Sado Tarai-bune Tours

Traditional Landscapes of Sado

Venture out to the incredible, vast sceneries of Sado Geopark—a favorite destination for visitors to Niigata Prefecture. Popular activities in Sado include sightseeing boat rides on the Tarai-bune, a traditional Japanese boat previously used to harvest seaweed and catch shellfish such as abalone and sazae (turban shell).

History of the Tarai-bune

Originally made from a traditional washtub, Tarai-bune boats have changed shape over the years to become more buoyant, thanks to the ingenuity and great effort of the people of Sado over many centuries.

Life and Culture of Sado

In addition to rowing on the Tarai-bune boats, visitors can also enjoy the breadth of activities that Sado has to offer, such as rock fishing, dried squid making, and traditional crafts.

How to get there

From Niigata Port, take the jetfoil boat (65 min) to Ryotsu Port on Sado Island. From there, take a 60-minute taxi ride to Ogi Port.
Ferry service on the Naoetsu - Ogi route is currently suspended (as of March 2021).

Please check the Sado Kisen website for updates on the reopening date.
https://www.sadokisen.co.jp/en/service-status