Echigo-Yuzawa, Niigata & Sado Island
Head north along the Joetsu Shinkansen to see Kiyotsu Gorge, enjoy Niigata's sake, rice, and seafood, and loop around Sado Island.
A Sea of Japan route combining Shinkansen and ferry. Spend the first day in Echigo-Yuzawa visiting the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, the second day in Niigata exploring seafood markets and sake breweries, and then spend two nights on Sado Island. Visit Ogi in the south for tub boats and Shukunegi, and Aikawa in the north for the World Heritage Sado Gold Mine. Renting a car on the island is the best way to save time. Ideal for returning travelers interested in mining history, islands, and sake.
Ferries are prone to suspension in winter due to wind and waves, and the Ogi route is suspended during winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Snow Country Town & Kiyotsu Gorge
Echigo-Yuzawa（Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel、Ponshukan Sake Museum (Echigo-Yuzawa)、Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Town）
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo for about 70 minutes to Echigo-Yuzawa, then take a bus for about 30 minutes to Kiyotsu Gorge.
Stay: Echigo-Yuzawa Station Area
Day 2 · Niigata City Seafood & Sake Breweries
Niigata（Imayotsukasa Sake Brewery、Bandai Bridge、Pia Bandai、Furumachi & Furumachi Hanamachi）
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen for about 50 minutes to Niigata, and get around the city by bus or on foot.
Stay: Bandaijima
Day 3 · To Sado Island & South to Shukunegi
Sado Island（Toki Forest Park、Myosen-ji Temple、Shukunegi Village）
Take the jetfoil for about 1 hour to Ryotsu, rent a car, and drive along the national highway for about 1 hour to Ogi.
Ferry tickets and rental cars should be booked in advance during peak season. Some traditional houses in Shukunegi are closed in winter.
Stay: Ogi
Day 4 · Tub Boats to Aikawa Gold Mine
Sado Island（Ogi Taraibune Tub Boats、Nanaura Coast & Meoto-iwa、Sado Gold Mine、Doyu no Wareto）
Drive north from Ogi along the coast for about 1 hour to Aikawa. Enjoy a full day of self-driving.
Stay: Aikawa
Day 5 · Senkakuwan Bay & Return Ferry
Sado Island（Senkaku Bay、Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins、Sado Magistrate's Office）
Drive about 50 minutes from Aikawa back to Ryotsu to return the car. Take the jetfoil for about 1 hour to Niigata Port, then take a bus to the station.
Return ferry trips can be crowded; booking an afternoon departure is recommended.