Sado is believed to have been inhabited for over 10,000 years, and even finds mention in Japanese creation stories. Sado Island is a miniature Japan, showcasing every kind of coastal landform seen in Japan and a blend of cultures introduced by previous exiles to the island.
Explore the Geopark, where the gold and silver mines, the taraibune (tub boat) and the nurtured rice farms are all deeply entrenched in the landscapes. While on the island, keep your eyes peeled for the crested ibis. Previously extinct in Japan, the Japanese Ibis (toki) was reintroduced to Sado Island through a successful breeding program, and several hundred now exist in the wild.