Sado

A large island in the Sea of Japan, known for the Sado Gold Mine ruins, crested ibises, tub boats and oni-daiko, and a unique island culture.

Sado City covers the whole of Sado Island off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, one of the larger islands in the Sea of Japan. Historically a place of exile, it later prospered thanks to its gold and silver mines. The Sado Gold Mine site preserves its tunnels and mining facilities, and the "Sado Island Gold Mines" are a World Heritage Site. The island is a conservation and breeding center for the Japanese crested ibis, Shukunegi preserves the streetscape of a shipwrights' settlement, around Ogi you can ride a traditional tub boat (taraibune), and folk performing arts such as oni-daiko are still passed down. Summer is ideal for driving around the island and enjoying the beaches. Take a ferry or jetfoil from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port.

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