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All Japan Sado

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.
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 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.
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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Explore Sado, Japan

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Recent Sado Activity

  • Dana Orkin

    wants to go to Earth Celebration

    12 days ago
  • bestf1enthusiast

    wants to go to Earth Celebration

    1 day ago
  • toochickens

    wants to go to Sado Island's Tarai Bune

    about 18 hours ago
  • toochickens

    wants to go to Earth Celebration

    about 18 hours ago
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    wants to go to Aikawa Prison

    about 13 hours ago

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