2026 Sado Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in April)

#JanuaryDestinations2026 The essence of Senkaku Bay lies in the "hardness of its rocks." It consists of five massive rock formations, all made of hard rhyolite. Over tens of thousands of years, the pounding and erosion of the Sea of ​​Japan's giant waves have sculpted cliffs reaching vertical heights of 30 meters. Standing on the observation deck, carefully observe the "columnar joints" on the rock walls—geometric cracks left by the cooling and contraction of magma. This is a "physical war" between rock and waves, leaving behind the spectacular fjord landscape. The grayish-white texture of the rocks appears particularly stark on overcast days, truly capturing the rugged character of Sado Island. 📸 Photography Tips: 1. Wide-angle upward view: If you're traveling by boat, shooting from the sea upwards can showcase the imposing presence of the cliffs. 2. Black and white photography: Try shooting the texture of the rocks in black and white mode, removing excess color and emphasizing the strength of the lines. 📍 Attraction Information: • Admission Fee (excluding boat): Approximately NT$120 (550 yen) for adults.

Hey everyone👋, today I'm sharing a hidden gem in Japan—Niigata. You can experience its beautiful scenery and delicious food in just two days and one night. Save this post now! Itinerary Day 1: Niigata Station → Hakusan Park → Hakusan Shrine → Northern Culture Museum, Niigata Branch → Furumachi Shopping Street → JR-EAST HOTEL METS NIIGATA Morning: Arrive at Niigata Station and take a stroll through Hakusan Park, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons🌳 Lunch: Enjoy buckwheat noodles and "Sasazushi" at a Japanese restaurant in the city center for a truly satisfying and authentic culinary experience🍜 Afternoon: Visit Hakusan Shrine, immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere, and pray for peace; then head to the Northern Culture Museum, Niigata Branch, to learn about the history of Niigata's cultural development📚 Evening: Explore the unique shops in Furumachi Shopping Street and buy souvenirs; check in to JR-EAST HOTEL METS NIIGATA, a modern, comfortable, and safe hotel🛏️ Day 2: Niigata Port Observation Deck → Sado Island (optional) → Niigata City Aquarium → Bandai Bridge → Shinano River → Niigata Station Morning: Visit the Niigata Port Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the harbor and the vastness of the sea🌊 If time permits, take a ferry to Sado Island and enjoy the seascape Lunch: Have a seafood bowl at the seafood market near the port. It's incredibly fresh!🦀 Afternoon: Visit the Niigata City Aquarium and get up close and personal with marine life; in the evening, stroll along Bandai Bridge and the Shinano River, admire the stunning river views, and take amazing photos📸 Evening: Buy local specialties such as Koshihikari rice and sake as souvenirs near Niigata Station before heading back Food Recommendations 🥢Ryu Sushi: Highly recommended by Chua Lam, the sushi here offers a perfect combination of color, aroma, and taste. The ingredients are fresh, and the price is amazing, with 12 pieces for only JPY 4,500! 🥢Miyano-ya: Enjoy chewy buckwheat noodles made with locally sourced ingredients from Minamiuonuma, offering an excellent dining experience 🥢Seafood Market: A wide variety of crabs, oysters, and seafood bowls are available. Buy and eat fresh seafood on the spot Accommodation Guide 🏨JR-EAST HOTEL METS NIIGATA: Excellent location, convenient transportation, comprehensive facilities, and attentive service 🏨Hotel Nikko Niigata: With a Nordic style reminiscent of a luxury cruise ship, this hotel offers stunning views of the Shinano River and Bandaijima Island, along with exquisite dining options 🏨Iwamura Onsen Ryokan Fujiya: A historic hot spring resort with clear, mineral-rich water, offering a delightful experience of Japanese-style accommodation and hot spring baths So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Niigata and embark on an unforgettable journey💖

🎈Are you still worried about where to go for your holiday? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem in Japan - Niigata. It's a great place to avoid the crowds and take amazing photos. 💯 📍Attractions Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale: Held every three years, this event perfectly combines art and nature. Here, you can see a variety of creative art pieces that blend seamlessly with the fields, mountains, and villages. It's a great place for taking photos. 📸 Sado Island: Known as the pearl of Niigata, this island is like a paradise. Take a ferry to the island and explore the gold mine ruins, which tell the story of its past prosperity. You might even encounter adorable deer that will melt your heart. 🥰 Furumachi Street: This old street is full of Edo-style charm, with wooden buildings and traditional signs. Walking on the cobblestone road feels like traveling back in time. Explore the unique shops and try the local snacks for a delightful experience. 🍡 🍱Food Recommendations Niigata Ramen: With a rich pork bone broth and chewy noodles, this dish is a must-try when visiting Niigata. Koshihikari Rice Dishes: Niigata is famous for its Koshihikari rice, which is used to make sushi and rice balls. The rice is fragrant, sweet, and soft, with an excellent taste. 🏠Accommodation Suggestions You can choose to stay in Niigata City, which offers convenient transportation and a variety of food options. If you want to be closer to nature, consider staying at a guesthouse on Sado Island, where you can enjoy stunning sea views. Add Niigata to your travel list now! 💖

#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

⭐️Sado Island⭐️ About 60 km from Niigata City. Take a car ferry for 2.5 hours to the butterfly-shaped Sado Island 🚢 It is the largest island in the Sea of ​​Japan with a coastline of 280 km. It is full of charm, with Japanese crested ibises living there and a gold mine that was built during the gold rush. I stayed at Sushi Minshuku Nagahamaso, where they serve fish caught by fishing. Each piece of sashimi is thick! The crab 🦀 alone is a good size. The amount is so large that the chawanmushi, grilled fish, and fried fish are cold, but it seems like they will get cold just by lining them up. 😂 The room I stayed in was Showa-chic. It is by no means gorgeous, but the sea view was soothing ✨ 📍Location: 1021-1 Osu, Sado City, Niigata Prefecture 💰Price per person: 9,900 yen Bath and toilet are shared. #Nagahama-so #Sado Island #Niigata #Niigata Prefecture #Sado Guest House #Sado Gourmet #0 Yen Travel

· 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

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 2026 Sado Crested Ibis Marathon will be held on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, known for its lush greenery, pristine beaches, and scenic rolling hills. The event offers various race distances, including a full marathon, half marathon, 10K race, and shorter 1.5K and 3K fun runs, suitable for runners of all levels. Participants can enjoy a route that winds through the island’s beautiful natural scenery, providing a refreshing and inspiring environment for competitive runners and those seeking a more relaxed experience. The combination of ocean views, forest trails, and open countryside adds to the event’s appeal, making running not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s unique landscape. The marathon starts at Ondeko Dome, about 500 meters from Ryotsu Port and approximately 40 kilometers from Ogi Port, offering convenient access. Whether your goal is to set a personal best or simply enjoy a scenic run, the Sado Crested Ibis Marathon promises an unforgettable outdoor experience. Consider participating in this well-organized race while exploring the natural beauty of Sado Island.

📍Historic Site Sado Kinzan Gold Mine 1305 Shimo-Aikawa, Sado, Niigata 952-1501 This mine dates back to the Edo period and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2024. It's an absolute must-visit when you're in Sado! The area right beneath Doyu-no-warito and the scenic viewpoints make for incredibly impressive photo spots ✨ Admission: From ¥1,500 (Multiple tour courses available) 📍Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park 835-1 Nishimikawa, Sado, Niigata 952-0434 Try your hand at gold panning! It's a bit tricky, but you're guaranteed to find at least one flake ✨ The museum here offers a completely different experience from the Sado Gold Mine, so it's highly recommended. Fee: Admission + Keychain Set ¥3,000 📍Toki Forest Park 383-2 Niibonagaune, Sado, Niigata 952-0101 A precious nature reserve where you can get an up-close look at the crested ibis, Japan's national bird. The Toki Exhibition Hall is very affordable with an admission fee of just ¥500. Don't miss the famous edamame soft-serve ice cream at the snack shop 🫛 📍Shikisai Aji Yoshi 2108-1 Umezu, Sado, Niigata 952-0005 A highly-rated seafood restaurant that's even featured in guidebooks 🦞 Conveniently located near Ryotsu Port and reasonably priced, making it the perfect spot for lunch right after arriving on Sado Island 🍽️ Price: ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person 📍Kohan no Yado Yoshidaya 2108-1 Umezu, Sado, Niigata 952-0005 Indulge in a luxurious kaiseki meal featuring red snow crab, fresh oysters, and sashimi. The inn offers both indoor baths and a rooftop open-air bath where you can stargaze at night 🌙

#springtravel If you are exploring Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, the Sado Gold Mine is a total must visit. This place was once the most productive mine in the country and walking through the old tunnels is an incredible experience. You can choose between different routes, like the Edo period course which features super realistic animatronics showing how miners worked by hand in the dark. There is also a more modern Meiji era path with massive industrial ruins that look like something out of a movie. One of the highlights is getting to see a real gold bar worth millions and even trying to pull it out of a glass box. The scale of the mountainside that was literally split in half by hand is mind blowing. It is a fascinating mix of history and adventure.

#springtravel If you are looking for a super unique experience in Niigata Prefecture, you have to head over to Yajima and Kyojima on Sado Island. These two tiny islands are connected by a picturesque bright red bridge that looks amazing against the crystal clear turquoise water. The big draw here is the traditional taraibune or tub boat rides. Watching the local experts paddle these wooden round boats through the calm bay is really cool and you can even try steering one yourself. The water is so transparent that you can see right to the bottom while you glide past lush green trees and rugged rocks. It is a quiet and relaxing spot that feels like stepping back into a simpler time. Whether you are there for the photos or the boat ride, the coastal vibes are totally worth it.

Chapter 45: Kyojima Basin Boat, Amida-in Temple. Sado Island covers an area of 854.76 square kilometers and is the second largest island in Japan outside the four main islands, only after Okinawa Island. There are several places on Sado Island where you can ride basin boats. The first is on the beach next to Ogi Port, the second is by the sea in Sukune-gi, but my top recommendation is Yajima and Kyojima. The water here is shallower, allowing you to see pufferfish, sea cucumbers, and more below, and the red bridge in the background is quite picturesque. These are two small islands floating on a calm bay. Shikijima is known for its excellent arrow bamboo, and it is said that the arrows used by Minamoto no Yorimasa to kill the nue in "The Tale of the Heike" were made from Shikijima bamboo. Kyojima is where Nichiren’s disciple Jiro was stranded after being caught in a storm. Because he chanted sutras all night, the island was named Kyojima (Sutra Island). The two small islands are connected by a red drum bridge, creating a beautiful scene. You can experience riding a basin boat amidst this stunning scenery. Originally, basin boats were small boats used during "iso fishing" (fishing along rocky shores), where fishermen would observe the rocks through glass boxes placed on wooden basins and then use tools to catch seaweed, fish, and shellfish. The current basin boats are said to have evolved from laundry tubs, continuously improved to catch seaweed, abalone, turban shells, and other seafood along the narrow and complex rocky coast of Ogi. One important note is that basin boat rides stop operating in winter (closed from November to March). To get here, take a bus to the Yajima entrance (Sukune-gi Line) and then walk about 7 minutes. After paying at the Shikijima Experience Exchange Center, a friendly fisherwoman dressed in traditional clothing will take you on the basin boat ride, which lasts about 8-10 minutes. Along the way, she enthusiastically shares legends about the basin boats and introduces you to "sleeping pufferfish," "wriggling sea cucumbers," "delicious sea urchins," and more through the glass bottom of the boat (roughly, as I don’t understand Japanese). After the basin boat experience, I decided to head back, pulling my suitcase toward Ogi Port. I had walked this road many times over the past few days, always catching a glimpse of a patch of pink in the narrow alleys. Since I had plenty of time today, I turned in to take a closer look, and a blooming cherry blossom tree suddenly appeared before my eyes. I have been to Japan many times, but rarely in spring—mainly because of the crowds and high prices—so I don’t often get to see cherry blossoms in full bloom. This small temple is called Amida-in, located in Ogi Town on Sado Island. You won’t find any information about it on Google. Although it’s an inconspicuous little place, it is precisely this quietness and lack of crowds that make this cherry blossom tree so beautiful and peaceful.

Chapter 43: Triangular Boat Houses and Sengoku Wooden Ships. Hayao Miyazaki's animations have accompanied me since elementary school. I remember the first time I went to the China Children's Art Theatre to watch Miyazaki's animation "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," I was captivated by the art style and storyline. Every time I come to Japan, I look for the filming locations of Miyazaki's animations. This time, I was drawn to Sado Island by the "Bonsai Boat" in "Spirited Away." There are two ports to get to Sado Island. The more frequent and staffed route is Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port, and the other is Naoetsu Port to Ogi Port. The attractions on Sado Island are roughly divided into the northern natural scenery such as Onogame and Futatsugame, the western Sado Gold Mine and Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins, the southern Kyojima (Yajima and Kyojima), Shukunegi, and the western crested ibis habitat. This time, the attractions I wanted to visit were mainly concentrated in the south, so I chose the round trip from Ogi Port. Ogi Port has fewer departures, and the morning ferry leaves early, so I had to stay overnight in Naoetsu. There are no hotels near Naoetsu Port, only guesthouses can be booked. The city area of Sado Island is closer to Ryotsu Port in the center, while Ogi Port is quite desolate. You hardly see anyone on the streets, and I didn’t even see a convenience store, so if you choose to stay here, you must book dinner at a guesthouse or hotel. After arriving at Ogi Port, I walked 20 minutes to the hotel (because the bus service is very limited). When I arrived, I found the hotel was closed for a break... and it was only 10:10 AM. Due to a tight schedule, I had no choice but to leave my luggage in the hotel entrance and lock the door before rushing to the attractions (this is Japan, and I didn’t see a single person along the way; I wouldn’t dare do this elsewhere). The Shukunegi settlement is a very charming town on Sado Island, and the entire area has been designated as a "Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings." Nearby Ogi Port became an important export port in the 17th century due to the mining and transportation of gold and silver from the Sado Gold Mine. Many shipbuilders and shipowners lived in Shukunegi, making it a shipbuilding village. The most famous attraction is the uniquely shaped "Triangular Houses," built to fit the narrow land, resembling the shape of a ship. Many houses here are constructed from old ship planks. The Triangular Houses are the soul of Shukunegi and can now be entered for a fee. The rooms inside are as distinctive as they appear from the outside. They are closed in winter (December to March). I spent an hour wandering around the village. Most visitors were Japanese tour groups by bus, with a few groups of Western tourists. But most of the time, I was alone, strolling quietly through this peaceful fishing village. I really enjoyed this feeling—calm and comfortable. Not far from Shukunegi is the Sengoku Ship and the Sado Kuni Ogi Folk Museum. Here you can learn about local history, see recreated local scenes, and a huge wooden ship called Hakusanmaru. This museum uses the wooden school building of the former Shukunegi Elementary School. Besides materials on fishing and shipbuilding, the southern exhibition hall houses about 30,000 folk items, including retro daily goods from the Showa period.

#JanuaryDestinations2026 While you might love the anime *Your Name*, this is actually the filming location for the 1953 live-action film *Kimi no na wa*, which was a sensation in Japan. The "Yusenkyo" (commonly known as Machiko Bridge) here was a key scene from that film. The current bridge is a later reconstruction of a concrete structure, connecting the main island and Yojima Island. Walking on the bridge, you'll feel the strong "Sea Breeze." There's no shelter here; the wind directly impacts the bridge structure. The seawater below the bridge experiences intense "Turbulence" due to the narrow terrain. Standing in the middle of the bridge, holding onto the railing with one hand and pressing the shutter with the other, you can feel the dedication of filmmakers of that era who came to this rugged location to create visual impact. 🌟 Insider Tips: 1. Monument: There's a monument to "Kimi no na wa" near the bridge, a physical legacy of popular culture from the Showa era. 2. Lighthouse: There is also a small lighthouse on the island, its white tower contrasting sharply with the gray rocks. 💡 Transportation Recommendations: • By Car: Approximately 50 minutes drive from Ryotsu Port on Sado Island. Driving along the coastline (Sado Ring Road) is an excellent scenic route.

Sado Island is famous for its sake brewing, especially in winter when the breweries become exceptionally busy. Visitors can explore the intricate sake brewing process, which includes multiple steps: planting and harvesting rice, polishing, washing, steaming, cooling, and fermenting, often using traditional wooden tools. The island has five operating sake breweries, including Tenryo Cup Brewery, Itsumi Brewery, and Hokusetsu Brewery, where visitors can join guided tours and tasting sessions. These experiences offer a unique opportunity to witness the exquisite craftsmanship behind every bottle of sake and appreciate the region's rich cultural heritage. By interacting with local sake brewers, visitors can gain deeper insights into the art of brewing and savor the distinctive flavors of Sado sake. This winter, consider visiting Sado Island to immerse yourself in the world of sake and enjoy the warmth brought by this traditional craft.