page_title: Sado, Niigata
section_title: Tourism
hierarchical_section_title: Sado, Niigata / Today / Tourism
caption_attribution_description: 日本語: トキの写真。2009年12月30日 13:10:54、新潟県佐渡市新穂長畝内巻にて投稿者が撮影。湾曲した嘴、伸ばしたままの首、「とき色」と呼ばれる翼、尾羽から出ない脚が特徴的。GPS発信機が付けられているのが微かに見える。
context_page_description: Sado is a city located on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Since 2004, the city has comprised the entire island, although not all of its total area is urbanized. Sado is the sixth largest island of Japan in area following the four main islands and Okinawa Island.
  As of May 1, 2017, the city has an estimated population of 55,474, and a population density of 64.8 persons per km². The total area is 855.26 km².
context_section_description: Its rich history and relaxed rural atmosphere make Sado one of the major tourist destinations in Niigata Prefecture. The island has several temples and historical ruins, and offers possibilities for various outdoor activities, as well as fresh local food.
  Sado is famous as the major breeding area for the Japanese crested ibis. The last known Japan-born Japanese crested ibis died in captivity in 2003 on the island. Currently, birds from China are being bred in a captive program in a facility in Niibo area, and have been released since 2008. The first hatchings in the wild were observed in April 2012. The ibis is a major symbol of the Island and can be found on several tourist items.
  There are many small local traditional festivals, and since 1988 a major yearly arts festival, called the Earth Celebration, has been run by the taiko group Kodo. The group lives on the island, touring eight months a year, and in August they invite international artists to collaborate with them at their festival on Sado. Tickets are limited for the three-day weekend event. In recent years, Kodo has made a solo performance on the Friday evening; the festival's invited act plays Saturday night; and Sunday concludes with a joint performance with Kodo and guests.
  The Sado tourism industry suffered direct (though limited) as well as indirect damage from the 2004 Chūetsu earthquake, as access routes inside Niigata Prefecture were cut.
caption: A crested ibis nearby the Crested Ibis Conservation Center on Sado Island
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