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Sado Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Sado, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Sado Tour Guides
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Japan
Fujiko M.
4.95 / 5
(39 reviews)
4.95 / 5
(39 reviews)
Hello! My name is Fujiko Maeda. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I was born in Sado Island, off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. I once worked in tourism industry for about 10 years when I lived in Tokyo. Now I'm a persimmon farmer but when time permits I'm happy to guide you here in Sado mainly but also other places, too. We have a lot to offer like beautiful nature, historical sites, local specialties, traditional performing arts, festivals, islanders smiles and so on. If you'd like to know real Japanese lifestyle, please visit Sado. I'm sure you'll be satisfied. Let's explore Sado or other wonderful and beautiful places with me! Also, if you have any questions about Sado or Japan as a whole, please don't hesitate to email me.
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Japan
Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Yokoso! Welcome! Hi, I'm Mutsuko, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. A true Niigatite, I was born and raised in Niigata City with roots dating back generations. I would be pleased to show you another side of Japan in my beautiful and unique prefecture. The Warm Hospitality: Niigata Prefecture is located on the west coast of the Japanese Archipelago, facing the Sea of Japan and provides a true insider look into the Japanese spirit. Only two hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, it has been perfecting the art of casual hospitality through centuries as a culinary hotspot and nature getaway for the those escaping the rat-race. History at your own Pace: Appreciate history and culture at your own pace in Niigata. Yahiko, National Shrine has been soothing souls, and inspiring locals, poets, and travellers for over 2500 years. Historically significant buildings greet seafarers at Niigata Port and the old town area, Furumachi. Cross the symbolic Bandai Bridge to the other side of the Shinano River where we can move from the ancient to the modern in the Bandai area to shop and gather with young and old for entertainment such as movies, music, manga, and anime. Over the Sea, Over the Mountain, Over the Fields: Nature is good to Niigata Prefecture, giving us four clear-cut seasons. People from all over the country, and travellers wanting to experience Japan with the Japanese join us to soak in the sun on our beaches, relax at spa resorts, challenge themselves on world class ski hills, and dance together at festivals that draw world class performers. Travel with Me: With direct trains to and from Tokyo and an international airport, Niigata is just a stone's throw away to have a unique taste of Japan. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, I invite you to visit Niigata City and other parts of the prefecture, and while here, it would be my pleasure to help you create unique memories during your stay.
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Japan
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(19 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(19 reviews)
Hello! I'm Keiichi . Call me Kei. I am an apple and pear farmer .I have approximately 900 apple trees.I grow 10 kinds of apples and 4 kinds of pears with my wife. Besides my business,I like learning English and Taichi practice. last year,I got a tour guide licence which is valid in Sado. Sado is a fascinating and picturesque island with scenic spots ,historical places and relics,traditional performing arts,delicious dishes and so on. I'm sure you will be satisfied with hospitality of Sado islanders. I strongly recommend you to visit Sado.I'm ready to help you enjoy youself. if you have any questions about Sado,contact me. one more fantastic information, during fruits season(from September to early November),you can taste my apples and pears .
Popular Sado Private Tours
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Sado
2 hours
Shukunegi - the village of sengokubune, sailingship of Edo era
This small coastal village once prospered as the center of shipbuilding industry during the Edo era. After the Meiji Restoration, the industry fell into decline due to the overall Westernization and the development of other transportation networks like railways. The village was once almost forgotten. However, the descendants stood up to restore the legacy of their ancesters and have been working hard to keep it. Building the exact replica of the old Edo-era sailing ship shows their enthusiasm and solidarity. In this tour, we stroll in the village, visiting one of the ship owner's house called "Seikuro" which is open to the public. You can see the skillfully built houses by ship carpenters. Then we visit Sado-koku Ogi Folk Museum which houses the exact replica of the old sengokubune ship called "Hakusan-maru", thousands of folkcrafts, household utensils, ship carpenters tools and more. Shukunegi was registered as the district of the Groups of Traditional Buildings. Once you step inside, you are in the maze of Edo era. * Special notice: "Seikuro" will be closed until Mar.31 Sado-koku Ogi Folk Museum will be closed on Mondays until March, 2016 Also closed from Dec.29 - Jan.3 for new year holidays. *Special choice: If some of the facilities are closed, we can go to Iwayasan Cove nearby to see 88 stone statues for a short pilgrimage.
Shukunegi - the village of sengokubune, sailingship of Edo era
FROM$53/ per group
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Fujiko M.
4.95 / 5
(39 reviews)
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Sado
8 hours
Sado Island Essentials: Heritage, Harbor & Hidden Gems
Discover the best of Sado! Explore the historic Gold Mine, see rare Crested Ibises at Toki Forest, and stroll through the charming village of Shukunegi. Savor authentic Sado sushi for lunch and cap off your day with a visit to a local sake brewery.
Sado Island Essentials: Heritage, Harbor & Hidden Gems
FROM$227/ per group
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Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
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Sado
7 hours
Sado one day tour
There are many interesting and fascinating sightseeing spots in Sado. Sado is worth visiting! I'd like to take you to some of them efficiently in one day. Please pick 4-5 places from following options, Then, I'll make an itinerary according to your preference. If you have other places you'd like to go, please do not hesitate to ask me..
Sado one day tour
FROM$181/ per group
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Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(19 reviews)
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Sado
2 hrs 30 mins
Sado Gold and Silver Mine: Relics tell you 400 years of history
Sado has been well known as one of the major gold and silver production sites in Japan. It has the history of 1000 years. There are four major minig sites in Sado: Nishimikawa alluvial gold mine, Tsurushi silver mine, Niibo silver mine and Sado (Aikawa) gold and silver mine. Sado gold and silver mine was the biggest of all with 400 years of history. Mining in Aikawa started in the late 16th century and was halted in 1989. In this tour, we first visit Sado Gold and Silver Mine Museum, where we enter the Sodayu tunnel which is open to the public. The Sodayu tunnel was dug manually by thousands of mine workers during the Edo period. You can see the whole process of gold and silver production at that time. Then we see some old buildings and a relic built from Meiji to Showa era. These buildings were used to crush, store and smelt ores. Next, we visit the graveyard of Mushuku-nin(people without register) brought in from Edo and Osaka to work as drainage workers. Then, we walk down the street called Kyomachi-dori, once bustled with mine workers, government officials and towns people. Kyomachi-dori street linked Sado Magistrate Office to mining sites. Aikawa town was developed and divided into communities with same occupation. Along the way, we see old buildings, workshops, local grocery store and cafes. We walk past old bell tower, Sado Hanga-mura Museum(print museum) originally built as a district court and Sado Magistrate Office. Finally, we visit Kitazawa area, developed from Meiji to Showa era with modern Western mining technologies to produce gold and silver effectively. Ruined factories, thermal power plant and a 50-meter thickener have remained. Sado Gold and Silver Mine has practiced cutting-edge production methods of each era and you can see the authenticity here in Aikawa. FYI, walking distance is about 3 kilometers.
Sado Gold and Silver Mine: Relics tell you 400 years of history
FROM$72/ per group
Fujiko M.
4.95 / 5
(39 reviews)
New Sado Private Tours
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Sado
4 hours
Sado half day tour
There are many fascinating tourist spots in Sado. Among them, the most popular spots are Sado gold mine and Toki (Japanese crested ibis) forest park. Basically, these two spots are indoor facilities, so we do not need to worry about the weather. if the weather is nice, Senkaku bay can be another option.
Sado half day tour
FROM$103/ per group
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(19 reviews)
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Sado
2 hours
Hina Doll Festival in Aikawa (seasonal tour in Sado From Mar.3 to Mar.20)
Mar. 3rd is "Girl's day" called Hina Matsuri (dolls festival) in Japan. Households with girls display their Hina Dolls to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of their children. Aikawa town in Sado prospered from the beginning of the 17th century to the late 20th century along with the development of Sado Gold and Silver Mine. People of many kinds of professions moved to Aikawa from many parts of Japan to make a fortune and brought in colorful cultures and traditions which led to create an unique Sado culture and tradition. During this time of year, hotels, sightseeing spots, cafes, shops and even private homes exhibit their Hina Dolls for the public and visitors can enjoy walking in the town admiring dolls from different eras. In this tour, we walk around Aikawa town and visit places where Hina Dolls are displayed. With diverse historical backgrounds, there are many kinds of Hina Dolls in Aikawa, some of them from the Edo period or older, the others are made by modern craftsmen. FYI, No.1 At some hotels and restaurants, you can enjoy special "Hina Doll Festival" lunch. No.2 This is a walking tour in Aikawa, but some of the places are accessible by taxi.
Hina Doll Festival in Aikawa (seasonal tour in Sado From Mar.3 to Mar.20)
FROM$33/ per person
Fujiko M.
4.95 / 5
(39 reviews)
Popular Sado Private Cars
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Sado Tour Reviews
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Diana L.
5 / 5
Feb 19, 2026
“Fujiko is a lovely guide who gave me a great tour of Sado Island!”
Fujiko is not only knowledgeable about Sado but also very kind and warm-hearted. After joining a tour with Fujiko, I feel as though I have a much better understanding of Sado from the perspective of someone born and raised on the island. Through my tour, I could see how the community of locals on the island is very close, as we came across many people who shared a friendly exchange with Fujiko and offered me a warm welcome. Fujiko also introduced me to a delicious restaurant where I could enjoy seasonal fish and meet her cousin. She also went out of her way to give me a chance to taste other treats made by others on the island trying to revitalize the local community. I hope to visit Sado again in the near future to see and experience more of the community!
Fujiko M.
Hello Diana san, Thank you very much for writing such a wonderful review of the tour. The wave was good, the weather was good, no snow, you are so cute and the tour went well and I'm so happy! Yes, Sado has a lot more to offer and I will wait for your next chance to come to Sado in the near future. I guess it will be a foody tour on the island next time! Please enjoy your life in Japan and see you soon:) Fujiko
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Heidi T.
5 / 5
Dec 27, 2025
“Lovely guide!!”
Fujiko was so helpful and knowledgeable in the area. She brought us around Sado island according to the places that we mentioned that we would love to visit. She spoke English so fluently and went out of the way to make us feel comfortable and taken care of. Extremely happy to have met her and gotten her as our guide!
Fujiko M.
Hi Heidi san, Thank you very much for writing such a good review of the tour. We didn't have enough time and visited only 3 places in 5 hours. But we saw snow left in Iwakubi rice terraces, enjoyed tub boat ride and strolled in Shukunegi village. Sado Island is completely different from Singapore and I hope you enjoyed beautiful nature even a short period. Wish you a happy new year 2026!! Fujiko
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Todd T.
5 / 5
Nov 18, 2025
“Wonderful Sado Island Tour”
Our day tour of Sado Island with Kei was the highlight of our trip to Japan. First of all, communication prior to our tour was easy and Kei responded quickly. We set up the itinerary beforehand taking in his helpful suggestions. Kei's English is very good and he is a nice, humble person who obviously loves Sado Island. We were impressed with his knowledge of each area we visited, especially the Gold Mines. Any question we asked, he answered. He was so comfortable to be with. At day's end, we felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend. We highly recommend Kei as a tour guide of Sado Island!
Keiichi S.
Aloha Todd Thank you for a favorable review. I myself had a wonderful time with you. Kei
Sado Private Tour Guide
Whether it’s your first time to Sado or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Sado has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself!
You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Sado tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that.
There is so much to see and do in Sado, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.
Latest Sado Articles
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Browse Sado tour itineraries by our local professionals and book your favorite Sado tour.
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Tour Sado by car or van, or hire a private guide / driver. See reviews and all car tour details.
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