16 May 2024

Marching to the beat of our own drum on Sado Island

We arrived in perfect conditions at the southern end of Sado, the largest island in the Sea of Japan, and the only one that has gold mines. The land forming Sado Island was the tip of a continent which had been sea floor before being uplifted, today it appears as two land masses which connected through the erosion of sand and mud. 
 
Sabo Island is famously known for its Tarai-bune, a tub boat which is paddled by one person with one paddle, and a glass bottom used to view the rocky coastline for abalone. We decided to experience these for ourselves as we stepped in and took a seat before alternatively being paddled or trying paddling. It definitely looked easier than it was!

A gentle wander through Shukunegi Village introduced us to rooves held down by rocks, cedar timber construction, gardens and shrines which are designated as a National Important Preservation Area for Traditional Buildings and Architecture. We relocated to Sado Island’s Ogi Folk Museum, housed in an old school and complete with an original full-scale wooden fishing boat. 

The Taiko Centre (Tatakokan), constructed with local timber, houses two enormous taiko, hand-carved from a 600-year-old Japanese Zelkova Tree. Each of us was introduced to taiko drumming, playing to the beat of the leader. The reverberations echoed through mind and body, and the fun was contagious!

Back at the port, we were into Zodiacs and out to Heritage Adventurer for a delicious lunch, some opting to stay ashore for a local lunch. Afterwards, we departed from Sado bound for our final destination, Niigata.

To cap off a fantastic voyage we enjoyed the Captain’s Cocktails and a wonderful slideshow presentation from onboard photographer Cathy Finch. 

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions