Sado Kisen

Sado Kisen is the leading ferry operator in Niigata Prefecture. It operates 2 routes – Niigata Port in Niigata City and Ryotsu Port on Sado Island with a large-sized car ferry and a high-speed Jetfoil, and Naoetsu Port in Joetsu City and Ogi Port on Sado Island with a mid-sized car ferry. It takes 67 minutes by Jetfoil and 2 hours and 30 minutes by car ferry between Niigata Port and Ryotsu Port, and 2 hours and 40 minutes by car ferry between Naoetsu Port and Ogi Port.

To Niigata Port, it takes approximately 90 minutes at the earliest or up to 2 hours from Tokyo to Niigata by the Joetsu Shinkansen Bullet Train, then 10–15 minutes by bus or taxi. To Naoetsu Port, it takes approximately 2 hours from Tokyo to Joetsu-Myoko on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Bullet Train, then 30 minutes by bus or taxi.

Ryotsu is the gateway port for traveling to Sado Island. Toki Forest Park, where you can see living Japanese Crested Ibis (Toki), is 20 minutes by car from the port.

Ogi is another port town located in the south of Sado Island. Famous attractions such as Tub Boat (Tarai Bune) rides, Kodo drumming performances, and Shukunegi Old Village are in this area.

Sado Island is the largest remote island in the Sea of Japan, with a 280-kilometer coastline. It is a hidden gem of Japan with natural outdoor spots and activities such as amazing coastal landscapes, terraced rice paddies, marine activities, and trekking; historical sites such as temples and shrines; and unique culture such as local dances and gastronomy. The Sado Island Gold Mines, listed as a World Cultural Heritage site, are a must-see attraction.

All Sado Kisen routes

Sado Kisen Ferry

Sado Kisen operate a regular passenger service between the Niigata Prefecture on mainland Japan to Sado Island off the west coast of the country. There are currently two return routes in operation, these link Niigata with Ryotsu and also Ogi with Naoetsu.

Ogi is a port town in the south of Sado Island and connects with the Naoetsu Port. Naoetsu can be found in the south of Niigata Prefecture, approximately a two hour drive away from Toyama. Ryotsu links the north of the island with Niigata in the north of the Prefecture. There are a number of daily services between both routes, throughout the year, shipping both tourists and local residents alike.

Between Niigata and Ryotsu passengers have the option to travel on a jetfoil or on a car ferry. The jetfoil passenger vessel completes the crossing in an hour, whilst if you choose to take your vehicle, you’ll arrive in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Ogi and Naoetsu is connected by a jetfoil ferry. This crossing takes just 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete.

Directferries.co.uk provides an impartial ferry comparison service allowing you to view numerous ferry company timetables and fares in one quick and easy search. Compare Sado Kisen timetables and prices now with all alternative ferry operators before booking your ferry ticket.