Shinetsu Hokuriku

Sado Island

Floating Treasure Chest

Now referred to as a “Floating Treasure Chest” Sado was once an island of exile the majority of those banished here were so-called political or ideological criminals. The fact that most of these exiles came from aristocratic or artistic milieux meant that Sado inherited the traditions of many different cultural centers and the foundations of a number of traditional entertainments still performed today.
The worldwide known Kodo Taiko Drummers are based here when not on tour. The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother's heartbeat as felt in the womb, and is able to lull a baby to sleep. Watch a performance and join the drummers in creating these mighty heartbeats. With 30 Noh theatres on the island you will be spoilt for choice in performances. Another matter of interest here are the “Fishing Tubs” known as hangiri, the oval shape of these vessels derives directly from the miso brewing barrels which make for easy navigation among rocks and pools near the shore to collect seaweed and fish.
Try your hand at steering one of these tubs!

Tarai Bune On the southern tip of the island in the town of Ogi, you can take a short ride in one of these traditional boats, steered by a local dressed in an authentic period costume.

Doyu no Warito A symbol of Sado Gold Mine. As the digging went deeper and deeper to extract more gold ore, the mountaintop was split into a V-shape.

Rice Terraces in Iwakubi The rice paddies have been passed down since around the Edo Period, and about 460 paddies remain until today.

Toki Japanese crested ibis,a national icon that once became extinct in Japan but now once again inhabits Sado Island.