- What's New
- Sado Island in 2 days on 2 Wheels: 100km Cycling Adventure
Sado Island in 2 days on 2 Wheels: 100km Cycling Adventure
This two-day, 100km cycling route will bring you back in time to the age of the gold rush on Sado Island. Travel from Ryotsu Port on Sado’s eastern coast, across the island to the Sado Gold Mines, and then to the southern tip of Ogi to Shukunegi Shipbuilder’s Village, before heading back to the mainland via the Ogi – Naoetsu Ferry.
Every pedal stroke unveils a new surprise as you cycle through Sado’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Let the wind (and this guide) carry you across the island, leaving you with lots of memories (and great Instagram photos) to carry home with you!
Notes on Cycling on Sado, Bike rentals and Bus Options
On this two-day course, you’ll travel a distance of over 100km with a total elevation gain of over 1000 meters. Sado’s terrain is not flat – and uphill cycling can be a real workout! Luckily, you can rent e-bikes on Sado that will boost you up and over hills with ease (alternatively, you can also bring your own bike to the island – more on that later). Another option to increase the accessibility of this guide is to combine the local bus with bike rentals in Aikawa & Ogi (instead of cycling the entire route). To do so, hop on a local bus from Ryotsu Aikawa and rent an e-bike there at the Aikawa information center (Kirarium), that you can use to explore the area. On the next day, take the local bus down to Ogi, and pick up an e-bike to explore the area at Ogi.
Day One: Ryotsu to Aikawa
(approx 50km/30 miles cycling)
View Route on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ajpn8i97V8XhGaQBA
Getting to Sado Island
Our trip starts at Niigata port. You have a few options to get here – fly into Niigata Airport or take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Niigata station. From both you will have to bus/taxi to the port. There are a lot of hotels in Niigata city, so you might also want to stay overnight the night before traveling to the island.
Morning Ferry Ride Niigata to Ryotsu (9:15 – 11:55)
Ryotsu port
At Niigata Port, the Sado Kisen Ferry to Sado Island awaits. We’ll ride the 9:15 car ferry, which gets us to the island at noon. The ferry is spacious and comfortable with plenty of room to stretch out. Grab something to eat in the onboard cafe, and then head above-board to catch some views of the mountains as we approach Sado Island, setting the tone for an exciting trip!
To bring your own bike to Sado, pack it in a bike bag and pay the 520 yen charge at the ticket window to carry it on the ferry (If your bike bag exceeds 2 meters in combined dimensions L+W+H) Check here for more fare details: https://www.sadokisen.co.jp/en/faretables/
Ryotsu Port - E-Bike Rental
If you are planning to rent a bike on Sado, upon reaching Ryotsu Port, head straight to the Sado Tourism Information Center inside the Ferry Terminal to gear up with a rental e-bike. We recommend the Sports Type bikes – they powerful and convenient, making it easy to explore the island, climb hills, and take back roads.
Unfortunately only one size is available, so if you’re 6 feet or taller, you might find the frame a little small. You’ll also want to budget an extra 1,500 yen for the charge to drop the bike off at Ogi, and 500 yen to swap your battery at the half-way point of our trip, in Aikawa Information Center.
| Sports Type | Specs | Rental Fee |
|---|---|---|
 |
Model: Panasonic XU1 Minimum Rider Height: 159cm (5’2”) – Maximum 178cm (5’8”) Saddle Height: 80-99cm Battery: On flat land with one full charge and set to ‘Auto’ mode – can travel 57km (35.4 miles) |
Basic Charge (up to 2 hours): 2,000 yen Each Additional Hour: 500 yen 24-hour Rental: 4,500 yen Charge to return bike to another location: 1500 yen Battery Exchange: 500 yen Helmet: 500 yen |
Fuel up at Oni Cafe
Oni-kin
With our ride all set, let’s make a quick pit stop to a local cafe. ‘Oni Cafe’ is aptly named after Sado Island’s famous ‘Oni-daiko,’ a tradition combining traditional Japanese drumming and dance. The cafe owner, Yukari-san, is a big oni-daiko lover, and you can try her specialty ‘Oni-kin,’ a sweet-filled pastry in the shape of Sado Island and an oni mask! The masks might look scary… but Oni are actually considered hero-like reincarnations of the gods on Sado island. The pastries are really tasty with a cup of fresh coffee too!
Rice field Cruising & Sado Island Wildlife
Watching spot
This route takes us through the back roads with hills and picturesque views of small villages, rice fields and Sado’s Osado Mountain range in the distance. You might even be greeted with the occasional surprise appearance of a mischievous tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog). Don’t forget to keep an eye on the sky – you don’t want to miss spotting the Sado Island toki birds (Japanese crested ibis) flying above!
Visit Seisuiji Temple and Myosenji Temple
Seisuiji Temple
Take a moment to visit Seisuiji Temple (free entrance), which feels like a forest sanctuary. Established in 808, this is Sado’s oldest temple. At the time, the emperor took pity on the people of Sado who couldn’t travel to Kyoto to make pilgrimages to Kiyomizu-dera, and he ordered a miniature version be constructed on Sado – Seisuiji!
Myosenji Temple
Continue along the route across the island until you reach Myosenji Temple (free entrance). Established in 1278 by a monk of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism who accompanied Emperor Juntoku when he was exiled to Sado Island. People say Myosenji’s construction is modeled on the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Take a walk around the grounds and soak in the peaceful atmosphere – you might even find you have the entire place to yourself!
Aikawa Area – Exploring the Sado Gold Mine Relics
Sado is famous for it’s gold mining past. The discovery of gold on the island had a huge impact on the culture of the island, as it brought people from all walks of life and all different regions from across the Japanese archipelago, who each brought their own unique traditions and dialects to the island. Sado became a sort of ‘melting pot’ of culture due to the gold rush!
Kirarium Sado
We’ll start by heading to Kirarium Sado. This information center/museum is the gateway to Sado’s cultural heritage. It’s also a bike rental station, so if you’re low on battery charge, this is the time to swap out our e-bike battery for a fresh one (500 yen charge). If your battery is still good, you can opt to swap it the next morning (the info center opens at 8:30).
Sado Gold Mine
First, dive into gold mine history by viewing the exhibition (300 yen entrance fee), then head up the hill to the Sado Gold Mine. Choose between exploring the Edo-period tunnels in the Sodayu Mine (older history) or Meiji-period tunnels in the Doyu Mine (modern mining history). Entrance is 1000 yen for either, or 1500 yen to see both tunnels. Last entry is 17:00 (or 16:30 from Nov-March). *Note the gold mine facilities will be closed for renovations from January 6, 2023 – March 15, 2023!
The Sado Bugyosho
Kitazawa Flotation Plant
Historic Kyomachi Street
After exploring the mines, head back down the hill, pass through Historic Kyomachi Street, stop by The Sado Bugyosho (Old Commissioner’s Office), and finally end up at the Kitazawa Flotation Plant. These ruins are a relic of the mine’s modern history, but they’ve gained popularity in recent years for the aesthetic similarity to the Ghibli Film Laputa (Castle in the Sky). There’s also a cafe here – Kitazawa Terrace - so stop by for a bite to eat before heading to your hotel.
Evening in Aikawa
Overnight stay in a historic gold rush town. Some hotels offer shuttles to the Kitazawa Flotation Plant which is lit up at night, and a few higher-end spots offer private onsen baths with ocean views. Be sure to book to have your dinner/breakfast in the hotel to enjoy a variety of fresh locally-sourced Sado foods.
Day Two: Aikawa to Ogi
(approx 50km/30 miles cycling)
View Route on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/DvqU8fZ6vbKsGgCp8
Coastal Cruising
Day two promises us an exhilarating 50km ride from Aikawa to Ogi, with great coastal views of Sado Island's beaches. There’s a lot of things to see, so get an early start if you want to be able to hit all the spots below!
But before setting off, check your e-bike battery and if necessary swap it for a fresh one at Kirarium Sado Information Center (opens 8:30, pay a 500 yen fee to swap for a new battery). Then, off to our first spot of the day!
Nanaura coast views at Meotoiwa
Meotoiwa
People say this geological formation composed of two large rocks looks like a couple, giving it its name Meotoiwa which literally means “couple rocks.” This scenic spot, a symbol of the Nanaura coast, is said to bring luck in finding a partner!
Souvenirs for Sake lovers at Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery
Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery
After a loop around the Nanaura coastline, we head to Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery where you can pick up a few of Sado’s most popular sakes - perfect souvenirs for your trip home! There’s even a sake that it’s served in Air France’s first class cabins… fancy!
Tea time at Shimafumi Cafe
Shimafumi Café
Cycle along the coast, pass the jinmeiwa (whaddya know – that oddly-shaped rock looks like a human head!), and head up the hill. Time to catch your breath at Shimafumi Cafe, a hidden gem overlooking Mano bay. Refuel with delicious breads and hot coffee while soaking in the panoramic views of the bay.
Sobama Beach
Sobama Beach
From Shimafumi, its a 20km push to Ogi! Cycle across the hills, or head down and pass Sobama Beach. This long sandy coastline might even entice you to jump in and go for a swim! Showers are available at Sobama Campground, depending on the season.
Visit Kisaki Shrine
Kisaki Shrine
After reaching Ogi area and heading down the hill, make a visit to the old Kisaki shrine. Sado Magistrate Nagayasu Okubo ordered the shrine to be built in 1609 to pray for the prosperity of the gold and silver mines. All the gold mined on Sado was actually stored here in this shrine before being exported to the mainland from Ogi Port.
Explore Shukunegi Village
Shukunegi Village
It’s a short 15-20 minute ride over to Shukunegi village. This small village of clustered houses has a rich maritime history and was a thriving port during the Edo Period (1603-1868). It’s a pretty unique atmosphere, something very special to Sado Island, so you can’t miss it! This village served as a stopover point for the Kitamaebune, or Edo-era trading vessels. You can really tell this was a town of shipbuilders by exploring its streets and seeing the unique and masterful architecture of its houses (entrance to the village is a suggested 100 yen donation). There’s also Ogi Folk Museum where you can explore the inside of a life-size replica of a 19th century Sengoku ship!
Lunch in Shukunegi
At Shukunegi, you have several options for lunch. Try the hand-cut soba noodles at Yoshikawa-tei, at the entrance of the village, or treat yourself to something refined with a course lunch at the French-fusion restaurant Anaguchitei (inside of a beautiful old residence/garden). You can even go for pizza in Shukunegi at Yamashita Cafe.
Take a Ride on a Taraibune
Taraibune
Taraibune are wooden tub-boats traditionally used for fishing in shallow waters. You can take a ride on the taraibune at three different places: here in Shukunegi, at Yajima Kyojima or at Ogi Port. It’s a great opportunity to experience an iconic Sado tradition! Here at Shukunegi, the taraibune are called hangiri. There are several different lengths of rides you can choose from (A course, B course, etc) and if you’re lucky, Asti the cute taraibune-riding German shepard might even be around!
Adventure on the Shukunegi Caves Trail
After your taraibune ride – look over the bay. Do you see what looks like the entrance to a cave? This is the Shukunegi caves trail! Walk through the tunnel and through to the other side, you’ll find a landscape that looks like another world – or maybe mars! This open, flat, and rocky area used to be used as a place to gather sea salt, seaweed, and repair ships. The ground is definitely uneven, so watch your step!
Yajima Kyojima
Yajima Kyojima
On your way back to Ogi port, stop by Yajima Kyojima. One of the most famous scenic spots on Sado, two small islands connected by a bright red bridge float above emerald-green waters. There are quite a few legends about this beautiful place. One story says that a disciple of Nichiren shipwrecked here and spent an entire night reciting sutra. You might notice a stone monument on the path – ‘Omitsu no Hi.’ This monument is to a tragic folk story of a girl from Sado who fell in love with a man from the mainland and lost her life traveling back and forth to the mainland by taraibune! We don’t recommend trying to cross the sea to the mainland, but definitely try the taraibune rides here where you can explore the inner bay and snap some sweet photos for instagram.
Optional: Feel the rhythm at Tatakoukan
Tatakoukan
Add a musical note to your Sado Island adventure! Did you know KODO, the internationally-acclaimed taiko drumming group, is based on Sado Island? They run Tataoukan, a center where visitors can experience taiko drumming with KODO instructors. The taiko drumming experience requires a reservation in advance, and its a bit of a climb up the hill to get here, but its definitely worth it! This is a fun, thrilling experience that will get you feeling the rhythmic beats of KODO's taiko drums.
Evening Ferry from Ogi Port (17:20 – 20:00)
Ogi port
Congratulations! If you’ve made it this far, you traveled along the old gold route! In the olden days, gold was mined in Aikawa, and then carried to Ogi where it was shipped off to the mainland. Are you feeling golden?! Wrap up your cycling journey by returning your e-bikes at the tourism information center in Ogi. Take a stroll around the Ogi town, and pop into a local restaurant for a bite to eat before catching the 17:20 ferry back to the mainland.
Overnight Stay in Naoetsu
Arriving in Naoetsu at 20:00, its time to recharge for your journey onward, wherever that might be. From Naoetsu, you have options to travel to Toyama and Kanazawa, or to Nagano’s northern alps. You can also on on the Hokuriku Shinkansen back to Tokyo from here.
Tell us about your Visit!
Sado Island might not be as well a known destination to visit in Japan as the big-names Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, etc. but, the island is a quirky gem, with a certain charm as a place where nature, tradition, and culture coalesce. Did you tackle the entire 100kms on Sado Island, or did you make your own adventure? What did you discover during your trip? We’d love to hear about it! Join the community over on Facebook or Instagram, or simply leave us a Google Review on Maps. Sado will be waiting for your next visit! Until then, may your travels be filled with more off-the-beaten-track adventures on two wheels. Bon voyage, fellow traveler!