EXPERIENCE | TOKIMEKI SADO NIIGATA TOURISM ZONE

EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS

NIIGATA

Niigata Furumachi Geigi(Geisha)
Traditional Dance
The Niigata Furumachi Geigi (geisha) district in downtown Niigata ranks alongside Kyoto's Gion district and Tokyo's Shinbashi geisha area. The geisha scene here was very lively 200 years ago, as seafaring visitors delighted in the lovely dances and treats of geisha society.This experience program, held in the classical Japanese residence, allows private groups to watch the Niigata Furumachi Geigi perform traditional dances.
- Please inquire for details.
- Niigata Visitors & Convention Bureau
  TEL 025-223-8181
  Email nvcb@nvcb.or.jp
Mochi Pounding,
a Unique 150-year-old Method
One of Japan's oldest customs and tradition is pounding mochi, or rice cake,before every new year. The ancestor of the Ito family, a historical greatestlandowner, developed the quick production technique called three-pounder method, which has been handed down over 150 years. Participants can jointhe mochi-pounding workshop with specialists. Fresh mochi is very delicious.
- 2000 yen each person (with an admission charge of the museum) for a group of 10 or more.Contact if a group is less than 10.
- The Northern Culture Museum
  TEL 025-385-2001
  Email ncm2006@vanilla.ocn.ne.jp
Experience making gold inlaid
NIigata laquerware
During the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), Niigata Port was one of the ports for the marine transportation business. Many cultural influences, as well as commercial goods, were brought in from the other regions of the country. One of those art influences was the lacquer painting technique, which is believed to have begun 400 years ago. This workshop provides people an opportunity to make Niigata Lacquer-wares. Participants can carve designs and/or pattern on the ware, then gold powder will be applied over them.
- 3000 yen each person (with an admission charge of the museum) for a group of 10 or more. Contact if a group is less than 10.
- The Northern Culture Museum
  TEL 025-385-2001
  Email ncm2006@vanilla.ocn.ne.jp
Rice Cooking with Local Cuisines
at the Mansion of a greatest landowner
Niigata Prefecture is the largest rice producing region in Japan. The ancestor of the Ito family, a historical greatest landowner, laid the foundation for rice farming culture. Participants can enjoy rice cooking by traditional methods, such as using hagama, or a traditional cooking pot for rice. The rice used for this workshop is Koshihikari. This rice is harvested in the vicinity of the museum. Local cuisines are also served. An admission to the museum is included.
- 2386 yen each person (an admission charge of the museum included)for a group of 2 or more.
- The Northern Culture Museum
  TEL 025-385-2001
  Email ncm2006@vanilla.ocn.ne.jp
Grilling your original rice crackers
【Niigata Sembei Okoku(Rice Cracker World)】
Niigata Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of rice crackers. At 「Niigata Sembei Okoku」 you can watch rice crackers being made , learn about the grilling process , and try making your original rice crackers.
- Large size rice cracker Making Fee ∖1500 yen
- Niigata Sembei Okoku (Rice Cracker World)
  TEL 025-259-0161
Making your original Kite
【Shirone Kite History Museum】
Shirone Kite History museum is the world largest Kite museum that collect not only domestic traditional Shirone-Kite but also foreign rare kite .In this museum, you can try making Japanese Small Kite. Experts of making Kite teach kindly. It is a valuable time to enjoy the making kite.
- Entrance Fee: Adults ∖400 yen Elementary, junior and senior high school students ∖200 yen Kite Making Fee ∖300 yen
- Shirone Kite History Museum
  TEL 025-372-0314

SADO

High-Speed Motor Boat Kotoura Cave Tour
Take a spin on Rikiya’s Sightseeing High-Speed Motor Boat on a tour around the Ogi Peninsula, feeling the crisp sea breeze and learn more about the scenery while exploring the Kotoura Cave, otherwise known as “The Blue Caves”.
Take a dive in Sado’s
crystal clear waters! (Snorkeling)
Sado Island has one of the best diving spots in all of Japan. Every year people from all over Japan gather in Sado to enjoy diving in the crystal clear waters. Feel at ease as our friendly diving instructors will guide you through your diving experience. Beginners are most welcome to join!
Hike in a primeval forest（Senjusugi Route）
Take a deep breath in Sado’s finest primeval forests overflowing with intertwining moss and intriguingly-shaped trees. This course is highly recommended to those who are experiencing Sado’s giant cedar trees for the first time.
Sea Kayak Experience
Kayak out to sea along the Ogi Peninsula, where even beginners and children will be able to navigate and enjoy with ease. Designated as a marine park, you will be able to enjoy the ocean’s spectrum of colors, explore naturally formed caves, and bask in the private beach atmosphere.
Make and ride on an ancient boat
Experience making “Yoshibune”, an ancient boat made of common reed grass used to cross ocean. Take a reisure cruise on board your very own creation out on Lake Kamo.
Casual Fishing
Sado is known to have many frequent fishers. Come on down and experience casual fishing with an instructor in the southern part of the island.
Enjoy the Sights on a Sailboat
Enjoy the sea breeze on a sailboat sightseeing tour for a small group of friends or families upto 8 people.
Squid fishing & squid breakfast
Enjoy Fishing early in the morning and tasting the freshly fished squid on the boat.
Night Cruise
Night Cruise in the southern part of the island. Enjoy the natural aquarium with fishes attracted to the lights mounted on top the boat. Transport yourself into a magical world which can only be experienced here at night.
Horseback riding in the mountain
Enjoy the morning fresh air while riding a hose through the forest. The view from on top the horse is a whole new experience.
Bamboo Athletic Park
Have fun in the Athletic Park with playground equipments made of Sado Bamboo. From toys to utensil, there are endless possibilities as to what the bamboo are used for. Enjoy making your won Bamboo water pistols and bow & arrows with an instructor.
The island where deities dance.
Stay on Sado and experience the festival!
Onidaiko is a traditional performing art only found on Sado that is performed at festivals around the island to pray for safety for each household, give thanks for the abundant harvest and catch of the previous year, and also to ward off misfortune. Come to Sado for a unique festival experience.