Explore Niigata’s Gold Island and Mountain Worship Religion

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.

Mt. Myoko stands at 2,454m and is surrounded by a wealth of natural hot springs. The mountain is opened on July 1 every year and from summer through to autumn it is visited by many climbers and trekkers. Its dynamic form and landscape have resulted in it being chosen as one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. From the summit of this composite volcano with large rocks scattered here and there you can look down on Lake Nojiri and enjoy 360-degree views. Mt. Myoko is also known as Shumisen, after the sacred Mt. Meru of Buddhist cosmology that is said to stand at the centre of Buddhist teachings. It is also known as the “Mt. Fuji of Echigo.”
Along the mountains of the Myoko range if the weather takes a turn for the worse it is not unusual for snow or sleet to fall even in midsummer, making it a challenging mountain range equivalent to higher mountains of 3,000m or more. For beginners and experts alike it is best to make a climbing plan that is not too strenuous and matches the capabilities and physical strength of all members of your climbing party. Mt. Myoko is also classed as an active volcano, so don’t forget to submit a mountain climbing notification before you set off.

An hour's hike along the Mount Myoko trail from Tsubame Onsen in Myoko City brings you to a remarkable sight in North Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the source of Akakura's famous hot springs: two magnificent waterfalls! The upper Shomyo Falls has a 60-meter drop, and the lower Komyo Falls plunges 40 meters. Together, they create an impressive 100-meter curtain of water that dramatically cascades down the mountainside.

What makes these falls truly unique is their geothermal nature - the air is rich with the scent of sulfur, and the surrounding rocks have been transformed into striking whites and rusty browns by mineral deposits.

Don't miss the chance to dip your hands or feet into the naturally heated waters and feel the earth's warmth flowing from deep below.

The Myoko-Kogen Visitor Center is full of exhibits showcasing the characteristics of the surrounding National Park and information on how to enjoy it. Stopping by will help facilitate new discoveries amongst the wealth of surrounding nature.

Located at the base of Mt. Myoko (2,454 meters), the Visitor Center is known for its impressive views. On clear days, you’ll even see reflections of the towering mountain on Imori Pond, which has an impressive 500-meter circumference, all visible from the walking paths.

You can kick back and unwind in the lounge, and then join activities and events designed to ensure you make the most of Myoko-Kogen.

Rising 2,454 meters into the sky, Mount Myoko was once so sacred that climbing it was forbidden. At its southern peak stands a shrine to Myoko Daijin, the mountain's deity.

Ancient people likely stood in awe of this otherworldly landscape, with its massive volcanic rocks and valleys filled with sulfurous steam. For those who couldn't ascend the sacred peak, Sekiyama Shrine was established in 708 as a place of worship at the mountain's base.

Within the shrine grounds lies the Sekiyama Hozoin Garden, a nationally designated scenic treasure. This masterpiece of Japanese landscape design incorporates rocks, waterfalls, and flowing water, using Mount Myoko as its backdrop to create a profound expression of mountain worship.

The shrine complex also preserves numerous Buddhist statues and stone carvings that reflect the mountain's spiritual significance. Each July, the shrine hosts a spectacular Fire Festival, continuing the traditions of Shugendo - a uniquely Japanese spiritual tradition that blends mountain worship with elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto.

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