Experience the Traditional Culture of Sado in the Historic Kanazawaya Ryokan, a Former Geisha House

We are pleased to offer a special day-trip program where you can immerse yourself in the traditional culture of Sado.
Held at Kanazawaya Ryokan—a beautifully preserved inn in Sado City that once thrived as part of a historic red-light district—this exclusive experience features performances and hands-on activities celebrating Sado’s unique performing arts.

Enjoy folk songs and Ozashiki dance, a puppet show and workshop of the locally beloved Noroma Ningyō performed in the Sado dialect, and a tea ceremony hosted by the inn’s charming proprietress.

It’s a rare opportunity where Sado’s traditional arts, language, and warm hospitality come together in one unforgettable experience. Guests can also stroll around the ryokan’s scenic surroundings overlooking Lake Kamo, and admire a collection of antique artworks displayed throughout the building.

Plan A: Saturday, November 8 – Sado Folk Song and Ozashiki  Experience

This program features performances by Sanae Toki, a local dancer from Sado, who will present folk songs passed down across the island, including Sado Okesa, Aikawa Ondo, and Ryotsu Jinku. Through these songs and dances—each deeply connected to the lifestyles and natural environment of its region—you’ll gain a vivid appreciation of Sado’s rich cultural heritage and the stories of its people.

The performances take place at Kanazawaya Ryokan, a historic building that once operated as part of a red-light district. After the show, enjoy a traditional matcha tea service hosted by the ryokan’s renowned proprietress, and experience the warm, heartfelt hospitality for which Sado is famous.

■ Schedule on the Day

18:00 – Meet at Kanazawaya Ryokan / Guided tour of the building

(Introduction to the site's historical and architectural highlights)

18:30 – Sado Folk Song Performance & Commentary

・Sado Okesa (Ryotsu area)

・Aikawa Ondo (Aikawa gold mine town culture)

・Ryotsu Jinku (background and lyrics)

...and more

Each piece will be introduced with historical and cultural context, followed by live performance.

19:40 – Hospitality by the Proprietress:

Matcha (green tea) and Japanese sweets served, followed by storytelling time

20:00 – Program ends / Dismissal

 

■ Performer

Sanae Toki – Dancer from Sado City

Certified instructor of the Kotobuki-ryu school of Japanese dance

Licensed Sado Okesa teacher

 

■ Participation Fee (Tax included)

・Standard Plan: ¥5,000 per person(Includes matcha, participation fee, and insurance)

・Plan with Interpreter Guide: ¥15,000 per person(Includes matcha, participation fee, and insurance)

 

Note: Meals are not provided. Please bring your own food if needed.

 

■ Reservations & Participation Requirements

・Advance reservation required (at least 3 days before the event)

・Minimum participants: 2 people

・Maximum capacity: approx. 10 people

 

Plan B: Sunday, November 9 – Noroma Ningyō Puppet Show Experience Program

The Noroma Ningyō puppet theater, a traditional performing art passed down on Sado Island, features simple handmade puppets and storytelling in the local dialect. These heartwarming plays, rich in humor, humanity, and gentle life lessons, offer a glimpse into the island’s deep sense of community and warmth.

In this program, you’ll not only enjoy a live performance of Noroma Ningyō, but also have the rare chance to handle and operate the puppets yourself under expert guidance.

The performance takes place at Kanazawaya Ryokan, a historic inn that once flourished as part of a red-light district and still retains its nostalgic charm. After the show, relax with a bowl of matcha green tea served by the ryokan’s gracious proprietress, and savor the heartfelt hospitality unique to Sado.

■ Schedule on the Day

18:00 – Meet at Kanazawaya Ryokan / Guided tour of the building

(Introduction to the history and architectural highlights of this former red-light district structure)

18:30 – Noroma Ningyō Puppet Show & Commentary

・The performance title will be revealed on the day

・Try your hand at operating the puppets

・Brief introduction to the Sado dialect and its role in the show

19:40 – Hospitality by the Proprietress:

Matcha (green tea) and traditional Japanese sweets served, followed by a storytelling session

20:00 – Program ends / Dismissal

 

■ Performer

Shinseiza – Traditional puppet theater troupe based in Sado

 

■ Participation Fee (Tax included)

・Standard Plan: ¥5,000 per person

(Includes matcha, puppet experience, and insurance)

・Plan with Interpreter Guide: ¥15,000 per person

(Includes matcha, puppet experience, and insurance)

Note: Meals are not provided. Please bring your own food if needed.

 

■ Reservations & Participation Requirements

・Advance reservation required (at least 3 days in advance)

・Minimum participants: 2 people

・Maximum capacity: approx. 8 people

After the experience at Kanazawaya Ryokan,

Join our Snack Bar Guided Tour in the retro entertainment district of Ryōtsu — just a 10-minute walk from the port.
Enjoy Sado’s nostalgic Shōwa-era nightlife as you visit local snack bars, sing karaoke, and share stories with the unique and charming mamas who run them.

How to join: Please sign up after the program at Kanazawaya Ryokan.
Guide fee: ¥1,000 per person.

How to Join Each Program (Now Accepting Reservations)

Tickets

Physical tickets: Available at TAACHI (53-1 Iri, Sado City)
Online tickets: Available on Peatix
■ Sado Folk Songs & Ozashiki Dance – https://sadogalaxy20251108.peatix.com/■ Noroma Puppet Theater – https://sadogalaxy20251109.peatix.com/

 

Reservations

・By Phone: 050-3317-0734 (Available 10:00–17:00)

・By Email:

Please write "Kanazawaya Ryokan Experience Reservation" in the subject line.

In the body of the email, include the following information:

・Desired program

・Your name

・Number of participants

・Contact information

・Your place of residence

・Any questions or comments