Sponsored by Sado City
Sado Island is a paradise island located off the coast of Niigata on the west side of mainland Japan. Sado Island has a very interesting history as an island of exile. Many famous politicians and intellectuals were previously exiled to this island, which has led to the development of a unique culture.
Roof tops of Shukunegi town as seen during a particularly snowy winter
Shukunegi – A small town built by shipbuilders
Sado Island was also very famous for gold and silver mining, which attracted many skilled workmen such as engineers, carpenters, and fishermen. Shukunegi is a small town in southern Sado that has a history as a port since medieval times.
The small town flourished in the 17th century due to the gold mining in Sado. Shukunegi developed as a port for merchant shipping and has a long history of being involved in the shipping industry.
The locals were making a fire at Shukunegi as I arrived
People still live in Shukunegi town today
Visiting Shukunegi town
Shukunegi town is protected as a National Important Preservation Area for traditional buildings and architecture. The town consists of over 100 houses all built by shipbuilders using materials such as ship planks.
One of the narrow streets in Shukunegi town
The narrow streets are charming to walk through while looking up at the houses that still carry the feeling of history. As I walked around in this small town I could not help but feel like Shukunegi town was a town belonging to a forgotten time. There are still people living in some of these houses and this adds to the feeling of this town being alive in this modern age while holding onto its old heritage.
A beautiful anonymous house that I really liked in Shukunegi
Buildings you can visit
Currently three of the houses, one temple, and one public hall are open to the public. Among these are Seikuro’s Residence, which shows the wealth of a shipping agent, the Kanekoya Residence, which was purchased by a shipman and used as his private residence, and Sankakuya, which was transferred to Shukunegi town after a flood in 1846.
You can also visit the Sado Island Folk Museum, which is the former Elementary School of Shukunegi. Today, this building is a designated Cultural Property belonging to Sado City. Shokoji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple which is rumoured to have been established in 1349!
The entrance of Hananoki Inn promised warmth and food, which was especially nice considering the unusual amount of snow outside.
The Hananoki Inn
The building that is now the Hananoki Inn is over 150 years old, though the inn itself is not quite that old. Made mostly of wood, heavy beams help support the walls and roof. This inn has a very interesting story because it was not originally from the south of Sado. The main house was actually taken down and reassembled onto the huge piece of land in Ogi town where it is resting today.
The dining room of Hananoki Inn with its heavy tables
When you visit Hananoki Inn, please pay extra attention to the beautiful details of this magnificent building. The wooden support beams are very similar to the wooden beams you see at Shirakawago, a famous tourist location. The furniture is also made from heavy wood, giving the dining tables a traditional and expensive look.
A smaller building near the main house where the guest rooms are located
Staying at Hananoki Inn
What used to be a private home has been beautifully transformed into a Japanese style inn. Hananoki Inn is surrounded by nature and you can see the magic of each of the four seasons. In summer, Hananoki Inn is a good location if you are interested in fishing or diving. The nature around the inn turns a mesmerizing green.
Winter at Hananoki Inn has its own charm. The surroundings look wild and untamed, making the warmth and calm of the inn even more comforting. Entering Hananoki Inn after being outside exploring in the cold was just like the feeling of coming home.
Sunrise from my room at Hananoki Inn, Sado Island
The food that is served at Hananoki Inn is made completely from locally grown vegetables as well as seafood freshly caught around the Island. The great thing about food in Japan is that you can enjoy different foods depending on the season.
I visited Sado Island during winter, and while I was staying at Hananoki Inn I got to experience a beautifully arranged hotpot with crab for dinner. I was also lucky enough to eat their home-made breakfast consisting of salmon, eggs, soup, and rice.
Hot pot with crab, mushrooms, and vegetables for dinner
Breakfast consisting of salmon, egg, and natto. Served with rice and soup.
My experience staying at Hananoki Inn
The rooms at Hananoki Inn have everything you could need: heating and air-conditioning to keep you warm or cool, a TV, a low Japanese table, and a futon to sleep on. The room also includes a bathroom with a bathtub, hairdryer, and toothbrush. Almost all Japanese inns offer a yukata for their guests to wear during their stay. Hananoki Inn is no different and I spent an evening enjoying some Japanese talk-shows while wearing the yukata.
My room at Hananoki Inn, I was happy it was pre-heated when I arrived!
I have a personal interest in old Japanese houses and their architecture, and the staff was happy to tell me about the origin of the inn. They speak a very little English, but they were very helpful in answering any of my questions.
As I left the inn, after having a big home-cooked breakfast the following morning, they even offered me a small souvenir. They gave me a maneki-neko, a figurine of a waving cat that is supposed to bring good fortune.
For more details about Hananoki Inn, please click here.
Sado official tourist infomation
Need more information? You can find up to date information about Sado Island’s history, sightseeing locations, accommodations, food, and transportation here.
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