2025 Sado Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#100 Ways to Travel #SADO A beautiful moment on Sado Island in Niigata, Japan. look! The bright red arched bridge looks like it came out of a fairy tale. It spans the water and is surrounded by greenery. It makes people want to shout: "It's so beautiful here!" Several traditional pot boats are on the water. The water is leisurely and leisurely, and the tourists sitting inside are happily enjoying this unique boating experience. The rowers on the boat are local people wearing traditional clothes, like time travelers from ancient times! ### How to get there Want to reach Sado Island? Taking a ferry from Niigata City takes about one hour, and it feels like you are enjoying a sea cruise! If you want to go faster, you can also choose to fly from Niigata Airport. The flight time is only 30 minutes. It’s like taking an airbus, which is super convenient! ### Business hours The tubing experience here is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid crying like me because there is no place (I really will cry). There may be changes during holidays or peak seasons, so it’s best to check for the latest information before departure so that you can be a smart traveler! ### cost The experience fee is only 700 yen (approximately NT$140) per person. The price is so cheap that I want to sign up immediately! This fee includes paddlers in traditional costumes rowing for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the water. It’s a great deal! ### Experience This pot boat experience made me feel the close contact with nature. Sitting on the boat, the gentle whisper of the water waves came to my ears, and I felt instantly relaxed! Watching the paddlers in traditional costumes rowing intently, as if participating in a water show, I couldn't help but want to shout: "This is my wonderland!" Every paddle is like saying hello to the small fish in the water. This is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual journey. This experience gave me a deeper understanding and love for Sado Island. It is simply a little secret in my heart, waiting for you to discover!

This is a facility on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture where you can meet Japanese crested ibises. It is divided into the "Toki Material Exhibition Hall" and the "Toki Interaction Plaza." The "Toki Material Exhibition Hall" is a facility where you can learn about time, including conservation and breeding, and reintroduction into the wild. At the "Toki Interaction Plaza" we had the rare experience of actually seeing a crested ibis. The park is spacious and worth seeing, and it was a lot of fun. If you're visiting Sado Island, be sure to stop by! ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Name of facility📍Toki no Mori Park Address📍383-2 Nagane, Niiho, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture Access📍Approximately 15 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port Opening hours📍8:30-17:00 (last entrance 16:30) Closed📍Open every day from March to November/Closed every Monday from December to February (next day if Monday falls on a public holiday) New Year's holiday Admission fee (environmental conservation cooperation fee)📍400 yen for adults, 100 yen for children ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Interacting with animals/Zoos #100 Travel Styles #Domestic Travel #Japan #Toki no Mori Park #Sado Island #Niigata Prefecture #Niigata Tourism

A must-visit spot on Sado Island! Introducing some spectacular ocean photo spots ✍🏻 (All photos taken in July-August 2024) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ 　 This is Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture The Sado Gold Mine has just been registered as a World Heritage Site, and it's a very popular spot right now! 🏆 Many locals welcomed us at the port and handed out Kanayama stickers and Sado milk🕊️ Congratulations👏🏻✨ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ▼ sᴘᴏᴛ 📷 ① Seai bus stop ② Yajima Tourist Tarai Boat Dock ③ Rikiya Tourist Tarai Boat and Tourist Boat Dock ④ Ameya Pier ⑤ Ameya Pier ⑥ Sado Kisen ⑦ Sado Kisen ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ✍🏻 ᴛʀɪᴘ ᴛɪᴘs ˊ˗ When you think of Sado, you think of tarai boats! You can have a Spirited Away-like experience 🚏 There are three places in total where you can ride a tub boat 🚣♂️ Among them, the "Yajima Tourist Tarai Boat Pier" is marked by a red bridge that connects Yajima and Keijima 🌁 I wanted to take a photo of this red bridge and the tub boat, so I decided that I would definitely ride the tub boat here! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ #Domestic travel #Niigata tourism #Niigata trip #Sea photo

●Name Hachiman Onsen Hachimankan ●Access 2043 Hachiman, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 🚗Private parking available ●Points Located in the center of Sado, this is a hot spring inn suitable for those who want to enjoy sightseeing Although it is a traditional inn, it is an inn where Emperor Showa and other members of the imperial family have stayed Above all, the hot springs here are great♨️ If you want a hot spring in Sado that feels good on your skin, this is the place to go When I come to Sado, I always want to eat outside I stayed here with a plan that does not include meals Sado's fresh seafood is good value for money and I want to eat it heartily😅 #Domestic travel #Niigata #Sado #Hot springs #Inn

●Name Kitazawa Flotation Plant ●Access 2 Aikawa Kitazawa-cho, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 🚗Private parking available ●Points The feeling of the ruins covered in greenery is like Laputa!? This is one of the facilities that contributed to modernization Kitazawa Flotation Plant The Kitazawa Flotation Plant was said to be the "best in the Orient" because it could process more than 50,000 tons of ore in a month You can visit for free 24 hours a day, and it seems to be lit up occasionally The sunset seen from nearby was very beautiful #Domestic travel#Niigata #Sado #Tourism

●Name Shukunegi ●Access Shukunegi, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 🚗Private parking available ●Points Shukunegi, a village in the port town of Sado You can enjoy the townscape that gives you a sense of the past and the lives of the people It is also characterized by its high-density townscape with over 100 houses It has been designated as a nationally important traditional buildings preservation district You will feel a strange sensation as if you have traveled back in time For those who want to see the inside of the historic buildings, three buildings, "Seikuro", "Kanekoya" and "Mitsukakuya", are open to the public and can be visited for a fee Highlights are... The Western-style "Old Shukunegi Post Office" "Shukunegi Public Hall" with a Showa retro atmosphere "Hakusan Shrine", a tangible cultural property designated by Sado City, etc. ※Local residents also live here ※Please observe etiquette when sightseeing #Domestic travel#Niigata #Sado Island #Tourism

●Name Kitayuki Sake Brewery ●Access 2377-2 Tokuwa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 🚗Private parking available ●Points Kitayuki Sake Brewery is a sake brewery with a history of about 150 years since its founding in 1872. This sake is a world-famous sake brewery that has an exclusive contract to supply sake to the global restaurant NOBU. You can tour the brewery and, of course, sample the sake. This storehouse has a unique style of aging the sake by playing classical music for 24 hours, so there is a lot to learn from that. The driver is provided with apple juice, which is very delicious. It is unfortunate that it is not sold and is prepared for the driver who is tasting the sake. Of course, the sake is excellent, so there are many types of one-cup sake, so why not buy one as a souvenir? Please note that there are no one-cup sakes offered at NOBU. #Domestic travel#Niigata #Sado Island #Sake

#japanhotel This time I stayed at Tabino Hotel Sado, which is about a 15-minute drive from Hazu Pier.  There are free parking lots, gas stations, and convenience stores nearby, which is very convenient👍 The room is clean and tidy, and staff cleans the room every day. You must try the hotel dinner, the Sado natural amberjack bowl and desserts are very delicious😋😋😋

📍Rikiya Tourist Steamship 1935 Ogimachi, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture Free parking Boat ticket (Tarai-bune) 700 yen/adult Speaking of leisure and activities in Sado!! Tarai-bune♥️ You've probably seen it once in a picture book or something, a tarai-bune😊 and you can experience it in Sado🙌 You can have the rare experience of walking on the sea in a tarai-bune(*´ω`*) The weather is just right in autumn, so it must be nice🍁 #Autumn trip #Sado #Remote island tourism

I've picked out 6 recommended spots on Sado Island in Niigata that I'm glad I visited! ① Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins ② Sado Gold Mine ③ Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park ④ Tarai Fune Rikiya Sightseeing Steamship ⑤ Toki no Mori Park ⑥ Nanaura Beach If you're heading out to Sado Island, be sure to visit these spots 🤗 #RecommendedList #Niigata #SadoIsland #RemoteIslandTrip

Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park on Sado Island is the only place on the island where you can experience gold dust panning! It's a little difficult, but anyone can mine gold dust! You can also have the gold dust you collect processed on the spot and take it home with you 🙆‍♀️ It was a special experience! Access: 835-1 Nishimikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture #Niigata #SadoIsland #SadoGoldMine #RemoteIslandTrip

On Sado Island, there is a park that raises the natural monument "Toki" 😊 The park has the "Toki Materials Exhibition Hall" and the "Toki Interaction Plaza". At the "Toki Interaction Plaza", you can see rare sights such as the birds taking off from their cages ✨ Access: 383-2 Nagane, Niiho, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture #Niigata #SadoIsland #RemoteIslandTrip #Toki

A famous tourist attraction on Sado Island is the "Tarai-bune" (tub boat). A female boatman will operate the tub, allowing you to enjoy a short boat trip😊 This tub is for tourism purposes and is made a little larger. I took over from the boatman and rowed the tub boat...it was heavy and difficult💦 Access: 1935 Ogi-cho, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture #Niigata #Sado Island #Remote Island Trip #Tarai-bune

Sado Gold Mine is a gold mine that is said to have been opened in 1601. Unfortunately, it ceased operations in March 1989 due to resource depletion, but it has a long history spanning nearly 400 years. When you enter the mine, you can see exhibits showing the state of gold mining at the time, so you can get a feel for what it was like back then 😌 Access: 1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture #Niigata #Sado Island #Sado Gold Mine #Gold Mine #Remote Island Trip

The Kitazawa Flotation Plant on Sado Island, Niigata, is a hot topic because it looks like Laputa 😌✨ It is also famous as the "largest flotation plant in the Orient" and a symbol of modern heritage, as the gold mined at the Sado Gold Mine was sorted in a large facility. It was a spectacular sight up close!! How to get there: Aikawa District, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture #Niigata #Sado Island #Amazing view #Remote island trip

Nanaura Beach on Sado Island is a famous spot for its beautiful sunsets! 😊 It is a 10km coastline that spans seven villages from Shikabushi to Futami in the Aikawa district. You can also see the Meoto Iwa rocks, and enjoy a romantic view✨ How to get there: Futami, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture - Oura, Aikawa #Niigata #Sado Island #Remote Island Trip #Trip to Enjoy Spring

#Summer trip Sado Island can be reached by ferry from Niigata. The ruins of the Sado Gold Mine, also known as Japan's Laputa Castle in the Sky. At night, the area is lit up, creating a fantastical sight. #Historic site with a sense of history#Summer trip#Breathtaking views

The gold mine is undoubtedly the symbol of Sado Island, attracting visitors from far and wide. Many people may have never seen or touched real gold before, but here, you can! The Sado Gold and Silver Mine was established in 1601 and operated until its closure in 1989. Over several centuries, the total gold production from the mine amounted to just over 2,000 tons. Today, two tunnels are preserved for public visits. One of them, the Sōdayū Tunnel, dates back to the Edo period. Inside, there are human figures demonstrating how miners extracted ore and dealt with underground water challenges. The other tunnel, the Dōyū Tunnel, is from the Meiji era and showcases more advanced mining techniques. As for the symbol of the gold mine, it is the Dōyū no Kiritō (pictured in image 2). This unique feature is a mountain split into two at its peak, where the gold vein was first exposed. Mining then gradually extended downward. Surprisingly, visitors can follow the signs and walk right next to the Kiritō. If you want to touch gold, head to the exhibition hall at the exit of the Sōdayū Tunnel. There, you'll find a small piece of pure gold weighing 12.5 kg that you can freely touch. Visiting the gold mine is truly a must when in Sado. Admission is 1,500 yen, and there is a large parking lot available free of charge.

#summervacay ### **Why Futatsugame Beach?** Tucked between **Ito and Atami**, this hidden gem is famous for: ✔ **Turtle-shaped rocks** (Futatsugame = "Two Turtles") – A natural wonder! ✔ **Crystal-clear waters** perfect for snorkeling & swimming ✔ **Secluded vibe** – No crowds, just you and the Pacific --- ### **Must-Do Solo Adventures** #### **1. Chase the "Two Turtles"** 🐢📸 - Snap the iconic **twin turtle-shaped rocks** at sunrise (magical lighting!) - Walk across the **natural stone bridge** at low tide #### **2. Dive into Blue** 🤿 - **Snorkel spots** teeming with tropical fish (rent gear nearby) - **Secret caves** to explore (watch the tides!) #### **3. Coastal Hike to Jogasaki** 🌿 - Follow the **7km trail** to Jogasaki Lighthouse (cliffside ocean views) - Stop at **suspension bridges** for adrenaline kicks #### **4. Sunset Picnic** 🍱🌅 - Grab **ekiben (train bento)** from Ito Station - Claim your solo spot on the smooth rocks --- ### **Solo Travel Tips** 🚆 **Getting There:** - From Tokyo: **Shinkansen to Atami → Local train to Ito** (~1.5hrs) - From Ito Station: **15-min taxi** or **30-min scenic walk** 📅 **Best Time:** May-October (warmer waters) ⚠️ **Watch Out:** Strong waves in typhoon season (check forecasts) 🩴 **Pack:** Water shoes (rocky shoreline) + waterproof phone case --- ### **Local Flavors to Try** 🍊 **Ito’s Yuzu Kosho** – Spicy citrus condiment 🍤 **Sakura Ebi Don** – Tiny pink shrimp rice bowl 🍵 **Wasabi Soft Serve** – Yes, really! (Atami specialty) --- ### **Why It’s Perfect for Solo Travelers** ✅ Free & uncrowded (most tourists skip it for Atami) ✅ Easy to meet friendly locals fishing/swimming ✅ Safe with clear visibility (no strong currents in calm weather) **"Futatsugame Beach is where introverts find peace in the roar of waves and whisper of sea turtles’ legends."** --- ### **#HiddenJapan #FutatsugameBeach #SoloTravelJapan #Shizuoka #CoastalEscape #OffTheBeatenPath** **Tag a solo travel buddy who needs this secret spot!** 👇🌴

The largest island on the Japan Sea side Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. A 2.5-hour ferry ride from Niigata (67 minutes by high-speed ferry). From above, the island resembles an S-shape and is larger than you might imagine. While buses connect the main attractions on the island, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore. In July 2024, Sado Island's Sado Gold and Silver Mine was officially registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is also home to Japan's first Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, the terraced rice fields. With both natural beauty and historical significance, Sado Island is a must-visit for those looking to deeply explore Niigata Prefecture. It's a place with fewer tourists, perfect for a relaxing vacation or indulging in fresh seafood from the Japan Sea.

“Futatsugame Beach” The most beautiful and outstanding beach on #Sado Island In addition to being a beautiful beach with clear water, it also has a very beautiful view. The name of the beach, “Futatsugame”, means “two turtles”, which comes from two large rocks in the middle of the sea that look like turtles. If you look at the picture, it looks similar. The view is really beautiful. The highlight of this place that tourists like to come here to swim, snorkel, kayak, hike, camp, or watch the sunrise and sunset. This is another beach and tourist attraction on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture that you should not miss. The view is beautiful and the angles are great for taking pictures. You will definitely like it. 😍😍 Note: I went on this trip at the end of May. #niigata #sadoisland #traveljapan #engineertravel #naturetourism #trip

#summervacay I finally found the famous tub boats, just like the ones from Spirited Away, on Sado Island! I have to say, getting around this island is definitely a challenge without a car. Transportation: My options were either to drive myself or rent a car, which costs around 7,000 JPY for the first hour, with a three-hour minimum. The tub boats are located on the Ogi Peninsula, which felt like the furthest point on the island, but it was absolutely worth the journey, especially on a clear, sunny day. The scenery was just stunning! #SadoIsland #Niigata #SpiritedAway #TubBoat #Bonsen #OgiPeninsula

#summervacay I just had the most incredibly chill 4-day, 3-night trip to Niigata over the Dragon Boat Festival! It was all about relaxing and taking it easy, and here’s how my laid-back itinerary unfolded: Day 1: Sado Island Bliss 🏝️ I started my trip by heading straight to Sado Island. I stayed at the Sado Oriental Hotel Resort, and seriously, this hotel is absolutely stunning! I highly, highly recommend it. It was the perfect place to unwind and soak in the island’s beauty. Day 2: Sado Island & Back to Niigata City 🐠 I spent another full day exploring Sado Island, taking my time and enjoying its unique charm. In the evening, I traveled back to Niigata City and checked into the Hotel Nikko Niigata. Its location was fantastic, being super close to the Fish Market, which was a huge plus! Day 3: Onsen Retreat in Tsukioka ♨️ For a truly relaxing experience, I ventured out to Tsukioka Onsen on Day 3. Soaking in the hot springs there was pure bliss and exactly what I needed. Day 4: Historical Beauty in Niigata City 🏡 On my last morning in Niigata, I visited the Saito Villa. It's a beautiful traditional Japanese building, offering a serene glimpse into local history and architecture before I headed home. Overall, it was a perfectly balanced trip with beautiful scenery, relaxation, and just the right amount of exploration! #Niigata #JapanTravel #SadoIsland #SadoOrientalHotelResort

It is a historical village with beautiful traditional wooden architecture located at the end of Sado Island in Ogi City, Niigata Prefecture. It is another check-in point on the island that you should not miss. Because this is one of the "National Preservation Areas for Ancient Buildings". You can experience and learn about the craftsmanship of shipbuilders through the houses and structures, architecture. In addition, the village is quiet, which is perfect for walking, taking pictures, and learning about local history. 😍😍 #ShukunegiVillage #sadoisland #niigata #traveljapan #engineeringtravel #trip #travelplan #natureattractions

Surrounded by the sea and sky of Sado. Experience the spectacular views and tranquility at Senkaku Bay Ageshima Amusement Park 🌊 Located on the west coast of Sado Island, Senkaku Bay Ageshima Amusement Park is a spectacular spot with cliffs reminiscent of Nordic fjords and blue seas. From the observation deck, you can see the majestic scenery of Senkaku Bay, which has been selected as one of the 100 best beaches in Japan, and you will be surrounded by a tranquility that will cleanse your soul 🌿 On the underwater see-through boat (paid), you can tour the bay while feeling the crystal clear sea up close, and experience the mystery of the sea 🛥️ The facility also has the renovated Ageshima Sea Digital Museum, a cafe and a shop, and is a space where you can relax. I visited on a solo trip, but I felt like my mind was loosened by the expanse of the sea and sky. It is also perfect for couples to take a stroll around the spectacular views. There is an admission fee, but the scenery and experience are well worth it. If you're traveling to experience the natural beauty of Sado, this is the place to do so. [Access] 📍About 60 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port 📍Bus: 1 minute walk from Kaifu Line "Senkakuwan Ageshima Yuen" (Reservation required on weekends and holidays) 📍Address: 1561 Kitateki, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 🕒Opening hours: 8:30-17:30 (varies depending on the season) / Open all year round 🎫Admission fee: 500 yen for adults / 300 yen for children 🛥️Underwater observation boat: 1,200 yen for adults / 800 yen for children (separate admission fee) #Couple trip #Solo trip #Absolutely free trip #Senkakuwan Ageshima Yuen #Sado sightseeing #Underwater observation boat #Beautiful spot #Relaxing trip

Go deep into history. Feel the golden memories that transcend time at Sado Kinzan⛏️ Sado Kinzan, located in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of the largest gold and silver mines in Japan, where mining continued for about 400 years from the Edo period to the Showa period. Inside the mine, dolls and exhibits that recreate the mining scene of that time are lined up, and you can feel the weight of history in a quiet space⛏️ In particular, the "Soutayu Mine" realistically recreates the hand-digging techniques and harsh labor of the Edo period, making it an experience that feels like traveling through time. Outside, "Doyu-no-Warito" is a magnificent view of the mountain splitting into a V shape, and is a place that can be said to be a symbol of the gold mine🏞️ I visited on a solo trip, but the time I spent in the quiet mine tunnel thinking about the activities of people of the past left a deep impression on me. It is also recommended for couples to explore history. There is an entrance fee, but a worthwhile experience awaits. Why not find the meaning of travel at this place, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site? [Access] 📍Take the Sado Kisen ferry from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port (about 2.5 hours) → About 50 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port 📍Address: 1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 🕒Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (open all year round) 📞Phone: 0259-74-2389 Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Sado Gold Mine #World Heritage Site #History exploration #Niigata sightseeing #Doyu no Warito

I originally thought it was a small island similar in size to Taiwan's Xiaoliuqiu, but it turned out to be even larger than Okinawa! It was my first time renting a motorbike in Japan, and the sea breeze was incredibly strong, with crystal-clear waters! We visited a beautiful train station and also went to the gold mine for a gold panning experience. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I couldn't pan for more gold. The famous tarai-bune (tub boat) was too far away, and it was impossible to make a round trip by motorbike in one day! If you want to ride the tarai-bune, you definitely need to stay overnight on Sado Island—it’s absolutely worth it!

On Sado Island, I stayed near Ryotsu Port. Waking up early, I watched the sun rise, and enjoyed a Sado-style breakfast. Looking out the window, I saw the charming scenery of traditional Sado architecture. The quiet streets and relaxed atmosphere made me fall in love with this place. While here, don't miss trying the local seafood and tempura, which are both delicious and reasonably priced.