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
Fujiko M.
4.94 / 5
(33 reviews)
Japan
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.
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(12 reviews)
Japan
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 .
Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Japan
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.
Popular Sado Private Tours
Shukunegi - the village of sengokubune, sailingship of Edo era
Sado
2 hours
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.
FROM$57/ per group
Fujiko M.
4.94 / 5
(33 reviews)
Sado one day tour
Sado
7 hours
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..
FROM$183/ per group
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(12 reviews)
Three Highlights in Sado
Sado
8 hours
Visit iconic spots including Gold Mine, Toki (Crested Ibis) Forest and Shukunegi. Also enjoy genuine Sado sushi lunch and visit a local sake brewery.
FROM$247/ per group
Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Sado Gold and Silver Mine: Relics tell you 400 years of history
Sado
2 hours 30 min
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.
FROM$79/ per group
Fujiko M.
4.94 / 5
(33 reviews)
New Sado Private Tours
Sado half day tour
Sado
4 hours
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.
FROM$105/ per group
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(12 reviews)
Hina Doll Festival in Aikawa (seasonal tour in Sado From Mar.3 to Mar.20)
Sado
2 hours
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.
FROM$36/ per person
Fujiko M.
4.94 / 5
(33 reviews)
Popular Sado Private Cars
Sado Tour Reviews
L
Leng leng S.
5 / 5
Apr 28, 2025
“Excellent guide and respect towards his dedication! ”
Kei-san is an experienced and excellent guide that led us to beautiful places in Sado Island. His strong command of English led us to a deeper appreciation of the Tokis on the island, which I would have completely missed if I had gone to the conservatory on my own. He also strongly recommended us to witness a local festival at a shrine which was such a treat! Lastly, at his old age, he continues to attend English lessons on a weekly basis to enjoy what he does best - to show to the world what Sado has to offer! Highly recommend!
Keiichi S.
Hello Leng leng S Thank you for a favorable review. I myself enjoyed a tour with you. Kei
A
Alan P.
5 / 5
Mar 29, 2025
“Above and Beyond”
Cannot begin to recommend Keiichi-san highly enough! I came to the island with the a fairly narrow range of interests and he went out of the way, not only to meet all of my needs, but also to enlist others on the island who had direct knowledge of my field. We spent two amazing days together, exploring some rarely looked at aspects of Sado Island culture. He was prompt, friendly, organized, enthusiastic, and a general delight to be with the entire time! I am hoping to come back to the island in a year or so, and will certainly request his services again. Arigatou gozaimashitta, Keiichi-san!
Keiichi S.
Hello Alan Thank you for a favorable review!! Kei
M
Michael W.
5 / 5
Feb 15, 2025
“Informative and friendly guided tour ”
Kei is a very kind man born and raised in Sado island and very happy to share his information about the island with visitors. He took us to the proposed places for the half day tour and shared a lot of interesting information about the sites, beyond what you could get from the available information displays. Sado is a very special place and I would recommend Kei as a guide.
Keiichi S.
Hello Michael Thank you for a favorable review. I myself had a wonderful time with you! I hope you enjoy the rest of your tour. 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
Things To Do
Sado Island: The magic of winter - Day 6
Sado, Japan
The last day has come! This day was at the Obata-Shuzo brewery, one of the most important sake makers in the country. 1.- Obata-Shuzo Brewery For Obata-Shuzo, there are 3 elements that are crucial at the moment of making sake: Rice, water and people, bu...
Ro Mi
Feb 24, 2021
Things To Do
Sado Island: The magic of winter - Day 5
Sado, Japan
1.- Shimebari Village Today was an amazing day! We started in Shimebari Village, in Hamamochi. Once Shimebari Village used to be a inhabited town but since many years ago because of it inconvenience location, people started to move to places closer to the...
Ro Mi
Mar 04, 2021
Things To Do
Sado Island: The magic of winter - Day 4
Sado, Japan
This is my 4th day at Sado Island. Today is the turn of 2 of my favourite things: to experience activities in a temple and to play wadaiko!!!! 1.- Chokuku-ji Temple At first I went to Chokoku-ji Temple. The monk who runs this temple is Monk Tomita, a ...
Ro Mi
Mar 03, 2021
Things To Do
Sado Island: The magic of winter - Day 3
Sado, Japan
This morning was really cold. We woke up and had breakfast at the Ryoukan. Again, a big breakfast with a variety of fishes, and a lot of typical vegetables from the Island. We met the Chef who made the delicious meals during our stay. He and his wife were...
Ro Mi
Mar 03, 2021
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