Sado Kisen (Sado Steamship)

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Sado Kisen (Sado Steamship)

Departures from two ports! Regular boat service is indispensable for sightseeing on Sado Island.

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Sado Island is known as the largest remote island on the Sea of Japan side.
Sado Island is a popular tourist destination with a rich natural environment certified as a "Sado Geopark" and attractive spots such as the Sado Gold Mine, which has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The main access to the island, which is the shortest distance of 32 km from mainland Niigata, is by regular ferry operated by Sado Kisen, which will celebrate its 110th anniversary in 2023 after starting service in 1913.
There are two routes: from Niigata Port to Ryotsu Port, and from Naoetsu Port to Ogi Port in Joetsu City.

There are many departures and arrivals, and two types of vessels, car ferries and jet foils, are used on the main Niigata - Ryotsu route.
The car ferries have a capacity of over 1,500 passengers, and in addition to 2nd and 1st class cabins, there are also special class cabins and suites that are comparable to those found in city hotels.

The Jetfoil, which is also used on the Naoetsu - Ogi route, is a type of vessel that travels by raising its hull above the surface of the sea.
The computer-controlled system minimizes swaying even in rough seas, and the speed of 80 km/h is fast and stable, and the time required is less than half that of a car ferry.
You can choose the ship that best suits your purpose and budget.

Highlights

  • A shipping company with a history of more than 100 years in service, connecting the mainland Niigata and Sado Island.
  • The company operates two routes, Niigata - Ryotsu Port and Naoetsu - Ogi Port.
  • The Niigata - Ryotsu route offers a choice between a car ferry with excellent load capacity and a high-speed jetfoil.

Photos

  • Car Ferry “Tokiwa Maru” in service since 2014.

    Car Ferry “Tokiwa Maru” in service since 2014.

  • Spacious cabins comparable to those of a city hotel

    Spacious cabins comparable to those of a city hotel

  • 1st class cabin (chair seats) are large, fully reclining seats

    1st class cabin (chair seats) are large, fully reclining seats

  • Snack corner offers light meals as well as drinks and snacks

    Snack corner offers light meals as well as drinks and snacks

  • “Okesa Maru” boasts a capacity of over 1,700 passengers.

    “Okesa Maru” boasts a capacity of over 1,700 passengers.

  • Jetfoil for its stability and speed

    Jetfoil for its stability and speed

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do we have to book a ferry ticket ahead of time?

A

No. Free seating ticket (the second class for a car ferry) does not require pre-booking. You can also purchase a reserved seat ticket on the same day depending on the availability.

Q

Do I need an ID card or passport to buy a ferry ticket?

A

No, you don’t.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

Sorry, we don’t.

Reviews

1
  • WS.Greenway

    巴士直接就可以進到船艙內,是前往新潟佐渡島必要的交通工具,冬天氣候有時很糟糕,風浪會大到連人都站不穩。

Details

Name in Japanese
佐渡汽船
Postal Code
952-0014
Address
353 Ryotsuminato, Sado City, Niigata
Telephone
0570-200-310(Navi Dial)
Closed
Niigata - Ryotsu route: Operates daily
Naoetsu - Ogi route: No service from Late November to late March
*All routes may be canceled in case of stormy weather.
Sailing time
Service time Niigata - Ryotsu route Car Ferry : 2hour 30 minutes, Jetfoil : 1 hour 7 minutes
Naoetsu - Ogi route : Car Ferry 2 hour 40 minutes
*For timetables, please refer to the official Sado Kisen website.
Admission
Niigata - Ryotsu route Car Ferry : Adults 2,960 yen~, Children 1,480 yen~
Jetfoil : Adults 7,050 yen~, Children from 3,530 yen~
Naoetsu - Ogi route Car Ferry : Adult 3,170 yen~, Child 1,590 yen~.
*All prices are one-way fares and subject to change due to fuel oil price fluctuation adjustment.
Extra charge for car transportation.
For details, please refer to the official Sado Kisen official website.
Directions
Niigata Port : 10 minutes from JR Niigata Station by cab
Naoetsu Port : 30 minutes by cab from JR Joetsu Myoko Station
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website