Having been a port since the medieval times, Shukunegi went through a prosperous 17th century brought about by the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine. It was developed as a kitamaebune (a famous shipping route from the Edo period) port of call for the merchant shipping industry. [...]
Read more
Every second Sunday in March, the Takaosan Yakuoin Buddhist temple holds a unique fire-walking festival known as the Hiwatari-Sai Matsuri where Yamabushi monks display the depth of their faith and asceticism by walking barefoot over smoldering coals, the remains of the matsuri sacred fire.
Read more
Founded in 1349 as the first Jishu School temple in Sado, Shokoji is a small little temple tucked away in the back of the little Shukunegi village south of Sado Island. Shokoji has been enshrining the Tokai Benzaiten or the sea-crossing goddess, since its inception and has continuously […]
Read more
Used for centuries by local fisherman living on the Ogi Peninsula, Hangiri are simple washtub boats made of cedar and bamboo grown on Sado Island. While Hangiri are no longer used by fisherman, it is still possible to enjoy a little “Hangiri” ride at different locations around Sado Island! [..]
Read more
One of many Sado Island’s hidden scenic wonders is Onogame a 167-meter high monolith projecting into the sea. A true natural wonder who actually, believe it or not, won two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. But maybe one of Onogame’s most interesting things, […]
Read more
Around 8,000 cherry trees located along the Kawazu River, the Kawazu Sakura Festival is one of Japan’s most famous places for early cherry tree blossom viewing or hanami. Located on the Izu peninsula, Kawazu and its sakura festival attract almost two million visitors each year from mid-February through […]
Read more
Chokokuji Temple was founded in 807 by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) on the picturesque island of Sado in Niigata prefecture. Chokokuji features a unique design imitating the famous Hasedera Temple in Yamato prefecture. It goes to the extent to even use Hasedera Temple Kanji : 長谷寺. [...]
Read more
Stretching over 350m high in Sado’s beautiful mountains, Iwakubi Shoryu Tanada (rice terraces) has been passed down from generations to generations of farmers since around the Edo Period with over 460 paddies still used today. [...]
Read more
One of Sado Island’s attractions, besides its many beautiful temples and it’s gorgeous landscape, is the many Noh (Japanese traditional play) that are actually performed by local villagers in some of the many temples of the Island. Here unlike many other places in Japan […]
Read more
It was under Emperor Kanmu's ordinance, in 808 that Seisuiji Temple was founded by a Buddhist monk who came from Kyoto while traveling Japan on a missionary tour. Meaning “Salvation” in Japanese, Seisuiji Temple’s main hall is highly influenced by Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu-dera [...]
Read more
Located in Wakayama near the border of Nara and Mie, the Dorokyo Gorge are amazing rock formations from the Kitayama-gawa (river). Famous for its steep cliffs and clear emerald waters, the Dorokyo Gorge is unfortunately only accessible by boats. Beautiful all year long it is in autumn with […]
Read more
Famous for its onsen, its beautiful mountain an as a world-class ski resort, Mt. Zao is also extremely popular among foreign tourist for its magnificent Snow Monsters also called Juhyo in Japanese. [...]
Read more
