel the Sea of Japan in a wooden washtub, known as tarai-bune, and witness first-hand the beautiful clear sea waters and rocky shores of Niigata.

Sado Island can only be reached by a ferry called Sado Kisen. There are three different ports that you can take the Sado Kisen ferry from: Niigata-Ryotsu, Naoetsu-Ogi, or the Teradomari-Akadomari routes.

However, not all routes run all year long. The most popular way to get to Sado Island is the Niigata-Ryotsu route because it rdoes run year-round. It also runs at least ten times daily, so it’s easily the fastest way to the island. There are more options to get to Sado Island as well by using the Niigata-Ryotsu route. Passengers can either use a jetfoil or a car ferry that allows them to bring their own vehicle, which helps with navigating the island.

In general, we recommend giving yourself at least 2-3 days to experience everything the island has to offer, and staying overnight is a possibility (more on that in a bit).

Natural Splendors

Not only does Sado Island have many tourist attractions, it’s also a great destination for those who like outdoor adventures, making it an excellent place for mind detoxification. The island boasts picturesque beaches, cascading rice paddies, and winding mountain roads.

Tourists can enjoy water sports, cycling, and camping all across Sado. There’s also great hiking and swimming opportunities on the island. There are scenic driving routes like the Osado Skyline Route around the island. As mentioned, bringing your own vehicle is possible. For those who enjoy driving around the Japanese countryside, this is a great and relaxing destination!

Finally, a visit to Sado Island wouldn’t be complete without going to Toki Forest Park. There, you can observe rare ecological species known as Toki or Japanese crested ibis. These birds nearly became extinct as many were sacrificed for their feathers to be used in futons.

However, recent rehabilitation efforts and breeding has made it possible for tourists to see these rare species in the wild across Sado Island. The best way to see Toki is in the Forest Park, as it is their ideal habitat. Not only can you see them in person up-close, but you can also learn a lot more about them here.

Delicious Delights

If you’re looking for a multi-day excursion to Sado, there are many traditional ryokan inns that tourists can stay in for a night or two. This gives you the opportunity to relax in a hot spring bath and enjoy meals featuring Sado Island’s famous deep-fried amberjack and rice.

Tourists can also enjoy Sado Island’s award-winning sake produced from the rice grown on the island by paying a visit to Hokusetsu Brewery. Enjoying hot springs and hot sake is the perfect way to cap off an exciting and relaxing adventure to Sado!

Sado Island is a place definitely worth visiting. Hop on a ferry, see the sites, enjoy the nature, and taste the many delicious local foods. Your next vacation will be an unbelievable and unforgettable experience. But don’t just take our word for it- start planning your trip to Sado today!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: 砺山さん on PhotoAC

Additional photo: unterwegs on Shutterstock