The Atlas Obscura Guide To Sado

5 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Sado, Japan

Updated March 5, 2020

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Unusual Attractions in Sado

Sado Island Tub Boats.

Sado, Japan

Sado Island's Tarai Bune

These unconventional "tub boats" let locals row around the island's turbulent coast.

A view of Chokokuji Temple’s “guardian bunny.”

Sado, Japan

Chokokuji Temple's Rabbit Kannon Statue

This giant statue pays homage to this temple's furry residents who keep the landscape pristine.

The prison is surprisingly light and airy.

Sado, Japan

Aikawa Prison

A wooden prison doesn't sound like a good idea, yet this abandoned 1950s detention center still stands today.

Drummers parading down the streets in Sado.

Sado, Japan

Earth Celebration

Japan's longest-running music festival takes place on an isolated butterfly-shaped island.

The robots are a bit creepy, but that’s part of the fun.

Sado, Japan

Sado Kinzan

For centuries, this gold mine was the powerhouse behind the Tokugawa Shogunate.

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