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Sado Island

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Overview

Sado Island (佐渡ヶ島 Sadogashima) is an island off the coast of Niigata in the Chubu region of Japan. The whole island forms a municipality, Sado City. The historical gold mines of the island became a cultural UNESCO World

Wikivoyage guide · 17 sections

▸Introduction243 chars

▸Understand2,131 chars

Long a remote place of exile for political dissidents, including a deposed monarch, Emperor Juntoku, and the Buddhist monk Nichiren, Sado experienced a boom during the Edo era when gold was found at Aikawa. A major source of revenue for the Tokugawa shogunate that at one time accounted for as much as a fifth of the world's gold production, the mines were worked in horrific conditions by what amounted to slave labor, consisting largely of homeless people rounded up from the mainland. In 1897, the mines were sold to Mitsubishi, who kept up production and during World War 2 forcibly imported around 2,000 Koreans to work shifts of up to 16 hours per day. Only in 1989 did the mines finally close their doors.

Despite this grim history, today's Sado is a pleasant summer getaway of rocky coasts, green hills and quaint fishing ports, with a permanent population of 50,000 (2022). Shaped a bit like an anvil, the largest town 1 Ryōtsu (両津) is nestled in the eastern gap. 2 Ogi (小木) is on the southern coast, while the former gold-mining town of 3 Aikawa (相川) lies to the north.

Although the island has been populated for millennia, a large area of Sado (especially outside the central plain) remains uninhabited. Road access for the Northeastern part of the island can become problematic in the winter after heavy snow. The mountainous geography of the island certainly accounts for this.

The northern half of the island is covered with the Ō-Sado mountain range (大佐渡), the southern with the Ko-sado (小佐渡) mountain range, the Osado range being higher (with peaks over 1000 m). In between, the Kuninaka (国仲) plain is covered with rice fields and is more heavily populated.

Facts

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Coordinates

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage

Media

From Wikipedia2,661 words

Introduction

Island off the coast of Niigata, Japan You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Japanese.  (February 2022) Click [show] for important translation instructions. View a machine-translated version of the Japanese article. Machine translation, like DeepL or Google Translate, is a useful starting point for translations, but translators must follow the LLM translation guideline, revise errors as necessary and confirm that the translation is accurate, rather than simply copy-pasting machine-translated text into the English Wikipedia. Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. If possible, verify the text with references provided in the foreign-language article. You must provide copyright attribution in the edit summary accompanying your translation by providing an interlanguage link to the source of your translation. A model attribution edit summary is Content in this edit is translated from the existing Japanese Wikipedia article at [[:ja:佐渡島]]; see its history for attribution. You may also add the template {{Translated|ja|佐渡島}} to the talk page. For more guidance, see Wikipedia:Translation. Sado IslandNative name: 佐渡島Topographic map of Sado IslandInteractive map of Sado IslandGeographyLocationJapanese archipelagoCoordinates38°04′03″N 138°23′51″E / 38.06750°N 138.39750°E / 38.06750; 138.39750Area854.76 km2 (330.02 sq mi)Highest elevation1,172 m (3845 ft)Highest pointMount Kinpoku [ja]AdministrationSado, Niigata, Japan Sado Island (佐渡島, Sado(ga)shima; Japanese pronunciation: [sa.do.ɡaꜜ.ɕi.ma, -do.ŋaꜜ-]) is an island located in the eastern part of the Sea of Japan, under the jurisdiction of Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, with a coastline of 262.7 kilometres (163.2 mi). In October 2017, Sado Island had a population of 55,212 people. Sado Island covers an area of 854.76 km2 (330.02 sq mi), and is the sixth largest island in Japan, excluding the disputed Southern Kurils. The shortest distance between Sado Island and Honshu is 32 km (20 mi). The highest peak on Sado Island is Mount Kinpoku, with an elevation of 1,172 m (3,845 ft).

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The weather is pleasant in the summer, but winters can be harsh. It does not get outrageously cold, but it can get rather windy, and it often snows. Transportation to and on the island can be affected, with canceled ferries and roads closed.

Overall, visitors to Sado will enjoy its nice rural landscapes and its relative "remoteness" from the frenzy of the mainland. It is precisely the kind of old and rural Japan that some travel long distances for.

▸Tourist information site60 chars

The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.

▸By plane256 chars

Sado's airport has no scheduled service. Occasional talk of revivals or even extending the runway to allow direct flights from Tokyo have so far come to naught, but Toki Air has announced that they intend to start flights from Tokyo-Narita in summer 2025.

▸By boat906 chars

Two ferry lines link the island to the mainland:

Niigata-Ryōtsu, the most heavily used lines

Car ferries ¥2,380, 2.5 hours, every 3 hours

Jet ferries ¥6,390, 1 hour, every 2 hours

Naoetsu-Ogi, ¥3,780, 1.7 hours, 3 times daily

Services may be increased for festivals and cut back in the winter or in adverse weather. Prices above are for second class. Renting a blanket costs an extra ¥100. The future of the Naoetsu-Ogi line is uncertain, travelers would be wise to check beforehand that it's still running. A third line between Teradomari and Akadomari is still mentioned in some places on the official website, but has been permanently canceled since May 2019.

The jet ferries have only one class. On car ferries almost everyone uses 2nd class with access to the lower two decks. You can lie down on hard carpet floor or sit on plastic chairs on the second deck. All lines are operated by Sado Kisen.

▸Get around733 chars

Hitchhiking is a fairly good means of getting around. (There are no bears on Sado Island.)

You might want to consider renting a car (some rent a car in Ryōtsu after getting off the ferry). Although the island is not very large, the coastal scenic roads are quite windy. A round-the-island drive following the coastal road would be over 250 km long, and take at least a day.

Bicycle is an option, but accessing the more remote outer coasts, where some major tourist spots are located, will require you to climb some strenuous passages. Electric bicycle rental is available at the Sagata bus center, at Aikawa Orito, and in other places. Prices start from ¥500 for the first hour and increase by ¥200 per hour, capped at ¥2000 per day.

▸O-Sado/Aikawa2,034 chars

1 Sado Gold Mine (佐渡金山 Sado Kinzan) (3 km from Aikawa), gsado@sado-kinzan.com. Daily 08:00-17:30 (15:00 in winter). A former gold and silver mine, features two courses. Sohdayu Tunnel: ¥900, Dohyu Tunnel: ¥900, both: ¥1400. (updated May 2019)The first and older tunnel is Sohdayu Tunnel (Edo period). It displays various moving puppets imitating work of the miners and has a museum at the exit where you can lift a real gold bar. The most important information is translated into English, Japanese texts are more elaborate though. As it's getting quite chilly inside, bringing a jacket is advised. Estimated time: 30 minutesThe second tunnel, Dohyu Tunnel, was created during the Meiji period, and was operated until 1989. It contains two shafts that don't go deep and a museum featuring mining equipment (texts only in Japanese). Estimated time: 40 minutes

Sado's coastline is quite scenic, full of rocks, cliffs, gorges and more. Particularly well known are the Sotokaifu Coast (外海府海岸) and its Senkaku Bay (尖閣湾), to the north of Aikawa.

The huge Ōno-game (大野亀) rock (over 160 m high) is on the northern coast of the island, with a small sand stretch joining it to the mainland. In this area is also located the Futatsu-game formation (二つ亀), two islands said to look like two turtles. Between Futatsu-game and Ono-game lies a Sainokawara (賽の河原), a limbo for dead children according to Buddhist mythology. This spooky place is located at the entrance of a cave, dotted with small statues and dolls, right on the coastline.

The windy Ō-Sado Skyline road, joining Kanai(金井) and Aikawa (相川), climbs through the slopes of Mt Kinpoku (金北山 Kinpoku-san) for some very nice views of the whole of the island, especially around the spot called Hakuundai (白雲台). The road is closed during winter (end of November to April). The area around the summit of Mt Kinpoku is a restricted area under the supervision of the Japanese Self-Defense forces. It is possible to treck from the road to the summit, but necessary authorizations should be obtained.

▸Kuninaka1,544 chars

There are a number of temples connected with the Nichiren faith on the island, including Konponji (根本寺), built on the location of his exile, Myōsenji (妙宣寺) and Myōshōji (妙照寺).

Close to Konponji, Seisuiji (清水寺) is a Sado version of the Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto. The Japanese characters are the same... for a good reason: the temple was built for locals to be able to pray in Kiyomizudera without having to travel to Kyoto.

Mano Goryo (真野御陵), in Mano, is actually the resting place of the (enshrined) Emperor Juntoku.

Sado History and Traditional Museum (佐渡歴史伝説館), ☏ +81 259-55-2525, fax: +81 259-55-2139, srdk@cocoa.ocn.ne.jp. Apr-Nov: 08:30-17:00; Dec-Mar: 09:00-16:30. Close to Mano Goryo is a small museum about local legends, with displays from the craft master Sasaki Shodo. One of the tourist "attractions" (for a lack of better word) is the former US soldier Charles Jenkins, who as of 2008 works at the souvenir shop of the museum. You will probably recognize him after the dozens of photographs with Japanese TV celebrities found all over the place, and many tourists pose with him.

Sado Toki Preservation Center (佐渡トキ保護センター). Sado is home of the Toki (Japanese Crested Ibis), however there are no wild ibis left in Sado (the last known wild Japan-born Japanese Crested Ibis died in 2003), so visitors should head for the Sado Toki Preservation Center in order to watch the famed birds (from afar). The center is in Niibo, roughly in the middle of the island. In 2006 there were about 100 ibis on the premises. (updated Feb 2017)

▸Kosado/Ogi1,296 chars

Between Mano and Ogi on the road to Akadomari, look for the Nashinoki-jizo (梨の木地蔵), a small shadowy place in the woods dotted with hundreds of small statues or jizo, to which local fishermen pay their respect and which are said to cure the disease of children.

The Ogi Coast (小木海岸), near the town of the same name, although not as rugged as the Northern coast, is nevertheless very enjoyable. Take your time and visit the Rengebu-ji temple (蓮華峰寺) near the town.

On the south coast, close to Ogi, lies the small and picturesque harbour of Shukunegi (宿根木) with traditional wooden houses reminiscent of the Edo period. This settlement is close to Yajima-Kyōjima (矢島経島), one of the most famous places on the island to try Taraibune (see Do section)

West of Ogi and very close to town itself is the Sadokoku Ogi Folk Museum (佐渡国小木民俗博物館), housing hundreds of everyday life items from old and less old times. The display is somewhat chaotic, but it is still an interesting place to visit. The museum also houses a full-scale replica of a 19th-century freight vessel, with plenty of explanations about the role of Sado as a major stop on old naval routes.

In Hamochi (羽茂) near Ogi, Marudai, a Miso maker offers the possibility to visit a Miso production facility, with a small Miso museum. Entry is free.

▸Do1,902 chars

The Earth Celebration is a yearly arts festival run by the taiko (Japanese drumming) group Kodō since 1988. Performers from around the world join the event, culminating in Kodo's famously physical drumming performances on the bass-laden Ō-daiko (great drum). The group lives and works out in spartan conditions on the island year-round, and once ran from the finish line of Boston Marathon onto stage for a performance. Tickets are pricey (¥4000+) but well worth it. Book early as only 1000 are sold — the concerts are all acoustic and would not support more. The event takes place in the Ogi area, in late August.

For a more tame experience, take a spin (literally) in one of Ogi's tarai-bune, tiny little boats inconveniently shaped like barrels and rented out to tourists by the hour. Close to Ogi Yajima-Kyōjima is also a famous spot at which to tarai-bune.

There is a (very) small ski field in Kanai, with three lifts.

Sado hosts an International Triathlon each year the first Sunday of September, with around 1700 participants from Japan and overseas.

Although Sado is far from being a tropical island, you can bring your bathing suit in the summer and take a short swim at the beach in Sawata or in the northern tip of the island. Diving in Sado is quite popular and there are a few diving centers, in the Ogi area and Senego.

Ogi Diving Center.

Trekking is very enjoyable in the O-sado mountain range (Northern range of the island). You need a permit to walk in the area around the summit of Mt. Kinpoku. The permit is easy to obtain.

If you are in the mood, try to learn the simple steps of Sado traditional dance, the Okesa (おけさ). If you are lucky enough to be on the island for one of its many festivals, it is highly probable you will witness an Okesa. You may also see other typical dances, such as the Tsuburosashi, a fertility dance with evident phallic symbols and suggestive moves.

▸Buy318 chars

The multitude of shops at the ferry terminal in Ryotsu should cover your basic needs for tourist souvenirs.

The main shopping and supply area of the island is in Sawata (佐和田, sometimes also pronounced "Sawada" by locals). A small number of general stores, with a few 'pachinko' around are all that you should expect.

▸Eat1,385 chars

Sado is known for its fresh seafood: sashimi and sushi are not to be missed. The Kamo Lake is also a growing area for oysters.

There are a few cows herding on the green slopes of Osado; you can buy and try the pricey and renowned Sado Beef.

Kassai (かっさい), Ogi, ☏ +81 259-86-2124. Basic Japanese shokudō eatery serving up all the usual prospects, freshly made. Try the fish of the day.

Oasis, ☏ +81 259-86-2605. In Ogi. Restaurant & tennis court. Transplanted New Yorker Marcus Desoto & wife Kaoru own the Oasis. The restaurant specializes in New York staples--pasta, pizza & sandwiches--with decidedly Japanese touches. Oasis makes pizza dough the old-fashioned way, using whole grain flour seasoned with basil, naturally leavened, with fermented grapes and the crust is coated with virgin olive oil. Oasis also offers a bar. Try the homemade umeshu (plum liqueur) and good coffee

Benkei (弁慶), ☏ +81 259-52-3453. in Sawata is a Sushi Bar of Sado, which will allow you to try the excellent local fish. For those staying longer on the Island, Benkei also offers delivery service.

MOS Burger just adjacent to Benkei, in case you can not stand typical Japanese food anymore.

Nakabori-tei (中掘亭), ☏ +81 259-52-2045. good tonkatsu restaurant in the heart of Sawata with a very atmospheric ambiance.

Tatsumi (たつみ), Mano, ☏ +81 259-55-2238. This will fill your need for good yakitori.

▸Drink776 chars

There are no permanent cinemas in Sado (although there is a huge Tsutaya video rental near Sawata), and only a few karaoke bars. Sado remains a very rural place; do not expect to find a very exciting nightlife. You can enjoy a drink or two in the evening in small karaoke-equipped snacks in Sawata, but that is pretty much it.

On the upside, there are no fewer than seven sake breweries on the island, so do your best to sample them all. Three of them are located in the hamlet of Mano (真野), on the western coast, which has proclaimed itself the independent state of the Alcohol Republic (アルコール共和国 Arukōru Kyōwakoku). Stop by the tourist office (Shinmachi 489, ☏ +81 259-55-3539) to sample the local wares and even pick up a passport (¥500) for documenting your experiences.

▸Budget884 chars

Camping is a viable budget option on Sado.

Sobama. A 15-minute drive from Ogi on the other side of the peninsula, located on a beautiful beach. The official campground here costs a steep ¥1300, but especially in Earth Celebration time there is often overflow onto the beach. Toilets, pay showers, small shop and other facilities.

Camp Kisaki-jo. A barebones camping ground consisting of a tiny shrine on a little cape jutting out into the large lake next to Ryotsu, bordered on both sides by Sado's two central mountain chains. No facilities.

Futatsu Game Camp-jo. Close to Futatsu-game (and therefore quite far from Ryotsu). Facilities available, some tents can be rented during the summer.

15 free and unpowered but clean campsites are available in Mano (Toyota), next to the harbor (in front of the soccer field on the seaside). Toilets and barbecue facilities, but no shower.

▸Mid-range543 chars

There are many mid to high-range ryokans and hotels scattered throughout the central plain of the island.

Sado Seaside Hotel, Ryotsu, ☏ +81-259-27-7211. Not too far from the ferry in Ryotsu. Rooms start from ¥6000, without breakfast.

Sotokaifu Youth Hostel, ☏ +81-259-78-2911. On the Northern coast with two meals. Rooms from ¥4700 for members, ¥6150 for non-members, breakfast: ¥850, dinner: ¥1800.

Green Village Youth Hostel (in Niibo village), ☏ +81 259-22-2719. Bookable online through the Welcome Inn Reservation system. From ¥3800.

▸Splurge1,027 chars

Yahatakan Ryokan (八幡館), 2043 Yahata, ☏ +81-259-57-2141. Large building on the Western side of the central plain, allowing for great views on the Japan Sea. Promotional rates from ¥8500/person, including two meals.

You will find several mid to high range ryokan near Aikawa, from which you can enjoy the sunset over the Sea of Japan:

Hotel Azuma, ☏ +81-259-74-0001. (in Japanese). Regular rooms from less than ¥10000, but luxury rooms at a very steep ¥40000 per room (without meal). You can expect to get what you pay for: massage chairs in large tatami rooms with good views over the Sea of Japan, private dining space, private outdoor bath (Rotenburo). At least you get free wifi in both.

Hotel Oosado, Aikawa, ☏ +81-259-74-3300. (in Japanese). A typical large modern Japanese ryokan, with everything you can expect from this kind of establishment (nice food, a Rotenburo, outdoor bath). If you do not feel comfortable sleeping on tatami, there are western-style rooms available. Prices from around ¥9500, with two meals.

▸Go next399 chars

Sado is pretty much the end of the road, and the only way out is back to the mainland either to Joetsu or Niigata by ferry.

If you are still in the mood for islands in the Sea of Japan after a trip to Sado, you can try to get to the more remote (and much smaller) Awashima Island, 50 km north of Sado. You will need to get back to the mainland and to Iwafune, a small harbour 30 km north of Niigata.

Geography

[edit] The shape of Sado Island resembles the kanji character for ‘work’ (工) in Japanese or the letter ‘S’. The topography of the island can be roughly divided into three parts, the Ōsado range in the north, the Kosado range in the south, and the Kakakura plain with flat terrain in between. The Ōsado range area is higher in altitude, and the highest peak of Sado Island, Mount Kinpoku (1,172 m (3,845 ft) above sea level), is also located in this area. The coastline on the north side of Mount Sado is steep, and is a famous tourist spot, among which the Senkaku Bay is the most famous. The Kosado range has a relatively flatter terrain with Satsuma orange and tea trees growing there. Its highest peak is Mount Ōjiyama, with an elevation of 646 m (2,119 ft). The Nakakura Plain is a large plain in Japan's outlying islands and is also the agricultural area of Sado Island. On the west side of the Kuninaka Plain is Mano Bay, and on the east side is Ryōtsu Bay. The Kokufugawa River (also reads Konogawa River) flows through the Kuninaka Plain, with a total length of 19 km (12 mi), and flows into Mano Bay. Its watershed area accounts for 20% of Sado Island. Lake Kamo, the largest lake in Niigata Prefecture, is located at the eastern end of the Kuninaka Plain. Lake Kamo was originally a freshwater lake, and later turned into a lagoon after an opening built to the Sea of Japan. Oyster breeding flourishes in the lake. Part of Sado Island belongs to the Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Quasi-National Park. Gallery[edit] Sado Island Futatsugame tombolo Onogame Kotoura Cave (Ryuodo Cave) in Ogi Coast Senkaku Bay (Senkakuwan) Nanaura Coast Weather and climate[edit] Influenced by the warm Tsushima Current that passes through the Sado waters, the winter in Sado Island is warmer than that in Niigata Prefecture and with less snow. In summer, due to the influence of ocean, the temperature difference between day and night is smaller than that of Niigata Prefecture, and is cooler than that of Niigata Prefecture. However, the Aikawa area on the northwestern side of the Ōsado range are affected by the monsoon blowing from the northwest and the temperature is higher. Precipitation on Sado Island is mainly concentrated in the end of the East Asian rainy season and early winter, and there is less precipitation than in Niigata Prefecture. When the low air pressure and typhoons pass through the Sea of Japan, Sado Island often suffers from Foehn wind, raising the temperature sharply. Located at the junction of the warm and cold current, Sado City enjoys diverse plants and rich aquatic resources. Climate data for Aikawa, Sado, Niigata, 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1911−present Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 17.0(62.6) 20.7(69.3) 22.3(72.1) 28.0(82.4) 30.0(86.0) 34.1(93.4) 37.4(99.3) 38.1(100.6) 37.4(99.3) 31.5(88.7) 26.3(79.3) 22.9(73.2) 38.1(100.6) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 6.5(43.7) 6.7(44.1) 9.6(49.3) 14.9(58.8) 19.9(67.8) 23.3(73.9) 27.1(80.8) 29.3(84.7) 25.9(78.6) 20.5(68.9) 15.0(59.0) 9.7(49.5) 17.4(63.3) Daily mean °C (°F) 4.0(39.2) 4.0(39.2) 6.5(43.7) 11.1(52.0) 15.9(60.6) 19.8(67.6) 24.0(75.2) 26.0(78.8) 22.5(72.5) 17.2(63.0) 11.8(53.2) 6.8(44.2) 14.1(57.4) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1.3(34.3) 1.0(33.8) 2.9(37.2) 7.2(45.0) 12.0(53.6) 16.6(61.9) 21.3(70.3) 22.9(73.2) 19.2(66.6) 13.6(56.5) 8.2(46.8) 3.8(38.8) 10.8(51.5) Record low °C (°F) −7.5(18.5) −7.4(18.7) −6.4(20.5) −2.1(28.2) 2.5(36.5) 7.6(45.7) 12.1(53.8) 14.6(58.3) 9.5(49.1) 4.4(39.9) −2.8(27.0) −6.6(20.1) −7.5(18.5) Average precipitation mm (inches) 131.1(5.16) 91.6(3.61) 96.6(3.80) 94.5(3.72) 97.3(3.83) 122.5(4.82) 207.3(8.16) 137.5(5.41) 139.9(5.51) 133.1(5.24) 154.8(6.09) 175.7(6.92) 1,581.9(62.27) Average snowfall cm (inches) 28(11) 25(9.8) 4(1.6) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 0(0) 9(3.5) 66(25.9) Average rainy days 19.7 15.3 14.0 10.3 9.7 9.0 10.9 8.7 10.4 12.3 16.6 20.9 157.8 Average snowy days 7.1 6.8 1.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.5 17.8 Average relative humidity (%) 69 68 66 67 72 78 81 77 73 69 68 69 71 Mean monthly sunshine hours 46.2 69.2 133.1 177.0 200.7 178.4 161.2 207.8 157.0 147.5 95.8 50.6 1,624.5 Source 1: JMA Source 2: JMA Climate data for Cape Hajikizaki, 38°19.8′N 138°30.7′E / 38.3300°N 138.5117°E / 38.3300; 138.5117, 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1978−present Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 16.1(61.0) 22.4(72.3) 24.6(76.3) 28.0(82.4) 29.9(85.8) 30.0(86.0) 34.3(93.7) 35.0(95.0) 35.3(95.5) 29.7(85.5) 23.4(74.1) 18.7(65.7) 35.3(95.5) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.4(41.7) 5.8(42.4) 9.1(48.4) 14.2(57.6) 19.0(66.2) 22.4(72.3) 26.2(79.2) 28.2(82.8) 24.8(76.6) 19.5(67.1) 14.0(57.2) 8.5(47.3) 16.4(61.6) Daily mean °C (°F) 3.1(37.6) 3.1(37.6) 5.7(42.3) 10.4(50.7) 15.1(59.2) 19.0(66.2) 23.1(73.6) 25.0(77.0) 21.8(71.2) 16.5(61.7) 11.0(51.8) 5.9(42.6) 13.3(56.0) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0.7(33.3) 0.5(32.9) 2.5(36.5) 6.8(44.2) 11.4(52.5) 15.8(60.4) 20.5(68.9) 22.2(72.0) 18.9(66.0) 13.4(56.1) 7.9(46.2) 3.2(37.8) 10.3(50.6) Record low °C (°F) −6.3(20.7) −7.0(19.4) −3.3(26.1) −0.8(30.6) 2.1(35.8) 7.5(45.5) 12.3(54.1) 15.5(59.9) 9.5(49.1) 4.2(39.6) −0.6(30.9) −4.9(23.2) −7.0(19.4) Average precipitation mm (inches) 133.1(5.24) 94.3(3.71) 101.0(3.98) 104.1(4.10) 112.3(4.42) 127.2(5.01) 216.2(8.51) 154.0(6.06) 152.5(6.00) 161.1(6.34) 167.7(6.60) 180.9(7.12) 1,711.6(67.39) Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 20.3 16.2 14.6 11.3 10.4 10.0 11.7 9.6 11.6 13.7 16.6 21.6 167.6 Mean monthly sunshine hours 46.1 77.7 149.8 200.1 218.7 189.0 171.9 215.7 159.9 149.2 92.0 51.0 1,723.5 Source: Japan Meteorological Agency Climate data for Ryōtsu (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1978−present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 14.2(57.6) 19.9(67.8) 20.5(68.9) 26.9(80.4) 29.0(84.2) 30.7(87.3) 37.7(99.9) 38.8(101.8) 38.2(100.8) 29.5(85.1) 23.9(75.0) 19.0(66.2) 38.8(101.8) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.8(42.4) 6.2(43.2) 9.5(49.1) 14.7(58.5) 19.7(67.5) 23.4(74.1) 27.4(81.3) 29.6(85.3) 26.2(79.2) 20.6(69.1) 14.6(58.3) 8.8(47.8) 17.2(63.0) Daily mean °C (°F) 3.0(37.4) 3.1(37.6) 5.9(42.6) 10.8(51.4) 15.8(60.4) 20.0(68.0) 24.2(75.6) 26.1(79.0) 22.5(72.5) 16.8(62.2) 11.0(51.8) 5.7(42.3) 13.7(56.7) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0.2(32.4) 0.0(32.0) 2.2(36.0) 6.9(44.4) 12.2(54.0) 17.0(62.6) 21.5(70.7) 23.0(73.4) 19.2(66.6) 13.1(55.6) 7.3(45.1) 2.5(36.5) 10.4(50.8) Record low °C (°F) −6.9(19.6) −7.1(19.2) −4.5(23.9) −1.0(30.2) 3.6(38.5) 10.4(50.7) 13.8(56.8) 16.4(61.5) 10.8(51.4) 3.7(38.7) −0.8(30.6) −4.6(23.7) −7.1(19.2) Average precipitation mm (inches) 164.3(6.47) 118.7(4.67) 109.1(4.30) 104.6(4.12) 107.3(4.22) 138.9(5.47) 233.2(9.18) 142.7(5.62) 136.7(5.38) 139.2(5.48) 155.2(6.11) 210.0(8.27) 1,758.5(69.23) Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 23.0 18.1 15.7 11.7 9.7 9.3 11.4 9.1 11.4 12.9 16.9 22.7 171.9 Mean monthly sunshine hours 52.9 79.1 140.7 190.9 216.5 185.1 177.9 219.5 159.9 150.9 99.3 56.9 1,735.7 Source: Japan Meteorological Agency Climate data for Hamo (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1978−present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 15.2(59.4) 20.0(68.0) 21.6(70.9) 28.4(83.1) 30.6(87.1) 34.4(93.9) 37.6(99.7) 38.2(100.8) 36.2(97.2) 31.7(89.1) 24.1(75.4) 19.6(67.3) 38.2(100.8) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 6.0(42.8) 6.4(43.5) 9.8(49.6) 15.6(60.1) 21.0(69.8) 24.5(76.1) 28.0(82.4) 30.2(86.4) 26.4(79.5) 20.7(69.3) 14.8(58.6) 9.1(48.4) 17.7(63.9) Daily mean °C (°F) 3.1(37.6) 3.0(37.4) 5.6(42.1) 10.6(51.1) 15.7(60.3) 19.9(67.8) 23.9(75.0) 25.6(78.1) 21.7(71.1) 16.0(60.8) 10.5(50.9) 5.7(42.3) 13.4(56.2) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0.2(32.4) −0.2(31.6) 1.4(34.5) 5.8(42.4) 11.0(51.8) 15.9(60.6) 20.6(69.1) 21.9(71.4) 18.0(64.4) 11.9(53.4) 6.6(43.9) 2.5(36.5) 9.6(49.3) Record low °C (°F) −7.5(18.5) −7.4(18.7) −4.9(23.2) −2.9(26.8) 2.2(36.0) 7.8(46.0) 12.2(54.0) 14.2(57.6) 9.1(48.4) 2.4(36.3) 0.2(32.4) −3.9(25.0) −7.5(18.5) Average precipitation mm (inches) 164.0(6.46) 109.5(4.31) 107.2(4.22) 98.7(3.89) 98.0(3.86) 129.6(5.10) 210.9(8.30) 143.8(5.66) 142.7(5.62) 138.2(5.44) 173.0(6.81) 206.3(8.12) 1,721.7(67.78) Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 22.8 17.7 16.1 11.6 10.3 9.6 12.2 9.5 11.5 13.6 17.5 22.4 174.8 Mean monthly sunshine hours 56.8 80.6 143.3 185.4 205.4 172.8 164.1 202.8 148.7 146.5 103.7 57.8 1,667.8 Source: Japan Meteorological Agency

Flora and fauna

[edit] Because it is located at the junction of warm and cold currents, it is extremely rich in vegetation, making it an extremely rare vegetation area on the island where plants unique to both Hokkaido and Okinawa coexist. It is also blessed with a variety of marine products, such as dolphinfish, bonito, and bigfin squid that appear in warm currents, and yellowtail that appears in cold currents. Due to the hundreds of thousands of years that have passed since it was isolated from Honshu island, endemic species such as the Sado hare, Sado mole, and Sado shrew can be seen.[citation needed] Although they are now extinct, there was a population of wild boars that was genetically separated from the population of Honshu for hundreds of thousands of years.[citation needed] The Japanese weasel is said to have been re-introduced after becoming locally extinct.

History

[edit] Sado Island was originally connected to Honshu, but it separated from Honshu around 16 million years ago due to changes in the topography due to tectonic deformation and volcanic activity, and around 2 million years ago, the ground began to collapse due to compressive kinetic energy in the ocean floor. It is thought that the area rose to its current shape, with the Osado Mountains and Kosado Hills sandwiching the Kuninaka Plain. Uplift continues to this day due to tectonic movements such as earthquakes. Sado gold mine With a long history, Sado Island has been inhabited by humans for 10,000 years. Thousands of ruins discovered in the Kanai area included stoneware and hunting equipment from the late Yayoi period. There are also records of Sado in the Kojiki and Nihongi. After the Taika Reform, the central government established the Sado Province on the island, and the local population began to emigrate to Sado Island. At the same time, Sado Island has also become the place where losers of political conflicts or dissidents were exiled. Emperor Juntoku, Nichiren and other people had been exiled to Sado. After the Kamakura period, the Honma clan was appointed as the Shugodai. After 1589 ( Tenshō 17), Uesugi Kagekatsu invaded Sado Island, after which Sado Island was dominated by the Uesugi clan. In 1601, miners discovered veins of gold and silver in the Aikawa Tsuruko Ginzan, which became the Sado Mine. In 1603 (Keichō 8), Tokugawa Ieyasu classified Sado Island as a territory of the Bakufu immediately after his victory at the Battle of Sekigahara. Sado Mine developed into the largest goldmine in Japan. Its output reached 41 tons by the Bakumatsu period in the mid-19th century, and it played an important role in the financing of the Shogunate. After the middle of the Edo period, the quantity began to decrease, but output rose to the highest level ever, at 400 kg a year, thanks to the introduction of advanced excavation technology during the Meiji era in the late 19th century. Sado Gold Mine closed in 1989. In nearly 400 years of mining history, it produced 78 tons of gold and 2,300 tons of silver. After the abolition of the han system, the Japanese government established Sado Prefecture on Sado Island, but later renamed it Aikawa Prefecture. In 1876, Aikawa Prefecture was incorporated into Niigata Prefecture. In 2004, ten cities, towns and villages on Sado Island were merged to form Sado City. Forced labor[edit] See also: Hashima Island § World Heritage Site approval controversy Sado Island was the site of forced labor during World War II, when around 1,500 Koreans were conscripted and forced to work in the mines on the island.[citation needed] The Japanese government, some Japanese scholars, and a minority of international scholars oppose this claim. Koreans are even mentioned in an exhibit in one of the mines, but there is no implication that they were forced to work there. In 2022, this became the subject of a diplomatic conflict between South Korea and Japan. Japan had previously added Hashima Island, another island where forced labor occurred (which Japan denies), to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. However, the nomination was only approved because South Korea and Japan had reached a deal where Japan would acknowledge forced labor in its exhibits. Japan, under the guidance of Japanese politician Kōko Katō [ja] and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, went back on its word and created a museum denying that forced labor occurred on Hashima. All other 21 nations of the UNESCO committee agreed that Japan had failed to reach its side of the agreement, but Japan ignored requests to correct the museum. It subsequently filed to have Sado Island added to the list as well, which sparked international and domestic criticism. This request was initially denied due to concerns over how the island's history would be presented. Japan refiled the request on 28 January 2023, with the goal of being added to the list by 2024. Various sources expressed skepticism on whether the bid would be successful. However, on 27 July 2024, the UNESCO committee unanimously decided to register the Sado Island Gold Mines as a cultural heritage site. The bid gained the support of South Korea following bilateral negotiations between the two countries. The Japanese government established an exhibit about the harsh working conditions, and promised to hold an annual memorial. Additionally, a representative for the Japanese government told the committee that Japan would make efforts to "comprehensively address the whole history of the Sado Island Gold Mines" in consultation with South Korea. The listing has been described as an improvement in Japan-South Korea relations, although it has been met with criticism in South Korea. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's friendlier position to Japan has been analyzed in the context of the approval.

Population

[edit] In 1960, Sado Island had a population of 113,296. Due to the inconvenience of living on the outlying islands and lack of jobs, Sado Island has experienced a long-term population decline. In October 2017, the population of Sado Island was 55,212. The total fertility rate of Sado Island is about 1.9, which is much higher than the average of Japan and Niigata Prefecture. However, the continuous outflow of population results in the persistent decrease of population.[citation needed]

Culture

[edit] Shukunegi village, base on the Nishimawari naval route Noh theater in the island Taraibune boat in Ogi Since Sado Island is an important trading base on the Nishimawari naval route from the coast of the Japan Sea to Osaka, the culture is strongly influenced by West Japanese culture like Kinki and Hokuriku. Intellectuals and politicians exiled from Kyoto to Sado brought the traditional performance culture of Kyoto, which caused the traditional art of Sado Island to began to thrive. The Noh Master Zeami Motokiyo was exiled to Sado, resulting in the particular development of Noh culture in Sado. In the Edo period, there were more than 200 Noh stages. Sado still has more than 30 Noh stages - ranking first in Japan in the number of Noh stages per capita. There are also local performing arts such as ‘Ghost Taiko’[ambiguous] on Sado Island. Sado is also home to the Kodō taiko drumming troupe. Kodō are credited with popularizing modern taiko drumming both in Japan and worldwide. Kodō Village is based in the Ogi subdivision. The round coracle-like Tarai-bune boats were once common in different parts of Japan, but are now only found on Sado.