Taking the Last Ferry to Sado Island: Essential Guide for Night Crossing [Complete Guide & Tips]

Is the Last Ferry to Sado Island Worth the Trouble? What You Need to Know Beforehand

With the recognition of Sado Gold Mine as a World Heritage Site, Sado Island has gained significant attention. To visit Sado, you can take a ferry from Niigata Port in Niigata City or Naoetsu Port in Joetsu City.

However, Sado Island is a remote island, and evening shop hours are limited on islands like these.

What happens if you take the last ferry to Sado Island? We’ve investigated thoroughly!

Based on this experience, we’ll share essential tips to ensure a successful night crossing to Sado Island.

Last Ferry Departs at 7:30 PM

Let’s first check the schedule for ferries from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port.

The last ferry leaves at 7:30 pm from Niigata Port, arriving at Ryotsu Port on Sado Island by 10:00 pm. It’s quite late!

Here’s the Key Point: Car Camping is Recommended!

Let’s get straight to the point. If you’re planning a trip to Sado Island on the last ferry, having a car is almost essential. Car camping is a safe bet.

Why? Because after arriving at Ryotsu Port on the last ferry, the only transport option left is usually a taxi.

Buses are no longer running, and rental cars are not available for pick-up at that hour.

Furthermore, most hotels and inns cannot accommodate check-ins after 10:00 pm.

In other words, if you’re traveling to Sado Island on the last ferry, car travel and car camping are crucial. You’ll need to board the ferry from Niigata Port with either your own car or a rental.

What If You Don’t Have a Car But Want to Take the Last Ferry?

If you plan to take the last ferry to Sado Island without a car, the guesthouse "Guesthouse Zink" is about a 5-minute walk from Ryotsu Port Terminal and offers check-in until 10:00 pm. With a prior phone arrangement, they might even allow a post-arrival check-in for the last ferry.

Alternatively, if you can negotiate with another accommodation for check-in after 10:00 pm, you may need to book a taxi if it’s not within walking distance. Be sure to reserve one in advance, as taxis are not guaranteed to be available at the terminal.

Okesa Sightseeing Taxi operates until 11:00 pm, so they can pick you up even with a 10:00 pm arrival.

With these points in mind, let’s embark on a trip to Sado Island using the last ferry!

Niigata Port Ferry Terminal

🕕️ 6:00 pm

We’ve arrived at the Niigata Steamship Ferry Terminal in Niigata City. Since the last ferry departs at 7:30 pm, we’re here an hour and a half early.

As mentioned, boarding the ferry with a car for safety and peace of mind is advisable. Make sure to arrive at the terminal at least an hour before departure to complete boarding and check-in.

For detailed steps on car ferry boarding at Niigata Port Terminal, refer to the following:

Sado Island by Car: Your Complete Guide to Ferry Boarding at Niigata Port

Plan your Sado Island adventure with ease. Learn how to board the ferry at Niigata Port with your car, from check-in to departure. Includes tips for a smooth journey.

We recommend stopping by Niigata Port Ferry Terminal, even if your main destination is Sado Island. You can enjoy souvenirs, dining, and an ocean view with a stunning sunset or nighttime scenery.

Don’t Be Late! Ticket Confirmation

🕖️ 6:45 pm

After spending some time at Niigata Port Terminal, we return to the car 45 minutes before departure.

Approximately 45 minutes before the 7:30 pm departure, staff come around to check tickets, so show your internet booking confirmation screen or ticket if purchased at the counter.

Boarding Begins!

🕖️ 7:00 pm

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. This moment always fills me with excitement.

This time, we’re boarding Okesa Maru.

With the successful boarding, we’re all set to depart for Sado Island.

The sky has darkened as we step onto the deck, and the surroundings are cloaked in the night.

Departing for Sado Island!

🕖️ 7:30 pm

The ferry has finally set sail. We’ll be cruising across the Sea of Japan for two and a half hours en route to Sado Island.

Unique to the Last Ferry! Stunning Night Views of Niigata

While navigating Niigata Bay, you can see beautiful night views of Niigata City.

Seeing the Niigata cityscape from this angle is a special experience unique to the last ferry.

The sparkling lights of Niigata City created a memorable view exclusive to the final ferry trip of the day.

How to Spend Your Time Onboard: Eat, Drink, Sleep, or Just Watch the Scenery

On the ferry, you can dine, enjoy a drink, or take a nap in the passenger cabin.

Many local residents returning to Sado Island, as well as international travelers, seemed to be enjoying their time onboard.

This time, we provide facility information about Okesa Maru here for reference:

Car Ferry Okesamaru: A Complete Guide to Onboard Facilities and Enjoying Your Niigata-Sado Island Crossing

Explore the Car Ferry Okesamaru, connecting Niigata and Sado Island. Discover onboard facilities, dining options, and insider tips for a comfortable 2.5-hour journey across the Sea of Japan.

Will You Feel Seasick on the Ferry?

The ferry is large and doesn’t sway as much as smaller boats, so you can relax.

However, those prone to motion sickness should consider taking preventive medicine.

In our group, two out of five people felt seasick shortly after departure and rested in the cabin.

Since anti-nausea medicine is a pharmaceutical product, it’s not available on the ferry or at the terminal, so make sure to purchase it in advance.

Personally, I enjoyed a beer while feeling the night sea breeze. As we left Niigata Port, the distant lights of Niigata created a fantastic scene, only visible on the last ferry.

Get Ready to Disembark!

🕙️ 9:50 pm

As we near Sado Island, access to the parking area is permitted. At ten minutes to arrival, we get into our car and await docking.

This moment always feels thrilling, like waiting at the starting gate of a race.

Arrival at Sado Island!

🕙️ 10:00 pm

Arrival at Sado Island is precisely at 10:00 pm. Japan’s transportation infrastructure truly showcases impressive scheduling, even in marine transit.

Guided by the staff, we drive towards the exit.

Essential Planning for Night Arrivals on Sado Island

Since most shops are closed by 10:00 pm, we opted for car camping at a nearby rest area, starting our exploration the next morning.

For those arriving by car on the last ferry, the 24-hour “Aiport Sado” roadside station offers parking and restrooms for overnight stays. It’s a convenient option!

Michinoeki Ai Port Sado: Your Perfect Rest Area with Overnight Parking on Sado Island | Next to Ryotsu Ferry Terminal

Located at Sado Island's gateway, Michinoeki Ai Port Sado offers 24/7 parking and restrooms. Perfect for late ferry arrivals with overnight parking available. Just 5 min walk to ferry terminal and breakfast spots!

Night Ferry to Sado Island: Plan Ahead for a Unique Adventure

A night cruise across the Sea of Japan offers special views, such as the illuminated Niigata cityscape, the calm night breeze, and a serene arrival at Sado Island.

Proper planning is key for the last ferry to Sado. Be sure to cover these essentials:

1. Secure a vehicle for transportation (private or rental)
2. Confirm overnight stay arrangements (car camping or late check-in accommodation)
3. Prepare a plan for post-arrival activities

With these preparations, you can enjoy the exclusive experience of a night crossing to Sado Island, with sights unique to the last ferry.

If possible, I recommend car camping at Aiport Sado. It’s only a five-minute walk from Ryotsu Port Terminal, with a café open early for a smooth transition to morning sightseeing.

Crossing to Sado Island on the last ferry, despite its limitations, opens up a unique travel experience. Enjoy the adventure of a nighttime journey to Sado Island!