Sado 1 day itinerary (Tarai boats & Shukunegi)

Ferries from the mainland including Niigata arrive here. Within the facilities, there are a tourist information center and a rental car store. To rent a car requires prior reservations.

Walk up the sando path lined with cedar trees to reach this mysterious temple. Although small, it is a historic temple where you can see the ancient stone steps and the main shrine built on top of the plateau like a stage.

A serene 9th-century temple surrounded by mountains. View flowers that bloom throughout all four seasons and take a walk through the grounds that have merged the temple with nature.

Head for Minami-Sado as one of the major popular areas on the island. At the Yajima Experience & Exchange Center, you can get on the traditional tarai boats of Minami-Sado. If you have time, a walk on Kojima is also recommended where you can experience the tranquil sea and the island environment.

Take a walk through the old port town which bustled with large junk boats coming and going during the Edo Era. Explore famous places such as Seikuro-no-Ie, a historic house built by shipwrights, Kaneko Ie and Sankaku-no-Ie. You can enjoy the stroll through the narrow lanes that make up the town. The teahouse Sabo Yamashita is popular for its pasta dishes in Shukunegi. Having lunch here is suggested.

Head over to the museum where one of the sengokubune junk ships which fueled the development of Shukunegi has been completely restored. In addition to the display of the ship, there are many other valuable historical exhibits including the implements of fishermen from the old days and daily goods.

A port which links Sado with Naoetsu on the mainland. After returning the rental car, take the 4:30PM ferry back to Naoetsu. Since ferries from Ogi Port may decrease depending on the season, it’s also possible to return to Ryotsu Port instead (the trip back to Ryotsu Port will take about 90 minutes).