Bioluminescent Cruise on a Traditional Tub Boat on Sado Island

Explore the glowing sea from a traditional fishing boat

Sado Island is located in the Sea of Japan, about 50 kilometers from the mainland. It is a relatively large island, with some 280 kilometers of picturesque shorelines. The rugged coastal area near Shukunegi Village is home to ocean scenes of stunning nocturnal beauty, only accessible on the traditional barrel-like boats unique to the island. From May to November, depending on the weather conditions, tour participants can join an offshore night cruise on a hangiri, a round fishing vessel handcrafted from local cedar designed to safely navigate the shallow waters in search of seafood delicacies.

On this cruise, you may experience an unusual natural phenomenon: the glow of bioluminescent plankton, with the sea appearing to be full of dancing, sparkling lights. This occurs when a type of plankton called noctiluca is disturbed, causing it to emit a weak light. It has been compared to living fireworks or ocean fireflies, and, along with the rocky shore formations silhouetted against the starry sky, makes for a memorable experience.

Access:
From Tokyo, take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu Myoko Station (around two hours), then transfer to a local train and ride to Naoetsu Station (about 15 minutes). From Naoetsu, Sado Kisen operates two ferries per day to Ogi from late April to mid-November. There are no ferries during winter. The one-way journey takes two hours and 40 minutes. From Ogi, rent a car or take the Ogi Line bus (about 10 minutes) to Shukunegi Village.

From Tokyo, take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata Station (around two hours). From Niigata Station, take a local bus to Sado Kisen Ferry Niigata port (about 15 minutes). Sado Kisen operates car ferries (two hours 30 minutes) and high-speed jetfoils (one hour) every one to two hours depending on the season. After arriving at Ryotsu Port, rent a car or charter a taxi to drive one hour to Shukunegi Village; alternatively, take the local bus via Minami Line, change at Mano-Shinmachi, and get on the Ogi Line and ride to Shukunegi Village (about two hours 30 minutes by bus one way).