I had the pleasure of hosting my students from Los Angeles, They came to Sado Island and had the chance to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings and unique culture of the island.
During their stay, they were able to experience the beauty of Sado’s nature and culture firsthand.
Let me take you through some of the unforgettable moments from their time here.
Day 1 – Welcome Dinner and Local Festival
I went to the ferry terminal on Sado Island to welcome my students from Los Angeles as they arrived. They were in awe of the stunning landscape—the endless rice fields and the lush, green scenery that captures the heart of Sado.
For dinner, my mother prepared a comforting home-cooked meal, showcasing local ingredients. We enjoyed dishes like simmered vegetables, seasonal greens, and beautifully arranged sashimi etc.., all while introducing ourselves and settling into a happy, relaxed atmosphere. Also, Watching my students speak Japanese with my family was especially moving!
After dinner, we headed to a local festival that celebrated the unique spirit of Sado. From the powerful Oni Daiko drum performance, meant to ward off evil spirits, to the charming Noroma puppetry and joyful Bon Odori dance, my students experienced an evening rich with local tradition. 
Day 2 – Custom Tour of Southern Sado
On the second day, we embarked on a custom tour of Southern Sado, known for its natural beauty and historic sites.Our first stop was a mesmerizing performance by Kodo, a taiko drumming group based on the island.The deep, resonant sound of the drums captivated my two musician guests, who were awed by the drummers’ skill and intensity.
Next, we tried the traditional tarai-bune (tub boat), the round boat famously featured in Spirited Away, he is a huge Ghibli fan.
We then wandered through Shukunegi, a historical village with narrow stone streets and Edo-period wooden houses that tell stories of Japan’s past.
Dinner that evening was at a lovely soba restaurant This hidden gem is loved by locals, and the delicious soba paired with warm hospitality made it an unforgettable night. We savored local sake, immersing ourselves in the authentic flavors of Sado.
Day 3 – Japanese Culture and River Trekking
The morning was dedicated to Japanese cultural experiences—more on this to follow in the blog, so stay tuned!
In the afternoon, we joined a river trekking tour through Sado’s lush forests, led by nature giude Hiro, whose friendly personality and engaging stories set a relaxed tone. As we climbed rocks and waded through flowing waters, we felt the thrill of adventure in the heart of nature. That evening, under a sky full of stars, we enjoyed sparklers and the peaceful beauty of a starry night.
Day 4 – Beautiful sunset and beach.
On our last morning, we rose early to catch the sunrise over the sparkling sea. The crystal-clear waters of Futatsugame Beach invited us to swim and relax, savoring the tranquil beauty around us.
But soon, it was time to say goodbye. After four days spent like family, parting was bittersweet, though we promised to meet again.
This homestay was a unique chance to experience Sado’s nature, history, and culture while connecting warmly with locals. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it’s an invitation to fully immerse yourself in traditional Japanese life. Come and discover the heart of Japan through unforgettable moments and the quiet beauty of Sado’s countryside.
Feedback. Cole-san
1.What was the most memorable part of your cultural experience in Sado?
My favorite part of being on Sado was spending time with Miwa-san and the wonderful Sasaki family. There were so many activities that we did as a group such as cooking, calligraphy, hiking, and spending quality time together. I was so thankful for how open everyone in the family was in receiving us, and I knew that I was truly welcomed into their home. I was impressed by the beautiful scenery of Sado, as well as how peaceful it was. Also, the kindness of everyone we met was very moving.
2.What do you like about Sado Island?
The peaceful atmosphere of Sado was wonderful, in addition to its rich culture. I enjoyed the warmth of everyone on the island as well.
3.Please feel free to write down anything you want.
It was truly special to be able to spend time with the Sasaki family and live as they did during our stay. It showed me many insights into Japanese culture and life.
Feedback. Eric-san
1.What was the most memorable part of your cultural experience in Sado?
The most fun thing I did on Sado Island was spending time with Miwa and the Sasaki Family. Not only learning Calligraphy and cooking but also getting to spend quality time with each person and learning about their lives, their history, and their passions. It was my favorite joy. I was impressed by how peaceful Sado is. It truly is a perfect place filled with amazing people. I recommend someone interested in traditional Japanese culture and the traditional lifestyle to stay here on Sado. I hope they find the inner peace every person deserves. The Sasaki family is a beautifully unique family that gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you want to experience relaxation and peace this is the best place to do it.
Customized Special Homestay Plan
