Mikuni Kaido – The Sado Golden Trail Through Lush Nature and World Heritage Sites

The terraced rice paddies that grace the landscape of Tokamachi in Niigata Prefecture are the epitome of the Niigata countryside and flaunt the timeless wisdom of the region’s ancestors. On this tour, you'll gaze upon the renowned Hoshitouge Terraced Rice Fields, the most famous of Tokamachi's rice terraces, from an area typically inaccessible to tourists.

As you tread along the age-old mountain trail, once traversed by local villagers, an experienced outdoor guide will tell you tales of the countryside and life in snow country—all in English. On occasion, you may even encounter villagers engaged in their agricultural labors. The tour fee includes a donation aimed at preserving these priceless landscapes.

Tour period: Spring - Autumn (a different course will be offered in winter)
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Meeting point: Gather at Hokuhoku-Oshima Station on the Hokuhoku Line.
Tour will start from Hokuhoku-Oshima Station and head towards the Hoshitouge Terraced Rice Fields.

The Echigo-Tsumari region of Niigata (covering Tokamachi City and the town of Tsunan) is the stage of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, an outdoor art festival held once every three years. The area is named the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, and even outside of the festival period, you’ll encounter all sorts of artworks showcasing the charm and culture of the region, which aim to attract visitors, create worldwide fame, and revitalize its rural communities.

Backed by the seasonal countryside scenery, these artworks are found scattered through the land, exhibited in unique galleries, and even arranged in abandoned schools and houses, all in all totaling over 200 pieces. Visit to uncover this one-of-a-kind blend of nature and art!

The Yukiguni Uonuma Golden Cycle Route (GCR) is a 193-kilometer cycling course connecting the towns of Yuzawa, Minami Uonuma, and Uonuma. This captivating journey takes you through quintessential Japanese landscapes, where traditional rice paddies meet snow-capped peaks, immersing you in the unique culture and character of Japan's snow country. It is dotted with inviting rest stops, including roadside stations, natural hot springs, and local eateries where you can savor regional specialties. Take your time to explore this magnificent route at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to discover hidden gems along the way.

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The Sado Geopark encompasses the entire Sado Island, offering visitors an extraordinary journey through time. Here, you can explore ancient volcanic formations and tectonic activity that shaped the land, observe diverse flora and fauna, and discover how generations of inhabitants have lived in harmony with their natural surroundings.

The island showcases remarkable geological features, including 300-million-year-old rock formations, dramatic cliffs carved by ancient seas, and the historic gold and silver veins that have earned the island its World Heritage status. At the island's heart lies a fertile plain of rice paddies, home to numerous species including the iconic crested ibis, an internationally protected bird.

Let's begin our Sado adventure at Lake Kamo, a key feature of the Sado Geopark that’s conveniently located near Ryotsu Port.

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Lake Kamo in Sado City is a unique brackish water lake connected to Ryotsu Port. Discover the natural beauty of Sado Island from a new perspective as you glide across these peaceful waters! The lake's sheltered location means calmer conditions with minimal waves and wind, making it perfect for beginners. Unlike ocean kayaking, you can enjoy this activity for a longer season throughout the year.

Your adventure begins at the Kamoko Boat House, the hub for all lake activities. After getting fitted with life jackets and learning paddling techniques, you'll be ready to go! Feel the gentle breeze as you paddle across the tranquil lake - it's an incredibly refreshing experience.

Thanks to its convenient location near Ryotsu Port, it's the perfect activity to squeeze in between hotel checkout and your ferry departure!

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Welcome to Kirariumu Sado, the visitor information center that brings the fascinating story of Sado's precious metal mines to life. Through innovative multimedia displays and dynamic visual presentations, you'll discover the rich heritage and historical significance of these remarkable mines. Start your journey here to gain valuable insights that will enhance your exploration of the actual mining sites.

The centerpieces of the facility are the state-of-the-art theater and interactive displays, showcasing the mines' impressive history and operations. Detailed guide maps and a convenient mobile app are available to support self-guided tours of the historic sites and local townscape.

The Sado Gold Mine's history stretches back to the 11th century, standing as one of Japan's most significant gold mines until its closure in 1989, playing a crucial role in Japan's modernization. Among the many remnants of this prosperous era on Sado Island, the Kitazawa Fuyusenkoba Remains stand as a remarkable testament to this industrial heritage. Construction began in 1936, pioneering Japan's first use of the flotation method for processing gold and silver ore. During World War II, substantial investments transformed it into Asia's largest facility of its kind, capable of processing over 50,000 tons of ore monthly. Today, visitors can explore the expansive grounds where industrial history meets natural beauty, creating an atmospheric site that captures the imagination.

Deep in the Osado Mountains, where peaks rise above 1,000 meters, lies one of Japan's rare virgin cedar forests. These ancient giants have weathered Sado's harsh elements for centuries, each tree sculpted into extraordinary forms by nature's hand. Marvel at their powerful silhouettes, uniquely shaped by fierce winter winds and heavy snowfall, creating a natural art gallery of twisted trunks and weathered branches.

While you can explore some areas independently along marked trails, Sado also offers guided tours (advance reservation required) to restricted zones of this primeval forest. Join to experience these natural wonders up close and witness the remarkable artistry of time and the elements.

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Ozare Falls is a magnificent waterfall that cascades down the Sotokaifu coastline, making a dramatic 70-meter descent to the sea below. Watch in awe as the powerful stream thunders down 100-meter-high cliffs, carved over millennia by coastal erosion. The best way to appreciate the full grandeur of the falls is by boat, viewing it from the sea. From this vantage point, you'll witness an unforgettable scene: the mighty waterfall crashing into the ocean spray, framed by the striking red arch of the Kaifu Ohashi bridge above. Don't miss the chance to also take in the stunning coastal views from the bridge itself.

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Experience the majesty of Sado's volcanic coastline on two wheels! The Ogi Coast cycling route is a 17.8-kilometer journey that takes about 2.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace of 15 km/h. Along the way, you'll discover some of Sado's most stunning coastal vistas, as well as get a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.

Your journey begins at Marine Plaza Ogi (Minami Sado Tourist Information Center), conveniently located near Ogi Port and serving as the hub for South Sado tourism. E-bikes are available for rent here.

The Ogi Coast route takes you to several fascinating stops: try riding in Sado's famous "tub boats" at Yajima and Kyojima islands, explore the historic shipping town of Shukunegi with its preserved traditional architecture, take in breathtaking ocean views from Chojaga Bridge, and even experience traditional Japanese drumming at the Sado Island Taiko Centre (reservation required).

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If you're looking to experience the art of taiko drumming in Japan, Sado Island Taiko Centre (Tatakokan) is the perfect destination! With guidance from Kodo, an internationally acclaimed taiko group rooted in Sado Island, you can discover the joy of taiko through games and performances. Be sure to make a reservation at least three days in advance through the official website.

The center also boasts an impressive display of taiko drums of all sizes, including one meticulously handcrafted by Kodo members from a zelkova tree estimated to be around 600 years old. After your taiko experience, take some time to relax at T's Cafe with drinks and light meals while soaking in the picturesque Osado Mountains and Mano Bay.

Established in 1892, Obata Sake Brewery is the second oldest among the five sake breweries on Sado Island. The brewery's guiding philosophy revolves around the harmonious blend of four treasures: rice, water, people, and the unique essence of Sado, where the sake is brewed.

The brewery's flagship sake, “Manotsuru,” has received numerous accolades in both domestic and international sake competitions. It is enjoyed not only in Japan but also distributed across 15 countries, including the United States and Hong Kong. When visiting, be sure to watch the video showcasing the brewing process for an in-depth look at the art of sake production. Then, indulge in a sake tasting session, and find a bottle that suits your palate to bring back home.