Experience Niigata and Sado Island’s Hands-On Traditions, Flavors, and Scenic Wonders

Perched above the sparkling waters of Mano Bay, Nagahamaso is a local favorite beloved for its seafood bowls brimming with the island’s seasonal bounty. Inside, tatami rooms open to panoramic views of Mano Bay, where guests can enjoy an unforgettable meal. The restaurant sources its ingredients directly from nearby fishermen, ensuring the fish you enjoy is as fresh as can be. Whether for lunch or dinner, relax and savor Sado’s coastal abundance at this restaurant while gazing out over the vast blue horizon.

Address
新潟県佐渡市大須 1021-1

Telephone Number
0259-55-2511

Taraibune tub-boats were originally crafted for shellfish and seaweed fishing, and today offer a unique way to explore Sado Island’s hidden coves. Gliding lightly over shallow waters, passengers are treated to close-up glimpses of the reefs and marine life below. Along the route near Yajima and Kyojima, a bright red bridge and tranquil islands unfold like a scene straight from Ghibli’s Spirited Away, while skippers in traditional straw hats and garments guide the boats with graceful side-to-side strokes of a single oar. This tub-boat ride immerses you in centuries of local culture, providing a magical perspective of Sado’s natural beauty. You can hop aboard this charming ride by purchasing tickets at the Yajima Taiken Koryukan Experience and Exchange Center!

Address
新潟県佐渡市 小木 365-1

Opening Times
8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Taraibune tub-boat operating hours)
Unavailable from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

"Kirarium Sado" is an information center to delve into the history of the World Heritage-listed Sado Island Gold Mines, and the good starting point.
As a gateway to the mines, Kirarium Sado will offer you both the historical value and attractions of the mines while using a lot of intriguing materials such as videos, paintings and so on. In this spot, you will also find recommended walking routes and tours to heritage sites and around.

Address
新潟県佐渡市相川三町目浜町18番地1

Telephone Number
0259-74-2215

Opening Times
8:30 am - 5:00 pm (last entry to the exhibition rooms at 4:30 pm)

The Sado Gold Mine served as Japan's largest gold and silver mine from 1601 to 1989. Remnants of its 400-year history, like tunnel ruins and mining facilities, have earned prestigious designations as National Important Cultural Properties, Historic Sites, and Heritages of Industrial Modernization. The site is also a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Sado Gold Mine offers two routes accessible without reservation, each taking around 30-40 minutes. For larger groups or those with a keen interest in history, guided tours are also recommended, which run from April to November and take 70-100 minutes (reservations required). One tour is for groups of 10 or more from elementary school and above, while the other is for smaller groups of up to 10, junior high school-aged or older.

Afterwards, head down to the Kitazawa Floatation Plant, a vital part of the Sado Gold Mine operations, and a popular photo spot reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's film Laputa: Castle in the Sky. It was the first location in Japan where copper production technology was successfully adapted for the extraction of gold and silver.

In the Kitazawa district of Aikawa, you’ll find a cluster of facilities - including a power plant and thickeners - that played a key role in the modernization of mining operations and are now collectively designated as a National Historic Site. The flotation ore-processing method, originally developed for copper production, was successfully adapted for extracting gold and silver here, marking the first practical application of this technique in Japan. During wartime, large-scale expansion plans led to major investments in equipment, enabling the facility to process more than 50,000 tons of ore per month. As a result, it was widely recognized as the largest of its kind in the East.

Address
新潟県佐渡市相川北沢町3-2

Telephone Number
0259-27-5000

Set in a spacious, renovated farmhouse, Sado Udon Aoi welcomes you to a tranquil escape where you can savor authentic Sado flavors while soaking in the warm ambiance. Its signature Sado udon is kneaded with locally harvested Nagamo seaweed, giving the noodles a delicate green hue and a smooth, silky texture, perfectly complemented by the restaurant’s specially crafted “tsuyu” dipping sauce. Pair it with seasonal specialties like Nanban shrimp rice, crispy “kakiage” Sado seafood tempura, and colorful snow crab appetizers - all included in the luxurious “Aoi” set - for a truly Sado-inspired feast. Each dish reflects the island of Sado, from the sea to the fields, and is prepared with care to delight both the eyes and the palate.

Address
新潟県佐渡市千種乙153-1

Telephone Number
0259-67-7678

Opening Times
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (last order 8:00 pm)

The Northern Culture Museum, originally built as the Ito family mansion over the course of eight years starting in 1882, is a masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture. Set on a vast 29,100-square-meter site, the museum also features a 3,967-square-meter building with 65 rooms, it embodies both grandeur and refinement. Wander through the 100-mat banquet hall, a spacious area designed with minimal pillars to create an open view that seamlessly connects the interior with the surrounding garden. This traditional garden reveals sublime beauty in every season, transforming into a vivid canvas of fiery reds and golds when autumn arrives. On one side of the main house, a 150-year-old wisteria bursts into fragrant purple bloom each spring, adding yet another layer of enchantment to the estate. The exhibition hall houses paintings, ceramics, calligraphy, and sculptures collected over generations, reflecting the family’s artistic taste and philosophy.

Address
新潟県新潟市江南区沢海2丁目15-25

Telephone Number
025-385-2001

Opening Times
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
From December to March: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Murakami’s deep connection with salmon spans over a millennium, shaping the town’s identity, history, and cuisine. This well preserved traditional town owes much of its legacy to the Miomote River, naturally rich in salmon and the site of the world’s first successful natural salmon propagation. The people of Murakami developed profound respect for the life of the salmon, cherishing every part, which inspired over 100 recipes.

At Sennen Sake Kikkawa, a store housed in a 130-year-old wooden building designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, visitors can witness this firsthand. Inside, roughly 1,000 salmon hang from the beams to naturally dry, creating a surreal sight. The shop’s meticulousness in the traditional fermentation and aging of the salmon reflect a devotion to preserving the authentic flavors of Murakami’s salmon cuisine.

A wide range of salmon-themed snacks and souvenirs are also available, letting visitors bring a taste of the region home with them!

Address
新潟県村上市大町1-20

Telephone Number
0254-53-2213

Opening Times
9:00 am - 5:30 pm