Overview of Sado Island
Welcome to Sado Island, a hidden gem nestled in the sparkling waters of the Sea of Japan, off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. Sado is the sixth-largest island in Japan – if you walked along its 280km coastline, you’d be walking for nearly three days to complete a loop. Indeed, Sado is bigger than you might imagine, and it has a lot to explore. Renowned for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, fresh local cuisine, and historical significance, a visit to Sado invites you to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
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2024.05.15
Tobishima Kanzou on Sado Island
Adventure up to Sado Islands northern tip, where you will find one of the islands scenic wonders, Onogame. The scenic spot boats about 1 million Tobishima Kanzou flowers (a kind of day lily), painting the landscape in swaths of golden yellow. This year's Tobishima Kanzou flowers have already started to bloom! This is surely the perfect place for a photoshoot, a picnic, or just a relaxing afternoon taking in the sights. What's Nearby The northern end of Sado is beautifully rugged and remote, so you won't find any convenience stores or many places to fill up on gas! There are a few places to grab a bite to eat, though. Check these spots out on your trip to the north! Steps away from the parking area at Onogame, you'll find Onogame Lodge, which offers selections for snacks or lunch. (Hours: 11 AM - 4 PM daily) The newly-renovated Futatsugame View Hotel is a short drive away, and the restaurant is open to the public. (Hours: 11 AM - 2 PM daily) On the way up the coast from Ryotsu Port, you'll also pass by the organic cafe Merepale Kaiko, which offers dishes made with health in mind using local ingredients. (Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 11 AM - 3 PM - Closed Monday, Tuesday) Getting There Onogame is about a 36km (22 mile) drive from Ryotsu Port. If you don't have a car, you can also take the Kanzou Liner Bus (seasonal) or the Local Bus (Uchikaifu Line, Bus stop: 大野亀 Onogame). One, two, and three-day bus passes for the local bus are also available for purchase. If the weather is good, and you are feeling fit, you can rent bicycles from Sado Outdoor Base in Ryotsu. The Kanzou Liner Bus (Reservations Required)Operation Period: May 25 -(Saturday)~ June 9 (Sunday)「Saturday・Sunday Only」 Fare Adults 1,500円 / Children 1,000円 ※One-way Departure: Ryotsu 9:15 → Futatsugame 10:15 → Oonogame 10:25※Boarding is only possible at Ryotsu Port.※For the first departure, take the car ferry that will arrive at 8:30 or the Jet Foil that will arrive at 9:02. Return: Oonogame 12:30 → Futatsugame 12:40 → Ryotsu Port 13:40※ You can only get off at Ryotsu Port. Reservations Niigata Kotsu Sado Island Sightseeing Bus Reservation Center(TEL:0259-52-3200 *Japanese only Hours 9:00~17:00)※Reservations accepted up until 17:00 on the day before departure.
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2024.04.03
The best places to see Cherry Blossoms on Sado Island
Welcome to Sado Island, a hidden gem in Japans landscape that comes alive with a burst of color every spring. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Sado Island is a great place to escape the tourist crowds of larger cities and enjoy Japans Sakura (cherry blossom) season. There are numerous flower spots scattered around the island that you can explore, so get your camera and a picnic ready! In this blog post, well take you on a virtual tour of some of the best cherry blossom viewing sites on Sado. Spot #1: Sado Gold Mine ParkThis historic site is a very popular place to see cherry blossoms. The road up to the Gold Mine and around the grounds is lined with the trees. The blossoms are also lit up at night during the height of the season. This year, the light-up event is planned for March 29th - April 14th, in the evening hours of 19:00 - 21:30. Address: 1305 Shimoaikawa, Sado, Niigata 952-1501By Bus: right in front of Kinzanjaya-mae (main line) Spot #2: Mano ParkMano Park is the perfect place for a picnic, and with about 2000 sakura trees, this is Sado’s premiere cherry blossom viewing spot! You can also visit Mano Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Juntoku. Come visit after sundown, when the trees are illuminated for night-time cherry blossom viewing, known in Japan as yozakura. This year's light-up at Mano Park will be held from April 1st to April 20th from 17:30 - 21:00. Address: 655 Mano, Sado, Niigata 952-0313By Bus: 3 minutes walk from Manomiya-mae (Akadomari Line), 20 minutes walk from Mano Goryo Entrance (Ogi Line), and directly in front of the Sado History and Legend Museum stop (Ogi Line - on Saturdays and Sundays only). Spot #3: Niibo DamEnjoy some 1,500 cherry trees spanning around 20 varieties. Niibo dam is definitely one of Sado’s top cherry blossom viewing destinations. In spring, the area bustles with photographers and picnickers coming to enjoy the flowers. Address: 1072-1 Kaminiibo, Sado, Niigata 952-0108By Bus: 30 minute walk from the Ryokomura Uryuya bus stop Spot #4: Shiroyama Park (Ogi)Ogi is the southern gateway to Sado Island, and once prospered as a gold and silver shipping port and port of call for Kitamaebune ships during the Edo period. Shiroyama Park is located on a hill where you will find about 500 cherry trees. It is also where the “Kodo: Earth Celebration” was originally held annually in late August. Address: Ogi, Sado, Niigata 952-0604By Bus: 15 minutes walk from Ogi (Ogi Line) Spot #5: Lake KamoJust a few minutes walk from Ryotsu Port, Lake Kamo is the biggest lake in Niigata Prefecture, and one of the most picturesque spots in Sado, with sections of the promenade lined with cherry trees. A great way to take in the views is by renting an e-bike in Ryotsu from Sado Outdoor Base and cycling around the circumference of the lake. For more details on E-bike Rentals: Outdoor Base For more details on the route: Lake Kamo Course Spot #6: Tanemaki Sakura (Hojobo temple in Hamochi Osaki)This beautiful rosebud cherry tree, the Tanemaki Sakura, is about 20m high and 6.9 meters in circumference at its base, and is estimated to be over 250 years old! Legend has it that the former chief priest of Osaki’s Uenobo Temple retired to Hojobo Temple in his later years, and when he traveled around the country as an ascetic, he bought a cherry seedling in Yoshino and brought it back here. Address: 1167 Hamochi Osaki, Sado, Niigata 952-0252By Bus: 15 minutes walk from Ogi (Ogi Line) Spot #7: Shinbo Hachimangu Shrine Check out the beautiful path up to this shrine lined with cherry blossoms. There is also a festival held here every April 15th where you can see Onidaiko drumming and other traditional arts! Timing your visit with the Taiko Drumming Festival adds an extra layer of cultural richness to your cherry blossom experience. Address: 1109 Kanai Shinbo, Sado, Niigata 952-1208By Bus: 3 minutes walk the Undo Koen Mae bus stop (Honsen Line) Spot #8: Karasaki Shrine (Yoshii) You’ll notice the bright pink cherry blossoms that line the long path up to this small shrine’s gate, visible all the way from the main highway. Take a moment to reflect as you witness the harmonious blend of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility. Address: Yoshiihongo, Sado, Niigata 952-1202By Bus: 3 minutes walk the Yamato bus stop (Honsen Line) ConclusionSado Island's cherry blossom spots are the perfect place for a sensory journey through history, culture, and nature, away from the crowds of the mainland. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking tranquility or a group of friends ready for a picnic party, Sado Island caters to all. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and explore all the blooming sakura Sado Island has to offer!
FUN! SADO
How to enjoy Sado Island
Sado Island is rich in seasonal changes.
In fact, it is about 1.5 times the size of Tokyo's 23 wards and Awaji Island
It is the largest island on the Sea of Japan side.