ABOUT

Enjoy the landscape of a Japanese geopark aboard a taraibune tub-boat

Unique to Sado, the taraibune is a vessel shaped like a large, round traditional Japanese bathtub. Originally used to catch seaweed and shellfish, visitors can now experience a tub-boat ride in the Ogi area. Skippers skillfully control the boats at a leisurely pace while acting as guides for all that can be seen. Many visitors love this attraction. It is truly an extraordinary and soothing experience to see the crystal-clear seawater up close while being gently rocked by the waves. You might see fish skimming along and seaweed swaying beneath you - an exciting discovery for everyone on board! Tub-boat rides make for perfect Instagram-worthy moments and truly unique memories of Sado.

Feel the romance of history at Sado Gold Mine

Sado Island once thrived as one of Japan's largest gold-producing regions. Sado Gold Mine, in particular, was a precious minerals mine that operated for about 400 years, from the Edo Period (17th century) to modern times. It is now a public attraction, where visitors can walk through actual tunnels of the original mine. Historical scenes are reproduced with life-size mannequins and realistic sound effects, transporting you back in time. Trace the dreams, hard work, and various technological advances of the people who pursued gold. Registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2024, Sado Gold Mine is a must-see for history lovers.

Try gold panning and strike gold!

At Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park, try your hand at gold panning. Searching for tiny gold particles in the sand feels like treasure hunting. Visitors of all ages will feel sheer joy when the effort to find gleaming bits of gold is successful. Even first-timers will be put at ease by the staff's thorough instructions. Upon request and for a slight fee, panned gold can be made into items such as pendants or key chains. This hands-on experience is a memorable, unique accent to your Sado Island vacation. Follow your gold rush dreams to Sado!

Discover how sustainability and harmony with nature on Sado Island allow crested ibises to soar!

Once upon a time, "Toki," Japanese crested ibises, nearly disappeared from the skies of Japan. Cue Sado Island, where locals have walked hand in hand with the revival of the once-extinct toki, creating advanced sustainability projects to protect the beautiful rural scenery and satoyama (undeveloped woodland near populated areas) landscape. Farmers on Sado are creating a safe habitat for toki by embracing farming methods that foster life without relying on pesticides or chemicals. At Toki Forest Park, you can meet and learn about toki up close, and help raise awareness about the environment.

Taste exquisite Japanese sake nurtured by the Niigata terroir

Niigata is renowned as both Japan's largest rice-producing prefecture and one of the best sake-producing regions. Long-established sake breweries are dotted throughout Niigata City, and many spots offer a brewery tour, as well as tasting opportunities. One of the outstanding characteristics of sake produced in Niigata is its clear and crisp texture, plus the way it perfectly complements local ingredients. Each brewery's sake has its own distinct character, so it's fun to find your favorite by trying and tasting many different kinds.
Ponshukan in Niigata Station offers a full range of samples from Niigata breweries! Enjoy Niigata's sake tasting for just 500 yen.

Pier Bandai, a culinary treasure trove of Niigata

Located near the city center, Pier Bandai offers a selection of fresh local ingredients. It is a popular commercial complex consisting of a market, restaurants and shops loved by locals. Many recommend the eating area where you can enjoy seafood, including sushi and seafood rice bowls. Fresh from the Sea of Japan, ingredients are available at affordable prices. Discover a wide range of local craft beer and sake, too, offering endless culinary pleasures! Pier Bandai is an all-in-one destination where you can taste local flavors and shop for a variety of souvenirs unique to Niigata.

Culture brought by kitamaebune: the Former Ozawa Family Residence and guardian lion-dogs at Minato Inari Shrine

Port town culture remains intact in Niigata City, which flourished as a port of call for kitamaebune merchant ships.
The Former Ozawa Family Residence is a storefront and home owned by the Ozawa family, who made a fortune in kitamaebune trade. This merchant family rose to prominence during the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912) and their historic building has been preserved almost completely in its original form. Visitors are welcome to go inside and explore.
Near the Ozawa Residence is Minato Inari Shrine with its guardian statues of lion-dogs that can be spun by hand, a rarity in Japan. Legend has it that your wish will come true if you make it while spinning a dog statue. Come visit the shrine and make a wish.

Create a sweet memory with Niigata's iconic sasa-dango making experience!

Sasa-dango, with its subtle fragrance of bamboo leaves (sasa), is Niigata's iconic traditional confection. Featuring a pleasantly simple flavor, Sasa-dango is made by wrapping sweet bean paste in chewy mochi cake kneaded with mugwort, then enclosing it in bamboo leaves and steaming it. Some shops within the city offer a sasa-dango making experience! The staff will give you detailed instructions, so rest assured if this is your first time. As a bonus, you can taste freshly steamed sasa-dango right on the spot! Experience the fun of making your own dango by hand, then take home a sweet treat to remember. Perfect for groups, families and friends.