Accommodation

The accommodations are mainly 4 to 5-star luxury hotels or ryokan.

Guide

Our friendly guide will escort the group from the beginning to the end of the trip. You will also meet a local guide on Sado Island, who was born and raised on the island.

Transport

Day 1: NULL Day 2: Express train to Nikko Day 3: Private car in Nikko, bullet train from Jomo Kogen Station to Tsubame Sanjo Station, private car in Niigata Day 4: Private car in Niigata, ferry from Niigata to Sado, private car in Sado Day 5: Private car in Sado Day 6: Private car in Sado Day 7: Private car in Sado Day 8: Private car in Sado, ferry from Sado to Niigata, bullet train from Niigata to Tokyo

Meals

Breakfasts: Day 2 - 8 Lunch: Day 4 Dinner: Day 1 - 7 If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know upon booking. Due to traveling to remote locations, it may not be possible to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please consult with us in advance.

Not included:

Insurance

Please make sure to purchase travel insurance on your own.

Optional

Airport transfers Pre/post tour accommodation

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Welcome To Japan!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Welcome To Japan!

Welcome to Japan! After checking into your hotel in Asakusa, meet your group in the afternoon. The Asakusa district surrounding our hotel retains the charm of old Tokyo, featuring traditional craft shops and street-food vendors, while also boasting a burgeoning trendy upscale dining scene near the waterfront. Following an orientation session, we’ll kick off our journey through a lesser-known part of Japan with a welcome dinner at a local Japanese izakaya.
Day 2 Exploring Nikko’S Spiritual Heritage
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Exploring Nikko’S Spiritual Heritage

In the morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Together, you will head to Asakusa Station, where you will board the Spacia X train. This luxurious limited express train is known for its comfort and modern amenities, featuring spacious seating and large windows that provide a relaxing and scenic journey to Nikko, perfect for enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Japan.

Upon arrival at Nikko Station, arrange to have your luggage sent directly to your hotel. This will allow you to explore Nikko unburdened. Your first stop is the magnificent Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its elaborate architecture and historical significance. Take your time to marvel at the intricate details and learn about the shrine’s rich history.

After visiting the shrine, you will have an opportunity to enjoy a peaceful zen meditation session led by a local monk. This serene experience will offer you a deeper insight into the spiritual practices that have shaped Nikko’s cultural landscape.

As your tour concludes, you will have time to reflect on the day’s experiences. Your guide will assist with any final arrangements and ensure you are comfortably settled for the rest of your stay. Enjoy the rest of your time in Nikko at your leisure, exploring more of its natural beauty or historic sites.
Day 3 Discovering The Most Beautiful Waterfalls And Onsen Village
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Discovering The Most Beautiful Waterfalls And Onsen Village

In the morning, meet your guide and set off for Kegon Waterfall, one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy the stunning views before heading to Fukiware Waterfall. Known as the "Niagara of the East," Fukiware offers a unique experience with a scenic walk by the falls.

Next, travel to Jomo Kogen Station and board a bullet train to Tsubame Sanjo, enjoying a swift and comfortable ride. Upon arrival, visit the tranquil Yahiko Shrine, nestled in a serene forest, where you can learn about Shinto traditions.

Conclude your day by traveling to Iwamuro Onsen. Check into your accommodation and unwind in the soothing hot springs, ending your tour with relaxation and tranquility. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 4 Meet Artisans And Geisha In The Traditional Town Of Niigata
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Meet Artisans And Geisha In The Traditional Town Of Niigata

In the morning, meet your guide and begin your exploration of Tsubame Sanjo’s rich artisanal heritage. Visit a few local artisans renowned for crafting the famous knives of Tsubame Sanjo and traditional handcrafted copperware. Each studio’s staff will lead you through their intricate processes, showcasing the skill and dedication behind these exquisite crafts.

For lunch, enjoy a unique cultural experience by dining with a Geisha. Savor delicious traditional Japanese cuisine while being entertained by the graceful performances and hospitality of the Geisha.

After lunch, head straight to Sado Island. Upon arrival, proceed to your accommodation to check in and unwind.

End your day with a delightful dinner at your accommodation, enjoying the local flavors and reflecting on the day’s enriching experiences.
Day 5 Explore The Great Natural Sites And The Legacy Of The Gold Mine Of The Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore The Great Natural Sites And The Legacy Of The Gold Mine Of The Island

Starting in the 8th century, Sado Island served as a place of exile for political dissidents in Japan. Among those sent to the island were politicians, aristocrats, poets, playwrights, artists, monks, and even emperors. This diverse group of intellectuals and artists laid the groundwork for Sado’s rich cultural heritage, which continues to flourish to this day.

Meet your guide in the morning and set off for a visit to Onogame, a stunning coastal rock formation known for its breathtaking views and natural beauty.

Afterward, explore the historic Sado Kinzan Gold Mine. Discover the fascinating history of gold mining on Sado Island and learn about mumyoi soil. Mumyoi soil, found in the mining areas, is rich in iron oxide and has been traditionally used by local artisans to create unique pottery. This rare red clay is highly valued for its strength and the beautiful hues it imparts to ceramic pieces.

Next, meet a local potter who utilizes mumyoi soil to craft beautiful pottery. Learn about this traditional craft and witness the artistry involved in transforming the soil into exquisite works of art.

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the local flavors and reflecting on the rich cultural heritage you experienced throughout the day.
Day 6 Experience Noh And Visit Shukunegi Village With Its Unique Architecture
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Experience Noh And Visit Shukunegi Village With Its Unique Architecture

After breakfast, embark on a unique cultural journey by witnessing an outdoor performance of Noh, a classical Japanese dance-drama. Brought to Sado by exiled nobles, Noh has flourished here, making the island one of Japan’s most active centers for this traditional art form. The serene outdoor setting adds to the immersive experience, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich theatrical heritage.

Next, visit the ghost village of Shukunegi, a historic port town that prospered after gold was discovered on the island in the 17th century. Stroll through this perfectly preserved collection of over 100 houses, their walls built from old ship planks. Though the village is now lifeless, it brims with atmosphere and echoes of its bustling past as a hub for the merchant shipping industry.

After exploring Shukunegi, take a ride on Sado Island’s Tarai Bune, the island’s iconic "tub boats." These unconventional vessels, which resemble large miso barrels cut in half, were traditionally used by locals to navigate the island’s turbulent coastal waters. Learn about the various origin stories of the Tarai Bune, from practical innovations to romantic legends, and appreciate their unique place in Sado’s maritime culture. These boats gained fame through their depiction in Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece “Spirited Away,” adding a touch of modern cultural relevance to this ancient tradition.

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a restaurant helmed by a local chef that uses locally sourced ingredients from Sado Island, bringing a world of culinary experience to create a unique and memorable dining experience.
Day 7 Enjoy A Taiko Drumming Experience With A World-Famous Group And Visit Historical Sites
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Enjoy A Taiko Drumming Experience With A World-Famous Group And Visit Historical Sites

In the morning, meet your guide and start your day with an exhilarating taiko drumming experience set in the garden overlooking the sea by the accommodation. Our drumming experience will be guided by the members of Kodo, the island’s most famous drum group, founded in 1981. With approximately sixty members, Kodo has captivated audiences worldwide, ensuring we are in excellent hands for this dynamic session.

We’ll begin our day with visits to Seisuiji and Chokokuji Temples, both established in the early 9th century. Seisuiji offers a serene environment to explore, while Chokokuji, nestled deep in the forest, was founded by Kobo Daishi, who also established the famous Koyasan temple complex. Chokokuji is known for its flowering peonies and its recent addition of a nearly 20-foot tall "Rabbit Kannon." This dramatic statue, featuring a large white bunny with an image of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, on its chest, was constructed in 2018 to honor the community of domestic rabbits that maintain the temple’s lawn.

Conclude your day with a farewell BBQ dinner, enjoying a variety of delicious grilled dishes while reflecting on the day’s enriching experiences. This final meal will be a perfect end to your cultural and scenic journey on Sado Island.
Day 8 Farewell
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Farewell

Before beginning the journey back to Tokyo, we’ll start the morning with an easy hike on the way to the ferry port. Afterward, we’ll board the ferry back to the mainland and then catch the bullet train at Niigata Station to Tokyo Station, where the tour ends.

We hope you had a wonderful adventure with us!

8 days tour

Sado Island Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Sado Island Adventure

Welcome To Japan!

Exploring Nikko’S Spiritual Heritage

Discovering The Most Beautiful Waterfalls And Onsen Village

Meet Artisans And Geisha In The Traditional Town Of Niigata

Explore The Great Natural Sites And The Legacy Of The Gold Mine Of The Island

Experience Noh And Visit Shukunegi Village With Its Unique Architecture

Enjoy A Taiko Drumming Experience With A World-Famous Group And Visit Historical Sites

Farewell

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