Donden Plateau
ドンデン高原
A plateau in the Greater Sado mountains at about 900 meters, with wildflowers blooming in spring and views over Lake Kamo, Ryotsu Bay and the whole island.
Donden Plateau lies in the Greater Sado mountains at about 900 meters above sea level. Cattle graze on its grasslands, and the Donden Lodge offers accommodation. From late April to June is wildflower season, when rare alpine plants such as snow-cutting grass (yukiwarisou), dogtooth violets (katakuriko) and Sado trillium bloom. It is the most popular hiking area on Sado, and you can hike from here across the ridge to Mount Kinpoku (about 5 to 6 hours). On clear days you can overlook Lake Kamo and Ryotsu Port, and see the Niigata mainland in the distance. It is about 40 minutes’ drive from Ryotsu, and the road is closed in winter. The mountain is often foggy, so bring warm clothing.
Opening hours
Road open approx. late Apr–early Nov
Nearby sights
- Lake Kamo
- Toki Forest Park
- Konpon-ji Temple
- Senkaku Bay
- Doyu no Wareto
- Sado Gold Mine
- Daizen Shrine Noh Stage
- Myosen-ji Temple