Sado Island, Japan cruise port guide

A lightning bolt-shaped island in the Sea of Japan — the long, feature-rich coast is etched with sea caves, rugged cliffs and gently rising green peaks. A peaceful island of ancient rice terraces, rare toki birds, and traditional wooden tub boats — the serenity was shattered by the discovery of gold in 1601, bringing a rush that created the country’s largest gold mines. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking through original, hand-dug mining tunnels, as well as later excavations. This remote island is now a peaceful place to wander between mountains and forests, but was once a place of exile, and the former emperors and Buddhist monks banished here left a lasting cultural legacy. Each year, the Earth Festival brings the rhythms of taiko drumming and exuberant dancing.