🌟 Sado Island | Off-the-Beaten-Path Japan Tour 🌟

Sado Island, the largest offshore island in the Sea of Japan off the eastern coast of Japan, is a secluded paradise away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, you'll find not only the breathtaking scenery of a World Heritage site but also the enchanting atmosphere of the filming locations for "Spirited Away." The annual Milky Way Art Festival skillfully blends art and starry skies, making it a dream destination for stargazers and art enthusiasts alike. 1️⃣ Milky Way Art Festival 🌌 The Milky Way Art Festival takes place from mid-August to mid-November each year, with the island's natural landscapes complementing modern art installations, especially at night, creating a dreamlike world. 📆 Festival Dates: August 11, 2024 - November 10, 2024 (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) 10:00 – 17:00 2️⃣ World Heritage Site - Sado Gold Mine 🏯 One of the most famous gold mines in Japanese history, the well-preserved mining site and night tours transport you back to the Edo period, offering a perfect blend of gold mining history and light art. 🌔 Sado Gold Mine Night Tour: 📆 September-October 2024, every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday 18:30-20:30 🔖 Admission: 5000 yen, purchase on site 🎉 World Cultural Heritage Celebration Events: September 14 (Saturday), barbecue dinner in the gold mine park September 15 (Sunday), jazz music festival - Island of Dreams 🆓 Free, no reservation required 3️⃣ "Spirited Away" Filming Location 🏞️ The local rice fields and fishing boats "Bonsai Boats" are one of the inspirations for Hayao Miyazaki's classic animation "Spirited Away." Paddling a Bonsai Boat in the highly transparent seawater feels like being in the fantastical world of the animation. 4️⃣ Starry Skies, Coastlines, Beaches, Rice Fields, Maple Forests... Open your window to see the ocean waves during the day and a sky full of stars at night. Lighthouses along the coast, uniquely shaped rock formations, golden rice fields in autumn, mountains of red maple leaves, and hidden temples await your exploration in every season. 🚢 Travel Information • Location: Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan • Transportation: Take a ferry from Niigata Port, about 1 hour; or take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Niigata Port and then transfer to a ferry. • Accommodation: There are many hot spring hotels on the island to choose from. 🍣 Food Recommendations Don't miss the island's fresh seafood, especially tuna and sea urchin. Trying sake from local breweries is also a great experience. Sado Island, a fusion of nature and culture, offers you a travel experience full of art and surprises. Come and plan your Sado journey now! #SadoIsland #JapanOffTheBeatenPath #ArtFestival #DailyArtShare #NaturalSceneryShare #HayaoMiyazaki #SpiritedAway #TravelTips #StarrySky #MilkyWay