Sado Island

Niigata is known for its crested ibis.
Sado Island is rich in seasonal changes.
In fact, it is about 1.5 times the size of Tokyo’s 23 wards and Awaji Island,It is the largest island on the Sea of Japan side.

Four Seasons of Sado

spring

The Hina Festival heralds spring on Sado Island.
The island is decorated with gorgeous hina dolls from the Edo period to the present day, as well as simple clay dolls and other dolls that have watched over Sado Island.
Flowers are in full bloom all over the island as if they have been waiting for spring.
In late April, the mountain opening takes place, and in the Osado Mountains, visitors are greeted by clusters of katakuris and shirane-aoi (white mallow).

summer

Summer is a time of many events.
These include the “Yoinomai” (evening dance), in which people dance the Aikawa Ondo (dance song) down Kyomachi-dori Street, which is wrapped in the pale light of Bonbori lanterns, the Sado Ogi Tarai-bune and Sado Sazae Festival, and the three major festivals on Sado Island.
Marine sports such as sea bathing, diving, and sea kayaking are popular in the clear waters.
Camping in the great outdoors and trekking to visit natural cedars nestled in a mysterious forest are popular.

autumn

Autumn is the season of harvest.
The environmentally friendly Sado rice produced in the village where crested ibises coexist is known both inside and outside of Niigata Prefecture as one of the prefecture’s leading brand rice production areas.
The golden rice fields before the harvest are worth seeing in themselves. Autumn leaves turning red and yellow.
The Osado Skyline and Momijiyama Park are some of the best spots on the island for viewing the autumn leaves.

winter

This is the season when seafood is at its best.
The rough waves lapping against the shores of Mano Bay and Outer Kaifu, forming white foam and blowing in the strong winds, making the petals appear to be flying in the air, is a poetic winter scene.
Even in Niigata Prefecture, which is known as a snow country, Sado has high temperatures and low snowfall, and heavy snow does not often accumulate on the plains.
The dignified air and the light accumulation of snow on shrines and temples is a beautiful sight.