Osado Skyline route
Starting out from Kanaishinbo, once you pass the Shinbogawa Dam the route becomes a Ministry of Defense-administered road. The view from the observation deck of the Exchange Center Hakuundai is outstanding, a vista of the four seasons, none more so than the early summer greens and autumn foliage. Apart from the starting point and the finish - and Hakuundai - there are no vending machines or shops along the route. Beware of oncoming large buses as you descend toward Aikawa and never cross the center line. Why not visit the Sado Gold Mine tourist attraction about the Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine that is pushing for World Heritage Site inscription?
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Distance: 26.4km
- Approximate time required (at an average speed of 15km/h): 2h 36mn
- Elevation gain: 1,078m
- Highest point: 942m
- Starting point: Kanaishinbo
- Finish: Aikawa
1. Introduction to the route
2. Route highlights
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Osado Skyline
A scenic drive of some 30km. The highest point is above 900m, offering views over the entire island from Mano Bay, Ryotsu Bay and Kuninaka Plain to the Kosado Mountains.
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Otowa Pond
About 600 meters along a trail starting at the sign on the Osado Skyline, you will find this Niigata Prefecture Natural Monument - the mysterious Otowa Pond. Out in the middle is a floating island of moss with a heart-shaped hole in the middle that induces a romantic ambiance and according to legend, is actually holding the island afloat.
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Kitazawa Fuyusenkoba Remains
Kitazawa district in Aikawa has a large number of facilities that helped to modernize mining here including a power plant and a thickener (designated National Historic Site).
3. Useful information
Cycle station
Cycling facilities (bike racks) around Sado's hotels, restaurants and tourist information centers providing free air pumps and tools for simple repairs.