# Sado Island

> Japan's sixth largest island with gold mines, traditional performing arts, and rugged coastal scenery.

- Prefecture: Niigata
- Type: Attraction
- Address: Sado, Niigata, Japan

Sado Island, located off the coast of Niigata, is a place of remarkable cultural heritage and natural beauty. The island is famous for its historic gold and silver mines at Sado Kinzan, which operated for nearly 400 years and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sado is also home to the Kodo taiko drumming troupe and hosts the annual Earth Celebration festival. Visitors can ride the unique tarai-bune tub boats in Ogi Port, explore dramatic coastal rock formations along the Senkaku Bay, and encounter the endangered Japanese crested ibis at the Toki Forest Park.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Sado Island?

From Niigata Port take the jetfoil (~67 min) or car ferry (~2.5 h) to Ryotsu Port. Niigata is about 2 hours from Tokyo by Joetsu Shinkansen.

### What is Sado Island known for?

It is known for the Sado gold mine that funded the shogunate (a UNESCO World Heritage site), taraibune tub-boat rides, the endangered toki (crested ibis), and the Earth Celebration festival of the Kodo taiko drummers.

### How should I get around Sado?

The island is large, so renting a car is by far the easiest option. Buses exist but are infrequent, so plan your routes ahead if relying on them.

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Source: Sado Island — Japan Voyage