A message for those planning to visit Sado
I’d like to share the charm of Sado Island through my own homestay experience at Miwa’s family home. Even as a Japanese person, I found Sado to be such a unique and deeply inspiring place—one that stays with you long after you leave. During my 4 days and 3 nights there, I absorbed so much that when I returned home, I still felt wrapped in the happy, calming energy of the island.
View from Mount Donden
Staying with a Farming Family in a Remote Village
Miwa’s family lives in what’s called a genkai shūraku—a small, remote village with only about 30 households. Even many people from Sado itself don’t know about this hidden place. Imagine living in a traditional one-story farmhouse, surrounded by endless rice fields and vegetable gardens, with no neighbors in sight. For me, it felt like stepping into another world.
Rice fields and Miwa’s house
A Distinct Way of Life on “Sado Country”
Miwa’s father, who was born and raised in the village, told me stories about traditions that have been passed down for generations. Some of these you might get to witness if you stay here, too!
• Morning gatherings at 6am
Life here begins early. Since most villagers are farmers, neighbors casually drop by around 6am, parking their cars by the veranda to chat. There are no gates or doorbells—people simply show up, exchange greetings, talk about the weather, and share their plans for the day. It’s a peaceful, almost timeless start to the morning.
A morning visit from my uncle
• Annual Buddhist ritual in the village hall
On June 24th, villagers gather to pray for family safety and good health. The day begins with cleaning the hall at sunrise, and in the afternoon, elders lead the community in chanting sutras together. Afterwards, everyone shares a meal. It’s a simple but deeply meaningful tradition.
A small temple in the village
The Unforgettable Taste of Sado Koshihikari Rice
Meals here are unforgettable—especially the rice. Sado is one of the top-producing regions of Koshihikari, a premium Japanese rice brand. I usually eat more noodles and pizza than rice, but the moment I tasted this glossy, plump, flavorful rice, I could feel something in my Japanese DNA light up with joy. Once you’ve tried it, you may never look at other rice the same way again. If you visit during planting or harvest season, you might even get to help in the fields. Experiencing the rice not just as food, but as something you grow with your own hands, is incredibly special.
Golden rice fields before harvest
Noh Theater: A 600-Year-Old Tradition
When you visit Sado, there are two things you simply must experience: the rice and Noh theater. Noh is a form of Japanese performing art, blending chanting, music, and stylized movement. The actors often wear masks and portray not only humans, but also gods, demons, spirits, and ghosts. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, it’s one of Japan’s oldest and most refined art forms. Together with Miwa, I attended a rare performance called Rōsoku Noh (“Candlelight Noh”) at Shōbōji Temple. As the stage was lit only by flickering candles, the mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere made me feel as if I had stepped back in time. The play we saw, Kumasaka, is known for its dynamic fight scenes. When the actor wielded a naginata (a long pole weapon), accompanied by drums and flutes, the energy was so powerful I felt chills.
What makes watching Noh on Sado so meaningful is its history: Zeami, the great Noh master, is closely connected to the island. Even if you don’t fully understand the story, Noh is open to personal interpretation—so just let yourself enjoy the experience in your own way.
A Noh stage and a Noh performance
Why You Should Visit Sado
Just a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Niigata Port, Sado is larger than Tokyo in size, with many faces and hidden treasures across the island. My stay in this small farming village felt like stepping into another era. Even for Japanese people, it’s rare to spend time in a place like this—surrounded by rice fields in a community where life flows at its own pace. If you live a busy life, Sado will feel like another world. Simply being there gives you a sense of contentment. Even for someone like me, who is always chasing dreams and busy with endless tasks, Sado was a place where my “battle mode” switched completely off. I truly hope more people will have the chance to experience the magic of Sado for themselves.
Shiho (left), the writer of the article, and Miwa (right) in Shukunegi.
—Shiho References
References Websites:
• Welcome to Nohgaku • The Achievements of Zeami • Basic Knowledge of Noh Books: • Tatsuru Uchida & Noboru Yasuda, Lectures on Japanese Classics: Reading Tradition, Culture, and Knowledge through the Body (Shodensha, 2017).