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
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(6 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 .
Fujiko M.
4.97 / 5
(30 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.
Mutsuko W.
5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)
Japan
Yokoso, Welcome! Hi, I'm Mutsuko. I'm a National Government Licensed Guide and Interpreter. As 100% Niigataite (born and raised in Niigata City with roots dating back generations), it would be my pleasure to show you my beautiful and unique prefecture. Niigata Prefecture is located on the west coast of the Japanese Archipelago, facing the Sea of Japan and only two hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Niigata Port is counted as one of the first to open to the world after the Edo Period, and historically important buildings are spotted around the old town area, Furumachi. Cross the symbolic Bandai Bridge to the other side of the Shinano River for the modern experience; the Bandai area is where young and old gather for shopping and entertainment such as movies, music, manga and anime and lots more. When you look over the sea, there lies the the breathtaking and historically rich island of Sado. It is 2 and half hours away from Niigata City by ferry and only one hour by jetfoil. While on Sado Island, make sure to enjoy marine sports and take in the beautiful nature. Niigata Prefecture has four clear- cut seasons. Spring is the time when the snow melts and nourishes our abundant plants and trees. Cherry blossoms bloom in town parks and mountains. Summer brings in the hot weather which turns the city into a playground - join the fun by swimming and sunbathing on one of our many beaches along the long coastal line. Autumn is the time when leaves turn beautiful colors and agricultural products such as rice, fruits and vegetables are abundantly harvested. Finally, winter is the time for skiing and snowboarding thanks to heavy snow. It is the time the prefecture hosts snow lovers from across the country and around the globe. The climate, the mountains and the sea bring us good food and a wholesome environment to live in. People are gentle, and towns and cities are safe. And it is no secret that Niigata is famous for Koshihikari rice and rice wine sake - both, the pride of Japan and served in the finest Japanese restaurants around the world. With direct trains to and from Tokyo and an international airport, Niigata is easily accessible. 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. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
Popular Sado Private Tours
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$158/ per group
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(6 reviews)
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$53/ per group
Fujiko M.
4.97 / 5
(30 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$72/ per group
Fujiko M.
4.97 / 5
(30 reviews)
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$91/ per group
Keiichi S.
5.00 / 5
(6 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$33/ per person
Fujiko M.
4.97 / 5
(30 reviews)
Day Trips from Sado
Sado Tour Reviews
“Sado island with Kei”
Kei was a very good guide and I would recommend him to anyone taking this tour.
Keiichi S.
(6 reviews)Aloha Roy ! Thank you for a favorable review. I myself had a wonderful time with you. Take care ! Kei
“Awesome!!!”
Kei was very instrumental in being our tour guide. From the beginning , he worked with us to create an itinerary to fit our needs. Kei speaks english and has a great personality so we all were very comfortable with him. He guided us throughout the whole tour and made Sado Island one of the highlights of our Japan trip. Thank you Kei!!!
Keiichi S.
(6 reviews)Aloha Lori T Thank you very much for your favorable review. I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed Sado tour. I myself had wonderful time with you. Everyone, please take care. Kei
C
Chayanin N.
5 / 5
Nov 4, 2023
☆Sado Day Tour with a Private Car
Sado
4 hours 20 min
Customized
Nov 4, 2023
“Very good experience about Mr.driver”
Mr.driver introduced many interesting places in Sado, helped guiding the way and helped lifting up wheelchair. He also introduced some restaurants either. We had a very good experience for Sado tour.
Tr taxi R.
(199 reviews)Thanks for your review！We are happy to hear that you had a great time at Sado. If you are visiting other parts of Japan in the future, please contact us again. We always look forward to serving you here.
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 Brew...
R
Ro M.
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 ...
R
Ro M.
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!!!!...
R
Ro M.
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 typi...
R
Ro M.
Mar 03, 2021
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