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Jul 22, 2017

Sado Island Ferry Cruise

Any connection with water anywhere is beautiful. Be it a walk on a beach, a swim in the sea or even fishing or a picnic by the riverside. One of my best experiences connecting with Japanese waters was a pleasant ferry trip to Sado Island. It was autumn and my parents were visiting us in Niigata, we decided taking them for a very different experience and chose a day trip to Sado Island. The best season to travel to Sado Island would definitely be summer as it requires a very fine bright day to enjoy the cruise.

We were lucky enough that even in the month of October we were blessed with a sunny, radiant day so that we could enjoy the day to the fullest. We boarded our ferry from the Niigata port. It was a huge ferry that could accommodate people and cars in their hundreds.

Sado Island Ferry Cruise photo

Sado Island has an interesting history as this island, in the early days, was used for hosting the exiled high profile political and religious people. Now Sado Island is more of a tourist destination. Out of many places to visit on Sado Island the number one priority is the Gold Mine. The Gold Mine exhibits and displays models that look like the real people working to extract gold from the mine. This is basically a demonstration of the working conditions of the people of that time. The working condition wasn’t pleasant and comparing them to those in industries today will definitely make you feel sorry.

Sado Island Ferry Cruise photo

Well, there are also other places to visit on the island including Sakunage which is famous for its ship like buildings that were actually made out of ship building materials and forms a great attraction for tourists. Plus, sea food is very popular on Sado island because of its freshness and the undisturbed nature and waters surrounding the island. Also rice from Sado Island is believed to be the best because of minimal use of pesticides as the islanders are concerned about the protection of toki, “Japanese Ibis”.

For me the best part of the trip, however, was the cruise itself. The huge ferry with all the facilities looked very appealing. You could enjoy good restaurants with varieties of food choices including ramen, soba and rice bowl, cafes, game centre and many more in the ferry itself.

Sado Island Ferry Cruise photo

The ferry also had access to wifi but sometimes in the middle of the trip the transmission could be lost. The trip to the island is about two hours. On a fine day, sitting outside on the ferry gives you a beautiful experience. What I enjoyed the most was looking out and enjoying the huge water body and seeing the waves of the sea being cut by the ferry. It made me wonder how amazing has the human mind been to conquer over the nature. Everything became possible because of human intelligence.

I also enjoyed feeding those beautiful white seagulls that would come closer to you with no fear at all. They would come and eat feed from your hands. I found them so friendly and hospitable. I took the opportunity to click some pictures while my husband was feeding them.

Sado Island Ferry Cruise photo

While returning back from the island it was almost evening time so being outside on the ferry you could see Niigata city on the other side with lights that looked like twinkling stars, a very picturesque scene in overall.


Babina

Babina

I am Babina Kharel living in Niigata, Japan. I come originally from Nepal but I am a permanent resident of Canada. I am currently living in Japan with my wonderful husband.


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