Sado Island, Japan Cruises

Sado Island, Japan Cruise Port

• The historic Sado Gold Mine was started in 1601 during the Edo era, when gold was discovered at Aikawa (on the island's west side). The mine stayed in operation until 1989. Here you'll visit the two mine shafts where the exiles and the homeless searched for gold. There’s also a museum that displays some fascinating artefacts from this centuries-long operation.
   
• Toki-no-mori Park is the place to see and learn about the rare bird called Japanese crested ibis, or toki. At one point thought to be extinct, the bird was rediscovered; the park's Convention Center focuses on breeding the birds, with increasingly successful results.
   
• In the southwest part of the island is the culturally striking Shukunegi village. Developed as a home to shipbuilders, the theme of the town took on a distinctly marine flavor. Keep an eye out for the decorated manhole covers and the charming homes that actually resemble boats.
   
• On this island full of temples, one to visit is the five-story Myosen-ji Temple near Mano Bay, which took 30 years and two generations of carpenters to complete. There is a lovely garden and a tall memorial to the Japanese Buddhist priest called Nichiren are nearby.