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

4 days 3 nights

Car

Set out on a journey through Niigata and Sado Island, where coastal beauty and centuries-old traditions intertwine. This itinerary takes you from the artisanal town of Tsubame, where copper craftsmanship still gleams today, to the historic streets of Murakami, famed for its 1,000-year salmon culture. Then cross the sea to Sado Island to experience the rhythmic power of Onidaiko drumming, drift over emerald waters in a traditional taraibune tub-boat, and wander the village of Shukunegi, designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. Savor regional delicacies, explore grand gardens, and immerse yourself in a world where culture, history, and nature exist in perfect harmony.

*Driving in Japan requires extra care.

Please refer to the link below for detailed requirements and conditions.

Self-Drive Travel in Niigata

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START

Tsubame-Sanjo Shinkansen Sta.

(Rent a car near Tsubame-Sanjo Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen line)
About a 10-minute drive from Tsubame-Sanjo Station.

Tsubame Industrial Museum

Uncover the artistry of Tsubame’s master metalworkers and create your own hammered copper tumbler at the Tsubame Industrial Museum, where centuries of craftsmanship still gleam today.

Renowned for its exceptional metalworking heritage, Tsubame City has been the heart of Japan’s cutlery and copperware production since the Edo period. At the Tsubame Industrial Museum, you can journey through centuries of craftsmanship - from ancient nail-making to contemporary design - and even try your hand at hammering copper yourself.

In the hands-on workshop, artisans guide you in creating your own copper tumbler, shaping it with each rhythmic strike of the hammer. The result is a piece as unique as your touch, perfect for enjoying sake or chilled drinks at home. With continued use, the colors and texture gradually change, allowing the vessel to develop a deeper, richer character over time.

Address
新潟県燕市大曲4330-1

Telephone Number
0256-63-7666

Opening Times
9:00 am - 4:30 pm (last admission for experiences is 30 minutes before closing)

About a 25-minute drive.

Kappou Oshokuji Yoshidaya

Savor the comforting flavors of Niigata at Kappo Oshokuji Yoshidaya, where steaming bowls of wappameshi showcase around a century of local culinary tradition.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Yahiko, Kappo Oshokuji Yoshidaya has delighted diners for over a century, and it is now led by its fifth-generation proprietress. The restaurant specializes in “wappameshi,” a local Niigata dish cooked in a round cedar “wappa” box. Rice infused with their special “dashi” stock - a recipe passed down since the restaurant’s founding - is topped with salmon, salmon roe, and various seasonal ingredients before being steamed to perfection. Using locally grown, high-quality Iyahiko rice, each box reveals a delicate balance of flavor, aroma, and texture. You can enjoy the hearty taste of Niigata in every bite.

Address
新潟県西蒲原郡弥彦村大字弥彦941-2

Telephone Number
0256-94-2020

Opening Times
10:30 am - 2:30 pm (last order 2:15 pm)
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (last order 8:00 pm)

About a 5-minute walk.

Yahiko Shrine

With a rich history spanning over 2,400 years, Yahiko Shrine stands as the leading spiritual site of Niigata Prefecture, affectionately called "Oyahiko-sama" by the locals.

Widely revered as the leading shrine of the Echigo region (the former name of Niigata), Yahiko Shrine, or Oyahiko-sama, draws over 200,000 worshippers for “hatsumode” (New Year's visit) each year. Its roots trace back more than 2,400 years, as documented in the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest poetry anthology. The shrine is believed to bring blessings in marriage, and is dedicated to Amenokagoyama no Mikoto, the great-grandchild of goddess Amaterasu.

Yahiko Shrine is easy to reach, being within walking distance of JR Yahiko Station or a short car ride from the Sanjo-Tsubame IC, with free parking available nearby. It is nestled within a stunning forest, full of giant majestic trees imbuing it with a sacred aura. While most renowned for autumn foliage, the shrine presents scenes of gorgeous nature and opportunities for forest bathing throughout the year.

Yahiko Shrine’s unique fireball stone is believed to tell whether or not your wish will come true based on its weight when heldーfeel free to give it a try! The shrine is one of the most popular attractions in Niigata Prefecture, so for a more serene experience, we suggest visiting in the early morning.

Amenokagoyama no Mikoto and his consort are enshrined at the summit of Mt. Yahiko. A 10-minute walk from the shrine leads to the Mt. Yahiko Ropeway station, offering easy access to the summit. A complimentary shuttle bus also runs from the shrine to the station. If you prefer driving, you can reach the summit via the Mt. Yahiko Skyline road.

About a 30-minute drive.

Takano Sake Brewery

Visit a long-established sake brewery where traditional craftsmanship meets modern sensibilities, and enjoy a guided tour of the brewing process followed by a sake tasting experience.

Founded in 1899, Takano Sake Brewery is a long-established sake brewery located in “Nishikan,” one of the world’s leading sake-brewing regions (an area that includes Nishi Ward and Nishikan Ward of Niigata City, as well as parts of the former Nishikanbara District). Using pristine water and high-quality sake rice from snowy Niigata, the brewery produces aromatic, delicate sake. While preserving traditional brewing methods passed down through generations, Takano Sake Brewery continues to pursue sake-making that incorporates modern sensibilities.

At the brewery, visitors can observe the sake-making process and experience up close the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of the brewers through a tour. Sake tastings are also available, allowing guests to learn about the depth of flavor created by differences in rice and water. The on-site shop, "KULABO," offers limited-edition sake available exclusively at the brewery, making it a popular destination for those looking to explore Japanese sake culture in greater depth.

[Brewery Tour Information]
・Availability: Year-round
・Tour Times:
(1) 11:00 am - 11:30 am
(2) 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
(3) 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
(4) 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
・Closing days: None
・Reservations: Required by 12:00 pm the day before

Address
新潟県新潟市西区木山24-1

Telephone Number
025-239-2046

Tour Times
(1) 11:00 am - 11:30 am
(2) 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
(3) 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
(4) 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

KULABO
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

About a 10-minute drive.

Sasaiwai Sake Brewery

Sample exceptional sake from a beloved local brewery in one of the world’s leading sake-brewing regions.

Founded in 1899, Sasaiwai Sake Brewery is located in “Nishikan,” one of the world’s leading sake-brewing regions facing the Sea of Japan (an area that includes Nishi Ward and Nishikan Ward of Niigata City, as well as parts of the former Nishikanbara District). Guided by the philosophy of brewing sake they believe is “delicious to drink right now,” the brewery has long produced sake that can be said to be the ultimate local sake, so much so that 90% of its production is consumed within the local community, making them one of the most beloved brews around. Inside the brewery, visitors can tour the sake-making facilities and take part in a tasting experience. Guests can learn about the traditional techniques carefully preserved by the brewers, as well as the brewery’s philosophy of sake-making that values harmony with nature, deepening their appreciation of Japanese sake.

[Brewery Tour Information]
・Availability: Year-round
・Tour Times: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
・Closing days: Monday - Friday (Tours are available on national holidays. For weekday tours, please inquire by phone.)
・Reservations: Required

Address
新潟県新潟市西蒲区松野尾3249

Telephone Number
0256-72-3982

Opening Times
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Tour Times
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

About a 40-minute drive to Furumachi.

GOAL

Furumachi Geigi and Kappo Cuisine

In Niigata’s Furumachi district, where the atmosphere of the historic geisha quarter still lingers, enjoy an elegant moment shaped by the warm hospitality of geigi and the flavors of the season.

Furumachi, located in Niigata City’s Chuo Ward, has been known since the Edo period (1603 - 1868) as a "hanamachi" geisha district where Furumachi "geigi" (the local term for geisha in Niigata) remain active to this day. Through refined dance and song, along with witty and engaging conversation, they welcome and captivate guests with their unique style of hospitality that blends formality with warmth.

At the many traditional restaurants in the Furumachi geisha district, guests can enjoy "kappo" cuisine made with seasonal ingredients alongside locally brewed sake, experiencing Niigata’s food culture through the graceful hospitality of the geigi. At these traditional dining venues where performing arts and cuisine come together, traditions and aesthetics shaped over generations continue to thrive, and the cultural heritage of the hanamachi is carefully preserved.

Address
新潟県新潟市中央区古町通

START

Niigata Port

Approximately 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours by car and car ferry (car ferry from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port).

Nagahamaso

Relish the taste of the Sea of Japan at Nagahamaso, a seaside restaurant on Sado Island where the day’s freshest catch becomes a feast for all the senses.

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

About a 30-minute drive to the Yajima Taiken Koryukan Experience and Exchange Center.

Yajima and Kyojima Exploration by Taraibune Tub-Boat

Step aboard a traditional Sado Island taraibune tub-boat and drift through a sparkling, emerald sea where rugged reefs, small islands, and a crimson bridge create a scene straight from a Ghibli movie.

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

About a 10-minute drive.

GOAL

Shukunegi

Venture into Shukunegi, Sado Island’s historic coastal village where narrow lanes and wooden houses evoke the quiet charm of a time when merchant ships ruled the seas.

Lying at the mouth of a peaceful inlet on Sado Island, Shukunegi flourished from the 17th to 19th centuries as a hub for merchant ships and shipbuilders. Over one hundred closely packed two-story wooden houses, built with protective “wrapping planks” to shield the houses against the sea breeze, line its maze-like streets, preserving the village’s historic charm. Designated as an Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, visitors can explore unique buildings suchs traditional shipowner's houses and the Triangle House. Built in a triangular shape to fit a narrow alley, it reflects the ingenuity of Shukunegi’s shipbuilders, who skillfully adapted their craftsmanship to the limited land.

Address
新潟県佐渡市宿根木

START

Shukunegi

Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes by car.

Kirarium Sado

Before exploring the site, stop by Kirarium Sado, a facility where you can experience the history and significance of the World Heritage-listed Sado Island Gold Mines through videos and scale models.

"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)

About a 10-minute drive.

Sado Gold Mine

Embark on a journey through the fascinating history of Japan's largest gold mine!

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.

About a 10-minute drive.

Kitazawa Flotation Plant

Experience Sado’s history at the largest flotation plant in the East! It’s a symbol of the island’s modern industrial heritage.

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

About a 30-minute drive.

Sado Udon Aoi

Delight in the flavors of Sado at this charming farmhouse restaurant, where locally harvested seaweed and fresh seafood transform udon noodles into a tribute to the island’s bounty.

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)

About a 50-minute drive.

GOAL

Onidaiko Demon Drumming Experience

Experience the energy of Sado’s Onidaiko! Learn the powerful demon drumming and dances that have protected Sado’s villages for centuries.

Onidaiko, or “Ondeko” in the local dialect, is a unique performing art found only on Sado Island. Preserved by over 120 villages, it features “oni” (ogre-like beings) dancing and pounding taiko drums to ward off evil and bring in prosperity, health, and bountiful harvests. Each village’s performance is distinct, with five main styles showcasing different rhythms, costumes, and choreography influenced by Noh, Kabuki, and “shishimai” lion dance.

Visitors can enter the vibrant world of Sado’s Onidaiko at Sadoya Nippon, an interactive workshop where a local performer shares fascinating stories and historical insights about the art. Guided by the performer, participants can try on oni masks and experience basic drumming and dance steps, feeling firsthand the energy of Onidaiko. Combined with videos and storytelling, this hands-on session grants an opportunity to connect with Sado’s living heritage in an engaging way.

Address
新潟県佐渡市新穂55番地

Telephone Number
0259-58-7337

START

Ryotsu Port

Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 50 minutes by car and car ferry (car ferry from Ryotsu Port to Niigata Port).

Northern Culture Museum

Step into the enchanting world of the Northern Culture Museum, where the grandeur of the Ito family residence, a serene garden, and magnificent art unveil the rich culture of Niigata.

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

Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes by car.

Sennen Sake Kikkawa

In Murakami, Japan’s “town of salmon”, a thousand years of culinary culture are lovingly preserved at Sennen Sake Kikkawa, where ancient techniques, respect for nature, and timeless flavors coexist beautifully.

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

About a 3-minute walk.

GOAL

Sennen Sake Kikkawa Izutsuya

Dine at Murakami’s first salmon specialty restaurant, Sennen Sake Kikkawa Izutsuya, where traditional salmon culture meets culinary mastery, taking you on a journey through the town’s flavors and history.

Sennen Sake Kikkawa Izutsuya, the first salmon specialty restaurant in Murakami, invites visitors to celebrate the rich flavors of the town’s 1,000-year salmon heritage. Housed in a historic building that once hosted Matsuo Basho, a famous Japanese haiku poet, and designated a Tangible Cultural Property, the restaurant offers a feast of traditional and innovative salmon dishes.

Guests can choose from sets ranging from 8 to 22 dishes, featuring delicacies such as smoky charcoal-grilled salmon and sake-marinated salmon with a firm, jerky-like texture. These are paired with local clay-pot Koshihikari rice and finished with a comforting “chazuke” broth of Murakami tea, soy sauce, and bonito flakes. The building’s historic charm elevates the experience, transporting you through time as you indulge in the flavors that define Murakami.

Address
新潟県村上市小町1-12

Telephone Number
0254-53-7700

Opening Times
11:00 am - 3:00 pm (last order 2:00 pm)

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