Destinations Near Tokyo, Japan: Golden Getaways at Niigata and Sado Island

Looking for destinations near Tokyo?
by Ina Louise Manto | September 23, 2024

Once you’ve finished exploring Japan’s famous cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, you might want to branch out and discover lesser-known destinations the next time you return to the country. Such is Niigata, which is conveniently just an hour and a half way from Tokyo via the Shinkansen.

Niigata and Sado Island have no shortage of memorable spots, so get ready to plan your next trip. We’ve curated an itinerary for you and your family to experience together:

 

Day 1: Arrival at Echigo Yuzawa

Morning: Arrive in Tokyo via NAIA, then take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo Yuzawa. Check into a delightful hotel, such as the Yuzawa Grand Hotel.

Afternoon: Take a car to Kiyotsu Gorge and walk through the mesmerizing Tunnel of Light that will leave you in awe. Be sure to snap some good photos during this one-of-a-kind adventure.

Evening: Enjoy the exciting food culture of Ponshukan Marketplace, where they source all their ingredients from local producers and brewers and offer exclusive sake tastings. They are also renowned for their gigantic “bomb onigiri” rice balls, where guests can craft their own experience by choosing unique fillings, satisfying any appetite.

Relax at the Sake Spa in Niigata for a unique experience, where you can soak in sake-infused baths, rejuvenating your skin and senses after a busy day of traveling.

 

Day 2: Exploring Niigata

Morning: Through the Joetsu Shinkansen, head to Niigata Station from Echigo Yuzawa, and check into Hotel Nikko Niigata for a stunning view of the Shinano River.

Afternoon: If you are traveling in the fall, explore the Niigata Saito Villa, offering peeks of Niigata’s deep history, with historical Villas surrounded by the vibrant reds and greens on the trees. With matcha tea and Japanese Sweets, take this afternoon to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Niigata.

For an exciting afternoon with the family, check out the Niigata Rice Cracker Museum, where you can make your own rice crackers and draw your own special designs! Don’t miss out on the Niigata City Aquarium, which harbors stunning marine life, including dolphins, seals, and penguins!

 

Day 3: Sado Island

Morning: Take a ferry from Niigata to Ryotsu, and spend the next few days exploring the wonders of Sado Island. Stay at a premium accommodation like Sado Resort Hotel Azuma. Use this time to relax and recharge for the adventures ahead.

Afternoon to Evening: Journey into the Sado Gold Mines, Japan’s largest gold and silver mines from 1601 to 1989. A guided tour will take you through a bygone era, with much to learn about Japan’s abundant history. Be sure to book the tour ahead of time!

Gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese art at the World Cultural Heritage Site on Sado Island. With traditional performing arts shows, Sado folk songs, workshops held by the locals, and the stunning Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival, which runs from August 11 to November 10, the lively atmosphere of Sado Island is impossible to ignore.

Include the date (August 11-November 10) and other options if traveling after November 10.

If you find yourself on Sado Island during another season, live your seafaring fantasies and hop on a traditional fishing boat called the Tarai Bune off the Ogi Coast. This boat is used for harvesting seaweed around the reef-filled waters. The ocean’s blues and surrounding rugged terrain add splashes of color and life to this exciting boating venture.

 

Day 4: Sado Island

Morning: Go on a morning stroll through Toki no Mori Park, with many bird exhibits that showcase Japan’s extravagant avian life.

Afternoon: Take quaint photos of the historic Shukunegi, a town by the ocean with beautiful old-fashioned wooden houses at every turn. The town is famous for harboring the Sengokubune shipbuilding industry in the 13^th century.

Evening: Have a savory Japanese barbeque for dinner at Yakitori Yajima, which has a different selection of tender meats.

 

Day 5: Niigata

Morning: Say goodbye to Sado Island! Head back to Niigata Station and fuel up on hegisoba, a delicious Niigata staple noodle dish served in a traditional Japanese wooden container.

Afternoon: Visit CoCoLo Niigata next to the station to buy something special for your loved ones back in the Philippines. There are fun stores from corner to corner.

Evening: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen back to Tokyo, and have a safe flight back home to Manila!

 

 

More places to explore Sado Island and Niigata

Sado Island has no shortage of seaside accommodations like Kohan No Yado Yoshidaya, Natural Mind Tour, and Inn Fukusuke. Be sure to do some research and see which works best.

Discover the magic of Niigata’s winters at Yuzawa! Ski down the snowy slopes atop Japan’s magnificent mountains at one of the many ski resorts like Gala Yuzawa, welcoming beginners and seasoned skiers alike. The resort also hosts other fun activities, such as sledding and tubing. The resorts are accessible via ropeway or snow escalator tunnel, well worth the trip for the mountaintop view alone.

 

Disclaimer: This is a press release and edits have been made by the WindowSeat.PH editorial staff.