Spots List

Mt. Sakado

Mt. Sakado is a historic mountain in Minamiuonuma, famous as the former site of Sakado Castle, a formidable medieval fortress. It is a popular hiking destination known for its well-maintained trails and breathtaking views of the Uonuma Plain and the surrounding mountains. The mountain is particularly beautiful in spring when wild lilies and cherry blossoms bloom, attracting nature and history lovers alike.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Uonuma no Sato

Uonuma-no-Sato is a cultural and gastronomic complex managed by Hakkaisan Brewery, designed to share the lifestyle and flavors of the snowy Uonuma region. It features a massive "Yukimuro" (snow storage room) for aging sake, stylish restaurants, a bakery, and specialty shops. Visitors can experience the harmony between traditional wisdom and modern design while enjoying high-quality sake and local delicacies.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Zenibuchi Park

Zenibuchi Park is a beautiful historical park in Minamiuonuma, located at the foot of Mt. Sakado. It features a traditional Japanese garden with a large pond, historic buildings relocated from the region, and monuments dedicated to local heroes. The park is especially stunning during the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant foliage in autumn, offering a peaceful space for a cultural stroll.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring

Echigo Oyu Onsen

Echigo Oyu Onsen

Echigo-Oyu Onsen is one of the oldest and most historic hot spring resorts in the Uonuma area, with roots dating back over 1,300 years. Nestled in a valley along the Sanashi River, it offers high-quality thermal waters and a nostalgic atmosphere. It is a popular base for exploring the surrounding mountains and enjoying the quiet beauty of Niigata’s heavy snow country.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Gensen Yu no Yado Kairi

Gensen Yu no Yado Kairi

Gensen-yu no Yado Kairi is a welcoming hot spring inn in Echigo-Oyu Onsen known for its abundant flow of natural hot spring water. Guests can enjoy a variety of baths, including spacious indoor pools and scenic open-air baths. The inn prides itself on serving delicious local cuisine featuring Uonuma’s famous rice and seasonal delicacies, providing a rejuvenating stay.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oritate Onsen

Oritate Onsen is a peaceful hot spring resort in Uonuma, nestled along the banks of the Sano River. Known for its gentle, skin-friendly waters and quiet atmosphere, it has long been a favorite spot for travelers looking to heal their bodies and relax in nature. The surrounding landscape offers beautiful seasonal views, particularly during the fresh green and autumn foliage seasons.

Niigata
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Meguro Residence

Meguro Residence

Meguro-tei is a grand, historic residence of a wealthy farming family, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Built in the late Edo period, its massive thatched roof and robust wooden structure reflect the region's traditional response to heavy snowfall. The interior features historic rooms and a traditional hearth (irori), offering a rare look into the prestigious rural life of old Niigata.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Aburumagawa Dam

Aburumagawa Dam

Aburuma-gawa Dam is a majestic dam famous for the "Snowmelt Mirror" (Yuki-nagare) phenomenon in early spring. As the snow melts, massive ice blocks float on the emerald green water, creating a mystical and rare landscape that attracts photographers from all over Japan. The surrounding mountains and lush greenery provide a peaceful backdrop for nature observation.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Uonuma City

Uonuma City is world-renowned for producing the highest quality Koshihikari rice in Japan, thanks to its heavy snowfall and pure mountain water. Surrounded by majestic mountains like Mt. Echigo-Komagatake, the city offers spectacular natural scenery, famous hot spring resorts, and a rich food culture. It is a premier destination for those seeking authentic rural beauty and the best flavors of Niigata.

Niigata
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sado Ogi Coast

The Ogi Coast on the southern tip of Sado is famous for its dramatic volcanic rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is the best place to experience the traditional "Taraibune" (tub boat) rides, which were originally used for collecting seaweed and shellfish. The coast offers stunning sea caves and rugged landscapes that showcase the island's unique geological history.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryotsu Port

Ryotsu Port is the main gateway to Sado Island, serving as the primary terminal for ferries arriving from Niigata City. The port area is bustling with travelers and features various shops selling local souvenirs and fresh seafood. It is the starting point for many adventures on the island, offering a lively atmosphere and beautiful views of Lake Kamo and the surrounding mountains.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Onogame Kanzo (Daylilies)

Onogame Kanzo (Daylilies)

Onogame is famous for its vast fields of Amur lilies (Kanzou), which blanket the green slopes of this massive monolithic rock in early summer. Approximately 1 million lilies bloom in June, creating a stunning sea of orange flowers against the backdrop of the deep blue Sea of Japan. It is one of the most iconic and picturesque seasonal landscapes on Sado Island.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hiranezaki Potholes

Hiranezaki Potholes

Hiranezaki Pot Holes is a fascinating geological site on the coast of Sado where countless circular holes, or "potholes," have been carved into the flat coastal rocks by wave action over centuries. It is designated as a National Natural Monument. The dramatic contrast between the unique rock formations and the crashing blue waves of the Sea of Japan makes it a spectacular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Donden Highlands

Donden Highlands

Donden Highland is a vast plateau located 900 meters above sea level in the northern mountain range of Sado. It is famous for its panoramic 360-degree views, cattle grazing in the meadows, and vibrant displays of alpine flowers. It is a premier spot for trekking and stargazing, offering a majestic and peaceful mountain retreat.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Z-zaka Slope (Z-slope)

Z-zaka Slope (Z-slope)

Z-zaka, or the "Z-Slope," is a unique and famous stretch of road along the coast of Sado known for its dramatic Z-shaped curve on a steep hillside. It offers a spectacular vantage point for driving and cycling, with breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan and the rugged coastline as the road winds sharply up the terrain.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Aoneba Valley

Aoneba Valley is a lush and scenic valley on Sado Island known as a prime trekking destination. The valley is particularly famous for its incredible diversity of wildflowers and native flora that bloom along the trail. It offers a cool and refreshing environment for hikers to enjoy the island's unique mountain ecology and pristine natural beauty.

Niigata
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shukunegi Village

Shukunegi Village

Shukunegi is a historic port village on the southern tip of Sado, famous for its unique architecture and its history as a shipbuilders' town. The narrow streets are lined with approximately 100 wooden houses built with ship-building techniques, including the iconic "Triangle House." It offers a nostalgic and well-preserved atmosphere of Japan’s maritime past.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Senkaku-wan Ageshima Yuen

Senkaku-wan Ageshima Yuen

Futatsugame, meaning "Two Turtles," features two massive rocks in the sea that resemble turtles crouching in the water. This scenic spot is known for its exceptionally clear waters and is selected as one of Japan’s best beaches for swimming. During low tide, a sandbar appears, allowing visitors to walk across to the rocks.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryuo-do Cave

Onogame is a massive monolithic rock towering 167 meters above the Sea of Japan at the northern tip of Sado. It is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and is particularly famous for its vast fields of orange Amur lilies (Kanzou) that bloom in early summer, creating a spectacular contrast against the blue ocean.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Iwakubi Shoryu Rice Terraces

Iwakubi Shoryu Rice Terraces

Senkaku-wan Ageshima Yuen is a scenic park overlooking the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters of Senkaku Bay. Visitors can enjoy glass-bottom boat tours to see the underwater life, explore the local aquarium, and walk along the breathtaking cliffside paths. It is a premier coastal destination that showcases the rugged beauty of Sado’s shores.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ogura Senmaida Rice Terraces

Ogura Senmaida Rice Terraces

Ogura Senmaida is a stunning landscape of terraced rice fields located on the slopes of Mt. Kuninaka. These small, intricate paddies showcase the traditional wisdom of Japanese agriculture. The view changes beautifully with the seasons, from the reflection of water in spring to the lush green of summer and the golden harvest in autumn.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kasugazaki Cape

Kasugazaki Cape

Kasugazaki is a scenic cape on the west coast of Sado Island, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Sea of Japan. It is particularly famous as one of the best sunset spots on the island, where the silhouette of the rugged coastline and stone lanterns create a mystical and peaceful atmosphere as the sky turns gold.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks)

Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks)

Meoto Iwa, or the "Husband and Wife Rocks," are two massive volcanic rocks standing side-by-side in the sea off the coast of Sado. Representing a happy marriage, they are a symbolic landmark of the island. The area is also famous for its clear waters and as a scenic spot to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Sea of Japan.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Doyu-no-warito (Split Mountain)

Doyu-no-warito (Split Mountain)

Doyu-no-Warito is the iconic symbol of the Sado Gold Mine, a mountain split in half by centuries of manual open-cast mining. This dramatic V-shaped silhouette is a testament to the immense history of gold mining on the island. Visitors can view the split mountain from observation points or explore the nearby mining tunnels to learn about historical techniques.

Niigata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter