Niigata-ken Travel Forum

I'm interested in going to Sado Island.

Is a one day tour sufficient to see the island?

Do you have to make a reservation for the ferry from Niigata to Ryotsu?

Is it possible to walk from Ryotsu to the opposite side of the island via the narrow part?

Any recommendations for budget accomodations?

Thanks!

http://www.mijintl.com/frame.html

You can do a one day tour of Sado, but you won't see everyhting. If I remember correctly the tours divide the island into it's two halves. Each half has it's own one day tour. The tours themselves are very rushed - on the bus, off the bus, on the bus... off the bus. Personally, I don't lke that kind of travel experience.
As far as walking goes, sure it's possible, but the distance is much larger than you think. It may take an entire day to walk across the middle section, and not in a leisurly manner. If you are meaning to say that you want to walk from Ryotsu to across one of the two halves, I would say forget it! The island is extremely rugged with fairly high mountains and winding narrow roads.
I've never made a resrevation for the ferry, but then I've never gone during a golden week. Probaly best to do so if you aren't familiar with Japanese holidays.
The best way to see the island is to rent a car, either in Ryotsu, or Niigata. Spend a couple of days, relax - it's an island and has a great lfiestyle. The cheapest (and most fun) accomodation is to camp on the beach. If you are worried about spending money to rent a car, consider this as an option to offset the cost. There is an outdoor equipment store in Bandai, near Niigata station that rents tents, etc...

Thank you for replying!

Two final questions.

Is the old mine worth seeing?

Is riding in a taraibune (tub boat) something fun to do while on Sado?

Thanks again.

The mine, the tubs, the miso museum, etc... are all regular tourist type spots. It all depends on your attitude towards this type of stuff. I find it boring, and contrived, but I go through the motions just to fill up some time. My interests are more in walking the landscape, hanging out on the beach, eating, drinking, checking out the local, and preferably old, architecture. I do like the Noh performances and the Sado History Musuem...