Rugby World UK – August 2019

A small island located off the coast of
Niigata on Honshu, Sado is the perfect
place to discover Japanese traditions...

C

The Culture Vulture
Onidaiko (demon drumming) is a
form of folk entertainment unique
to Sado, with ‘demons’ dancing to the
beat of drums. It’s performed at shrine
festivals to pray for plentiful harvests and
bountiful catches of seafood, as well as
to drive out misfortune. Look out for one
of the more than 100 active Onidaiko
groups across the island – no two
groups have the same dance moves.
Another tradition alive and well is Noh,
a form of Japanese theatre involving
music, dance and drama performed
since the 14th century. A third of Japan’s
remaining Noh stages are on Sado Island.

F

The Foodie
Burikatsu-don is a yellowtail
cutlet rice bowl using
Sado-produced ingredients,
from the fish to the rice
flour for the coating
to the sauce.
A handful of
Sado farmers
grow Violette de
Sollies figs, often

Sado

referred to as the “rare black diamond” as

they’re scarce. Be sure to hunt them down!

A

The Adventurer

The taraibune (tub boat) can

only be found on the island of

Sado. It is still used to collect shellfish and

seaweed from the rocky coastal waters

not accessible by traditional fishing boats,

but it is also possible for tourists to take

a leisurely ride in them.

Head to Futatsugame at low tide, when a

walkway appears to connect the two large

rocks off the coast. Another giant rock to

seek out is Onogame, a 167-metre tall

monolith overlooking the ocean.

P

The Party Animal

Snack bars may not sound

glamorous but these are some of

the most happening places to be at on

Sado at night. Drink to your heart’s

content and enjoy karaoke at these bars.

One recommendation is Usagi, located

a ten-minute walk from Ryotsu Port.

For more travel information...

visitsado.com/en

This fascinating island is full of history, culture, food and nature

Tub-thumping

A taraibune boat

Beat the drum

A Onidaiko display

Get there

Travel to Sado

Island’s Ryotsu Port in one

hour by high-speed jetfoil or

two-and-a-half hours by car ferry

from Niigata. The island is also

accessible from Naoetsu Port,

with boats docking at Ogi

Port on the island