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Sado Island, located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich natural environment, unique culture, and historical landmarks like the Sado Gold Mine. To reach this fascinating island, you’ll need to take either a ferry or a high-speed boat.
There are two main access points to Sado Island: Niigata Port in Niigata City and Naoetsu Port in Joetsu City. Both ports offer regular departures, but most tourists opt for Niigata Port.
Niigata Port is conveniently located in the heart of Niigata City, the prefecture’s capital. It’s easily accessible from Niigata Station and Niigata Airport, making it the ideal departure point for travelers arriving by bullet train or airplane.
In this article, we’ll introduce the Sado Kisen Ferry Terminal at Niigata Port. This is where your journey to Sado begins. We’ll cover all the essential details about the facilities, how to use them, and tips for enjoying your trip to Sado Island.
Before embarking on your Sado adventure, let’s get to know the Niigata Port Sado Kisen Ferry Terminal, the gateway to your island exploration.
The Sado Kisen Ferry Terminal is located in the Bandai district of Niigata City, serving as the primary terminal for accessing Sado Island. From here, you can board ferries or high-speed boats (jetfoils) operated by Sado Kisen, heading to Ryotsu Port on Sado Island.
You can take the escalator from the first-floor entrance up to the third floor, where the waiting area and boarding gates are located. If you’re boarding the ferry without a car, head to the lobby from here.
On the third floor, you’ll find the lobby with waiting areas, ticket counters, dining options, souvenir shops, convenience stores, and restrooms, all easily accessible for travelers.
Rest assured, the entire Sado Kisen Terminal facility is located on this compact third floor. You won’t get lost in a large airport-like terminal.
The ticket counters primarily serve those without prior reservations. There are also ticket vending machines next to the counters for added convenience.
Tokimeki Kan is a souvenir shop offering a wide range of gifts from Niigata and Sado. There is also a convenience store (Yamazaki Shop) adjacent to it.
The shop is fairly spacious, with plenty of souvenirs on display. It’s a great place to pick up some Sado Island gifts before heading back.
The convenience store is also handy for grabbing drinks and light snacks.
Motion sickness medicine is not sold at the terminal, so make sure to purchase it at a drugstore in advance. If you are prone to seasickness, don’t forget to prepare ahead of time.
Noriba Shiosai is a dining option inside the Sado Kisen Ferry Terminal, offering a variety of dishes ranging from standard options like ramen, soba, and curry rice, to local Niigata specialties like Tare Katsudon.
Many travelers choose to eat here before boarding the evening ferry, and the restaurant can get quite busy. There’s plenty of seating, so you can enjoy your meal at your leisure.
The observation deck offers a view of the coast behind the terminal building.
Although the deck is not very large and could be easily overlooked, it provides a nice view of the ferries and the coast. It’s especially recommended during the evening for a more serene atmosphere.
The car ferry holding area is for those traveling to Sado Island by ferry with their cars. It’s located behind the terminal building. If you are driving onto the ferry, park here and wait to board.
Once you arrive at the holding area, head to the ticket window next to the parking spaces to complete your check-in.
The Niigata Port Sado Kisen Ferry Terminal is your gateway to Sado Island. Its compact and user-friendly facilities include ticket counters, waiting areas, restaurants, and souvenir shops—all the essentials you need to start your trip smoothly.
While waiting for departure, you can enjoy the view of the Sea of Japan from the observation deck, browse local Niigata and Sado specialties at Tokimeki Kan, or savor Niigata’s local cuisine at Noriba Shiosai restaurant. The waiting area has plenty of seating, so you can also take some time to plan your route or itinerary to famous spots like the Sado Gold Mine, Toki Forest Park, or Tarai-bune rides.
Whether you’re driving aboard the ferry or boarding on foot, this terminal is the starting point for your adventure to Sado Island. Be sure to prepare in advance and enjoy your incredible journey to this beautiful island.
