With the untouched coastlines and enchanting culture, Sado Island is the perfect getaway from the fast-paced, chaotic city life you’ll experience on mainland Japan.

Sado Island is Japan’s sixth-largest island, known for its jagged coastlines, its hidden rock pools, its fascinating culture and its mesmerising landscapes. 

From entertainment recommendations to knowledge about the unique cultural activities you can experience, this all-in-one guide is all about turning you into the insights of the island.

One of the things we love most about Sado Island is the variety of activities and opportunities it has to offer. With adventure’s to be found both in the water and on land, there will never be a dull moment during your stay. 

Take a traditional taraibune boat ride and explore the incredible cobalt blue coast while feeling the salty sea breeze in your face! Although almost completely un-boatlike in appearance, the taraibune are intimately associated with this remote Japanese island. Relive a scene from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away and take a ride on the azure waters around port Ogi.

On land, make sure to visit Sado Island’s gold mines, where you can experience the 400-year-old history from Japan’s industrial past. At the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine and the Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park, walk through the remains of the mines and explore the history found within.

Sampling the local cuisine of any destination surely ranks as one of the great pleasures of life. 

Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, Sado is blessed with an abundance of seafood all year round. The people of Sado believe in nurturing biodiversity, thus, you could not get any fresher seafood or rice. Hence, savour excellent foods prepared with the freshest seafood, rice and farm produce.  Sado rice is renowned as a top, brand-name rice, on par with Uonuma rice, nurtured by the moderate climate of Sado, the rice dishes served on Sado Island are some of the best you will ever taste.

While you’re there, don’t miss checking out the best of Sado’s restaurants and breweries, like one of our (and Robert De Niro’s) favourites, the Hokusetsu Sake Brewery.

Be sure to visit the local shrines and temples of the area and learn about the history and architecture of the structures. 

Finally, don’t miss the chance to learn the techniques and rhythms of taiko drumming from a former member of the world renowned Kodo Drummers of Sado Island.

Take advantage of the rich culture the Island offers.

Don’t forget to support the locals by buying traditional crafts from the local people.

Sado Island, while appearing quite remote, is actually very accessible. To get to the island, you will need to get to Niigata Port, from there you can travel by ferry or high speed jetfoils to get to the island.

The ferry usually runs approximately 6 times a day, however, this may change depending on the season of when you are travelling. 

Make sure to check out the Sado Kisen Website for ferry timetables, prices, ticket reservations, and boarding procedures, etc.

For more information, be sure to visit https://www.visitsado.com/en/