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Home > Japan > 8 DAYS DISCOVER THE TREASURES OF SADO ISLAND & NIIGATA

8 DAYS DISCOVER THE TREASURES OF SADO ISLAND & NIIGATA

Tokyo, Niigata, Sado Island, Iwamuro Onsen, Yuzawa Onsen

Gourmet & Wine, Outdoor & Adventure, History & Culture, Off the Beaten

Highlights

  • Uncover Sado’s island rich culture, from its mining heritage, pilgrimage temples, and learn about the origins of taiko drumming where it was developed specifically to Sado
  • Stroll the historic port town of Shunkunegi and enjoy a ride in a washtub boat that was featured in the classic Studio Ghibli film “Spirited Away”
  • Taste the fresh regional produce in Niigata, renowned especially for their rice and sake
  • Appreciate the artisan craftmanship at Tsubame-Sanjo’s local workshops
  • Get active among the pristine nature of Oze National Park

Experience the natural wonderscape of Niigata Prefecture, from unforgettable landscapes to local artisans and fascinating agriculture, interwoven with region’s unique history and culture.

Explore Sado, an island lost in time and home to Japan’s largest gold mine. Discover the rich and unique culture of the island through interactive museums and workshops, all topped off with delicious local cuisine and stunning views. Return to mainland Niigata, and see why this region is known for its rich agricultural background, being home to some of the country’s most fresh produce as well as rice and sake production, which you can experience as part of a hands-on farm visit and brewery tour. Visit the town of Tsubame-Sanjo to see the master craftsman that makes this area internationally known for their intricate metal work designs. End your journey with light hiking and hot springs around Oze National Park.

From

HKD 80,780 Per Person

8 Days 7 Nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrival In Tokyo / Niigata

Arrival In Tokyo / Niigata
Niigata
N.A.

Upon arrival in Narita Airport, meet your guide and driver for the private car transfer to Tokyo Station, where you will board a bullet train to Niigata (approx. 2hrs).

Half-day Private Tour of Niigata Old Town
In Niigata, a private car will pick you up at the station and take you to visit the old town of Niigata. Niigata’s “Furumachi” or old town used to rival Kyoto for its geisha culture in days gone by, where sailors and merchants would visit in great numbers. Locally known as geigi, these traditional entertainers are still working today. Take a stop at a matcha shop with over 150 years of history to enjoy some Japanese sweets before visiting the Niigata Saitou Villa. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape garden, the villa was the former residence of the Saitou family, who were prosperous merchants during the Edo Period, and can now be visited and enjoyed as a fascinating piece of history. Depending on the date of travel, you can also enjoy an experience with local geigi. After, you will head to your accommodation in central Niigata at the end of the day.

Day 02 Niigata / Sado Island

Niigata / Sado Island
Sado Island
Breakfast, Dinner included

Leave your hotel in the morning and head to the port with your guide. From here, catch the jetfoil ferry that will take you to Sado Island. 

Half-Day Sightseeing and Hike at Onogame and Futatsugame 

After arriving on the island, a private car will pick you up and drive you to the most-northern-points of the island, Onogame and Futatsugame. Both areas are rich with natural wonders, with an island shaped like a turtle which gives them their names. From late May to early July, yellow daylilies are in bloom in Onogame, making it a great place to have a short walk. 

At the end of the day, the private car will take you to your accommodation for dinner. 

Day 03 Sado Island

Sado Island
Sado Island
Breakfast, Dinner included

Full-Day Discovery of Sado’s Gold Mining History 

Today you will explore the history of gold mining on Sado Island, one of the most important mining locations in the history of Japan. After breakfast, a private car will take you to Kirarium Sado, a small museum which uses image mapping technology to explain the history of gold mining on Sado Island. From here, pick up your rental bike and head to Sado Gold Mine, where you will head underground the explore the mining tunnels and see the giant mountain split down the middle from previous mining blasts.  

Next, head to the Aikawa area and visit the Sado Bugyo, where the gold that was mined was refined and sorted in order to send to Tokyo. The surrounding old town is also home to a historic flotation plant and bell tower. All of these locations are connected to the rich history of the island.  

Day 04 Sado Island

Sado Island
Sado Island
Breakfast, Dinner included

 1hr  Taiko Drumming Experience 

A private car will pick you and your guide up and take you to a Taiko drumming class, where you can learn about this type of drumming that has been developed specifically to Sado Island.   

Full-day Exploration of Shukunegi 

Explore the southern part of the island, known for its small fishing towns. You will visit Shukunegi, a charming port town with a unique atmosphere. Visit the Ogi Folk Museum to learn more about the craftsmanship that the area is famous for, before taking a stroll through the town and visiting some of the historic residences. The area is also known for a special type of boat, called a “washtub boat” because of its shape, and is manned by one person.  

Day 05 Sado Island / Iwamuro Onsen

Sado Island / Iwamuro Onsen
Iwamuro Onsen
Breakfast, Dinner included

Today is your final day on Sado Island. Check out of your accommodation in the morning, before heading to your first location.  

Half-day Hidden Temples of Sado Island 

Sado Island was infamous as an island of exile, where convicted aristocrats were sent to spend their days. Many of the local Buddhist monks wanted to create temples that matched famous temples on the Japanese mainland so that the exiled could still visit. Today you will visit two of these temples. Chokokuij Temple was founded by Kobo Daishi in 807 and is said to have been built based on Hasedera Temple in current-day Nara. It is known at the temple of flowers, especially peonies. Another temple hidden within the forest is Seisuiji Temple, which imitates Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto due to its stage. Both temples have a much more archaic feel to them and enhance Sado as an island lost in time.   

Your private car will take you to the port where you will get the jetfoil ferry back to central Niigata. From here, you will head to your accommodation by car. 

Day 06 Iwamuro Onsen

Iwamuro Onsen
Iwamuro Onsen
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Full Day Agriculture & Sake Experience in Niigata 

Today you will get to know the agricultural side of Niigata by starting the day with a visit to a farm with over 300 years of history. In this experience you can learn about the agricultural process depending on the season, from learning about the vegetables that are grown and the rice production that Niigata is famous for. Enjoy a lunch with all of the ingredients locally sourced.  

After this experience, you will head to a sake brewery where you can take a tour of the brewery to learn about the process of making sake.  

Finish the day by returning to your accommodation for dinner. 

Day 07 Iwamuro Onsen / Yuzawa Onsen

Iwamuro Onsen / Yuzawa Onsen
Yuzawa Onsen
Breakfast, Dinner included

After breakfast, check out of your hotel for today’s local experience.  

Half-day Discover Tsubame-Sanjo Artisan Town 

Your private guide and car will take you to the artisan’s town of Tsubame-Sanjo. Tsubame-Sanjo has a very long and successful history of manufacturing, in particular knives, tableware and other metal work crafts. To start the day, visit the Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum to learn about this rich history of craftsmanship, as well as take a short workshop where you can try out hammering a copper cup to create your own design to take home. There are several open factories around the city and we recommend a visit to either the Tadafusa Knife Factory or Gyokusendo, who focuses on copperware.   

If time allows, you can also visit the close-by Yahiko Shrine, one of the most famous in Niigata and home to over 2400 years of history and an Important Cultural Property.  

After your tour, you will head back to Niigata Station to get the bullet train to Echigo Yuzawa Station. From here, you will go to your accommodation in Yuzawa Onsen. 

08 Yuzawa Onsen / Oze National Park / Tokyo

Yuzawa Onsen / Oze National Park / Tokyo
N.A
Breakfast included

Half-Day Hike in Oze National Park 

A private car will take you to the start of the hiking point in Oze National Park. In this 3 hour hike, you can enjoy the spacious nature of the national park, known for its beautiful wildflowers, marshland walks and mountain views.  

After the hike, a private car will pick you up again and take you to Jomokogen Station, where you will head to Tokyo Station by bullet train. From here, a private car will transfer you to Narita Airport.  

Recommended Trip Extension

08 Oze National Park / Nikko

Oze National Park / Nikko
Nikko
Breakfast included

A private car will pick you and your guide up after your hike in Oze National Park and drive you to the Nikko area.  

 2hr Visit of Kegon Falls 

En route, stop at Kegon Falls. Running 100 meters tall, Kegon Waterfall is known as one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls and is particularly beautiful during the red leaf season.  

Afterwards, you will be taken to your accommodation near Lake Chuzenji for dinner and to spend the night. 

09 Nikko / Tokyo

Nikko / Tokyo
N.A.
Breakfast included

Full Day Nikko Private Tour 

Your guide and private car will pick you up and take you to some of the sights in Nikko, such as Toshogu Shrine. Toshogu Shrine is the most famous shrine in Nikko and one of the most popular in Japan. Established in 1627, the shrine depicts a fantastic example of Shinto architecture of the Edo period and acts as the final resting place for Tokugawa Ieyasu, who’s regime ruled feudal Japan for over 250 years.  

 

Afterwards, head to Kanmangafuchi Abyss, an important religious sites situated in a volcanic canyon and lined with small “Jizo” stone statues.  

At the end of the day, the car will take you to Nikko Station, where you will get the train back to Tokyo. 

Hotels & Tour Price

Category 1

Indicative cost per person

Minimum 2 Pax
Low Season: HK$ 80,780
High Season: HK$ 84,780
Minimum 4 Pax
Low Season: HK$ 53,480
High Season: HK$ 57,380
Single Supplement
Low Season: HK$ 6,480
High Season: HK$ 7,380

Low Season: Dec – Feb, Jun – Sep
High Season: Mar – May, Oct – Nov
Black-out period: Golden Week & New Year


Ana Crowne Plaza Niigata • Urashima • Yumeya Ryokan • Maruyama Onsen Kojyokan

Niigata

Niigata

Ana Crowne Plaza (Twin Deluxe Room)

An upscale IHG hotel in the heart of Niigata, with easy access to the train station and key attractions of the city. The hotel suits both business and leisure guests with modern guest rooms offering high-speed LAN and Wi-Fi, and four restaurants in the hotel serving Japanese, Chinese and European cuisines. (Renovated: 2009; Rooms: 182)

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Sado Island

Sado Island

Urashima (Deluxe Twin Room)

A boutique hotel with two contrasting buildings designed by different prominent architects in Japan – one blending in with the beautiful surrounding pine trees, while the other is a modern structure covered in glass. The renowned hotel is famed for its excellent dining, utilizing fresh Sado ingredients in deluxe Japanese and French cuisines. (Renovated: 2012; Rooms: 32)

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Iwamuro Onsen

Iwamuro Onsen

Yumeya Ryokan (Twin Bed Japanese Room with Outdoor Bath)

This ryokan built with sukiya style is located at the foot of Mt Matsugatake, with 11 well-furnished traditional rooms set among lush greenery. in Iwamuro Onsen (hot springs) at the foot of Mt. Matsugatake. There are both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths in a tranquil setting, and the cuisine is focused on fresh seasonal ingredients. (Opened: 1988; Rooms: 11)

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Yuzawa Onsen

Yuzawa Onsen

Maruyama Onsen Kojyokan (Western Bedroom with Twin Beds)

This traditional and charming inn is close to the Ishiuchi Maruyama ski resort in an area that’s famous for its rice and featured heavily in their meals with fresh local ingredients. Its Japanese-style rooms retain a timeless ryokan atmosphere with tatami mats and classic furnishings, while the Western-style are more contemporary. (Opened: 1917; Rooms: 17)

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Category 2

Indicative cost per person

Minimum 2 Pax
Low Season: HK$ 82,680
High Season: HK$ 89,880
Minimum 4 Pax
Low Season: HK$ 55,280
High Season: HK$ 62,580
Single Supplement
Low Season: HK$ 7,180
High Season: HK$ 8,180

Low Season: Dec – Feb, Jun – Sep
High Season: Mar – May, Oct – Nov
Black-out period: Golden Week & New Year


Ana Crowne Plaza Niigata • Urashima • Travigne • Hotel Futaba

Niigata

Niigata

Ana Crowne Plaza (Twin Junior Suite)

An upscale IHG hotel in the heart of Niigata, with easy access to the train station and key attractions of the city. The hotel suits both business and leisure guests with modern guest rooms offering high-speed LAN and Wi-Fi, and four restaurants in the hotel serving Japanese, Chinese and European cuisines. (Renovated: 2009; Rooms: 182)

View More
Sado Island

Sado Island

Urashima (European Style Twin Maisonette Room)

A boutique hotel with two contrasting buildings designed by different prominent architects in Japan – one blending in with the beautiful surrounding pine trees, while the other is a modern structure covered in glass. The renowned hotel is famed for its excellent dining, utilizing fresh Sado ingredients in deluxe Japanese and French cuisines. (Renovated: 2012; Rooms: 32)

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Iwamuro Onsen

Iwamuro Onsen

Travigne (Twin Deluxe Room with Terrace)

You could easily imagine yourself in a Spanish finca at this western-style boutique hotel in the outskirts of Niigata, close to Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Quasi-National Park and Cave D'occi Winery. 10 contemporary rooms in minimal style overlook the surrounding vineyards. Dinner is a fine affair focused on Japanese Mediterranean cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. (Renovated: 2021; Rooms: 10)

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Yuzawa Onsen

Yuzawa Onsen

Hotel Futaba (Twin Textile Theme Room)

This is one of the larger ryokan resort in Yuzawa Onsen, with 78 well-appointed rooms in a classic ryokan setting or more contemporary rooms with Western Beds, many with wonderful views of the mountains in the distance. Some rooms have their own private onsen, but the variety of public baths here are incredible, both indoor and outdoor with a different settings and views.
(Opened: 1946; Rooms: 78)

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Trip Extension in Nikko

Indicative cost per person

Minimum 2 Pax
Low Season: HK$17,980
High Season: HK$ 19,580
Minimum 4 Pax
Low Season: HK$ 11,980
High Season: HK$13,580
Single Supplement
HK$1,850

Hoshino Resorts KAI Nikko

Nikko

Nikko

KAI Nikko

With its stunning location next to the serene Lake Chuzenji, this is one of the most soughtafter addresses in Nikko. Their spacious Japanese-style rooms incorporate elements of regional craft cultures with chic furnishings and western beds, many with gorgeous lake views. Hot springs and traditional performances are part of the experience in this upscale boutique ryokan. (Renovated: 2014; Rooms: 33)

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COST INCLUDES:

  • 7 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels as stated
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (daily breakfast, lunch on Day 6, dinners Days 2-7)
  • All transportation including private car transfers, train and ferry tickets.
  • All activities and admission as stated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide throughout your trip
  • Local taxes and service charges

COST EXCLUDES:

  • International airfares
  • Visa
  • Meals unless otherwise specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses e.g. laundry, bar, spa services
  • Phone and internet charges

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