SADO ISLAND

Located in the Sea of Japan, Sado is the second largest island in Japan after Okinawa Island outside of the four main islands. It has an area of about 1.5 times that of Tokyo’s 23 wards. The Sado Gold Mine discovered in 1601 was an important financial resource for the Edo Shogunate and is now a popular tourist site offering many fun activities, such as gold panning, sailing in tub boats (tarai-bune), and observing the toki (Japanese Crested Ibis), which was designated as a Special Natural Monument. Contrary to general belief, winter on Sado Island is mild, with relatively little snow. Although the days of the gold rush are long gone, you can still find lots of jewels on the island, including more than 30 Noh stages that account for a third of the total in Japan and the International Art Festival, hosted by a world famous taiko group since a few decades ago.