fbpx
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
    • Autumn
      • Pow Bar Founder Megumi Scott

        Beyond the Brand: Pow Bar

        An interview with Megumi Scott, the founder of Niseko brand Pow Bar.
        Churamura Okinawa Sea Turtle Marine Conservation

        Churamura: Footprints in the Sand

        Churamura, an NPO in Okinawa, work to conserve marine life and protect endangered sea turtles in Japan's southernmost prefecture.
        Kawazu

        Fall in Love with Kawazu

        Enjoy waterfall hikes and hot springs, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood in Kawazu on the western coast of Izu Peninsula.
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
    • Near Kyoto
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
    • River and Lake
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
    • Snow and Ice
    • Travel
    • Food and Drinks
    • Races and Events

Sado, the Island of Art and Music

An island with a colorful past has long attracted local and international creatives to its rocky shores. The collective soul of Sado’s residents strive to preserve and nurture the island’s art, music and a participatory culture.

About fifty kilometers west of Niigata sits a relatively nondescript island called Sado-ga-shima. Sado Island was once was the home—albeit involuntarily—to some famous residents including former Emperor Juntoku who was banished to Sado in 1221 and died there 22 years later. Nichiren Shonin, the founder of the Nichiren school of Japanese Buddhism, was also exiled to Sado in 1271 for a time and the famous Noh actor and playwright Zeami was sent to Sado in 1434.

In the twelfth century the island’s fortunes turned when gold was discovered, setting off a mining boom that attracted a rich variety of new residents from miners and engineers to merchants and fishermen. In the 70s, counter culture figures again arrived—this time by choice—as artists and musicians, making their way to the lush hills, rocky coastlines and quiet beaches of Sado.

The taiko (Japanese drumming) group Ondekoza, which formed in 1971, went on to become Kodo, the world-renowned taiko group based on Sado. Kodo has traveled to all corners of the world and have more than 4,000 performances under their fundoshi. Every August, people flock to Sado Island for Earth Celebration, the arts and music festival Kodo started in 1987.

Earth Celebration is, in a sense, Kodo’s annual homecoming after months on the road touring. The festival not only showcases their musical talents—and those of guest musicians—but also introduces the beauty of Sado. Arts, crafts and food are on display at the Harbor Market in Ogi and sake and food tastings can be found around the island. There are drumming workshops as well as various aquatic activities such as SUP, kayaking and even scuba diving.

While activities can be found throughout the 855-square-kilometer island, every evening of the three-day festival concludes at Ogi Town with a heart-thudding performance full of drums, dance and a diverse set of traditional Japanese instruments. 

Amidst growing tensions between Japan and South Korea, a guest taiko troupe from Korea, Kim Duk-Soo SamulNori, was a vital reminder of the peace and friendship many of the two countries’ inhabitants wish for. With Sado perched between the two nations, it acts as a bridge to bring people closer together. The performance sent out a beautiful message that teamwork and creativity see no harsh differences; that art brings communities from all over the world together.

Read on to discover more of Sado Island’s creative community.

GETTING THERE

Sado Island has three ports easily accessible from Niigata City. As access is difficult without a car on the island, Sado Kisen operates several car ferries and high-speed jetfoils throughout the day. As the Sea of Japan can get rough, especially during the winter and typhoon months, be sure to check ahead as ferries can get cancelled. 

From Niigata to Ryotsu: The car ferry takes just over two hours and costs about ¥2,510 while the high-speed jet foil takes one hour and costs ¥6,520. 

From Naoetsu to Ogi Port: Sado Kisen operates one to three car ferries per day to Ogi Port. The one-way journey takes just over two hours and costs ¥2,720. This ferry does not operate from late November to February. 

From Teradomari to Akadomari: Sado Kisen operates one to three high-speed boats to Akadomari. The one-way journey takes one hour and costs ¥2,960. This ferry does not operate from December to February.

Cover Photo: Earth Celebration

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Leave a reply

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest posts

Categories