I’d like to introduce my friend Koto, a tarai-bune (tub boat) captain here on Sado Island. She’s a university student from Hokkaido with an incredible story—she once climbed Mount Everest on a solo trip abroad!
The photo of her when she climbed Everest.
We’ve shared many fun moments together, like diving into the sea, enjoying a moonlit ride in a tarai-bune, and hosting ping-pong tournaments. Koto is a wonderful friend, and through her writing, I hope you’ll feel her love for tarai-bune and all that it represents.
Koto, Thriving as a Tarai-Bune Captain
About Tarai-Bune
A round-shaped tub boat
Tarai-bune are unique tub-shaped boats from Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, originally used for fishing.
Today, while tarai-bune are still used for some fishing, they are primarily a popular attraction for tourists.
There are three main locations offering tarai-bune rides, one of which is Shukunegi Hangiri. Since last year, I’ve been working there as a captain.
The owner of Shukunegi Hangiri, Kaneko-san, describes the tarai-bune as a “tool (or place) that connects people.”
Now in my second year here, I have come to deeply understand the meaning behind this description through my own experiences.
I first met Kaneko-san on a tarai-bune, and soon after, I started working as a captain and visiting Shukunegi regularly. Through this, I also connected with local farmers and fishermen, who generously share their seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, village stories, and even traditions such as local cuisine, festivals, and dialect.
Thanks to the connections forged through the tarai-bune, I have slowly immersed myself in the rhythms of life on Sado Island.
Master Kaneko and his beloved dog.
Shukunegi’s traditional house landscape.
Unexpected Encounters on the Sea
I’ve encountered surprising connections with passengers on the tarai-bune.
For example, one passenger turned out to be a former professor from my university, another was a neighbor from my hometown, and yet another had climbed the same mountain overseas as I had.
Each brief cruise brings a unique story with every group of guests. With space for just one captain and three passengers per boat, the tarai-bune offers an intimate experience, making it easy to connect with people on a personal level.
Guest Comments
Here are a few comments from past passengers:
- “The most enriching 15 minutes of my life!” [15-minute course, American husband and Japanese wife]
- “It’s been so long since I slowed down to really take in the scenery. It felt so luxurious.” [25-minute course, Female visitor from Tokyo]
- “We came to Sado just to ride the tarai-bune in Shukunegi! The time flew by.” [35-minute course, Three women from Kanagawa Prefecture]
- “I saw the sunset for the first time in my life. It was the most beautiful scene I’ve ever witnessed.” [Sunset & Twilight course, Couple in their 30s from Kobe]
- “How long has it been since I last gazed at the night sky? It brought back childhood memories. I’ll be back next year.” [Night Cruise, Male visitor from Aichi Prefecture]
Comments like these deeply move us captains. Riding the slowest boat in the world lets you float peacefully over the sea, creating moments where you can fully embrace the beauty often overlooked in daily life.
Even those who start off nervous about riding the tarai-bune inevitably say, “I’m so glad I did it—it was so relaxing,” by the time they return.
Crafted with Love
The tarai-bune fleet in Shukunegi has about ten boats, all handmade with care. Every morning, we inspect and maintain them, making repairs by hand when needed.
It’s this meticulous craftsmanship and attention that, I believe, allows these boats to touch the hearts of those who ride them.
Koto is handcrafting the tarai boat with care.
From the connections formed between people to the breathtaking views of Shukunegi’s sea, sunrise, sunset, the Milky Way, or bioluminescent plankton, the tarai-bune allows you to experience it all. For me, these boats, along with Kaneko-san and Shukunegi Hangiri, are something deeply precious, linking me to Sado Island in a meaningful way. I hope to cherish them for years to come.
Rowing the tarai boat towards the sunset.
Through her connection with him, Koto has seen, felt, and learned from his way of being, as well as his love and passion for his work. I was deeply moved by her openness to learn and grow through this experience.
When you visit Sado, be sure to try the tarai-bune ride! Make sure to meet Kaneko-san and Koto for an unforgettable experience!
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