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Imagine a deep red sunrise emerging over the horizon, illuminating mountain ridges and misty surroundings, creating a magical, almost heavenly scene. This extraordinary morning view can only be experienced at Autopark Sawata, a premium campground located atop a mountain in Sado Island.
With fully grass-covered campsites and the sun streaming down like a spotlight, this is a moment truly deserving of the term “spectacular.” But the appeal of this campground extends beyond its breathtaking sunrises.
Autopark Sawata is equipped with private flushing toilets for each site, laundry facilities, coin-operated showers, and paved asphalt roads leading directly to the camping areas. As one of the few high-standard campgrounds on Sado Island, it promises a comfortable and memorable stay.
It’s worth packing your camping gear and crossing over to Sado Island just to experience this. Let us share all the incredible features of Autopark Sawata, the crown jewel of Sado’s campgrounds.
Autopark Sawata is an auto-camping site located in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. It is one of the few high-standard campgrounds on Sado Island, suitable for everything from solo campers to family groups. Designed for those who enjoy camping with the comfort of their vehicle nearby, the campground is also pet-friendly.
The highlight of Autopark Sawata is its well-maintained, spacious plots and the panoramic views of Sado City from its mountaintop location. The ground is fully grass-covered, and the vehicle pathways are paved, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
The most breathtaking moment is the sunrise. Being on a mountain means unobstructed views of the beautiful morning sky.
Depending on the season, you may witness a stunning contrast of crimson dawn, lush green mountains, and delicate morning mist, creating an almost otherworldly landscape.
Under the right conditions, you might feel as if you’ve stepped into heaven, making the early morning hours especially recommended.
Autopark Sawata requires a minimum stay of two nights. This policy reflects the owner’s wish for guests to fully explore and enjoy Sado Island from this premium campground.
Despite its mountaintop location, the facilities are outstanding.
For example, every campsite has a private toilet and washing area.
The toilets and washing areas are meticulously maintained and spotless. It’s rare to find campgrounds in Japan where each plot has its own private toilet (Western-style flush toilets).
The laundry room, located near the management building, is another convenient feature.
For long stays, this is particularly helpful. Washing machines cost ¥200, and dryers are ¥100 for 30 minutes.
Every site also comes with an electric hookup.
The grass is well-maintained, free of overgrown weeds, ensuring a pleasant experience.
Autopark Sawata offers three plot sizes.
The most common type at the campground. These plots include space for one vehicle and are suitable for solo campers or small families. For multiple tents, the space accommodates up to two or three small tents.
Only two plots (14 and 19) are double the size of standard plots. These include parking for two vehicles and are great for group camping. Even with a large tarp as a shared living space, there’s enough room for five or six small tents.
Autopark Sawata also provides dedicated plots for campers with RVs.
These plots feature exclusive washing areas, toilets, and electric hookups, ensuring a comfortable RV camping experience.
The nearest commercial area to Autopark Sawata is around Sawata Beach, about 15 minutes away by car.
The closest and most well-stocked supermarket is the ”Marui Sawata Store.” It offers a wide selection of groceries and supplies.
Here, you’ll also find other supermarkets, home improvement stores, and numerous dining options, making it easy to stock up on supplies or enjoy a meal out. Popular nearby spots include "Sado Benkei (famous for sushi)" and ”Sado Dairy's Milk Shop (known for soft - serve ice cream).”
Autopark Sawata does not have a shop. However, firewood and charcoal are available at a warehouse across from the management building, and you can pay for what you use the next morning.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Firewood (oak, cherry, cedar) | ¥500 |
| Charcoal (3kg) | ¥600 |
Despite the lack of an on-site shop, the nearby supermarkets and home improvement stores provide everything you might need for a convenient stay.
As you enter Autopark Sawata, you’ll find the management building and shower facilities. Check-in and check-out are handled at the management building.
The shower and coin laundry facilities are located in a building right across from the management building.
The showers are coin-operated and cost ¥200 per use. As the timer stops both water and heating after a few minutes, it’s advisable to carry plenty of ¥100 coins.
A 5-minute drive uphill from Autopark Sawata takes you to Sawata Dam.
The dam offers a scenic view of its vast reservoir with a storage capacity of 1,649,000 cubic meters, covering 537 hectares. There are also walking trails, allowing you to explore the area and enjoy the surrounding nature. From here, you can also admire coastal views of Sado Island.
Autopark Sawata offers a unique opportunity to experience Sado Island’s natural beauty while enjoying the comforts of a premium campground. Each plot features private flushing toilets, clean washing areas, and well-equipped laundry facilities—unmatched on Sado Island.
The highlight is undoubtedly the sunrise views from the mountain top. The vibrant red skies, the ridges of the mountains, and the cityscape of Sado come together in a breathtaking display that photos simply cannot capture. The magical misty mornings are a sight you need to witness yourself—a gift from Sado’s unique geography.
With a two-night minimum stay, you’ll have the time to explore the island at your leisure. The convenient location allows easy access to Sado Island’s attractions, while the campground’s facilities ensure a comfortable and memorable experience. There’s even an athletic maze in the forest, perfect for families.
The blend of luxurious camping and the natural splendor of Sado Island creates an unforgettable experience. Make Autopark Sawata your destination for a truly special getaway.
P.S. The management couple is incredibly kind and welcoming.
