When is the best time to visit Onogame?

The optimal time to visit Onogame is from late May to early June when the Tobishima kanzo (amur daylily) flowers bloom, transforming the surrounding slopes into a golden landscape. The annual Sado Kanzo Festival takes place on the second Sunday of June, featuring traditional Onidaiko performances and folk songs. Outside the flowering season, the site remains accessible year-round and offers open landscapes for coastal walks, though the summit trail may close for safety reasons depending on weather conditions.

How do I get to Onogame from the main ferry ports?

Onogame is approximately 50 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port, the main ferry terminal. By public bus, take the Niigata Kotsu Sado Uchikaifu Line to the Onogame bus stop, which takes about 70 minutes, followed by a 1-minute walk. As of April 1, 2024, advance reservations are required by 5:00 p.m. on the previous day for the Uchikaifu Line on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. A rental car is strongly recommended due to limited public transportation in the northern region.

Can I hike to the top of Onogame?

Yes, Onogame features walking trails with slight elevation changes that allow visitors to explore the area, including a hiking course to the summit. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and suitable clothes when following the walking path to the top. However, the path is subject to closure for safety reasons depending on the weather. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and the floating Futatsugame islands at Sado's northernmost tip.

Are there dining options near Onogame?

Onogame Lodge is conveniently located close to the monolith and offers classic dishes including set menus prepared from local ingredients, curry with rice, and noodles. Their signature item is Kaisendon, a bowl of rice with fresh seafood toppings. Several accommodations in the nearby Negai village also serve meals featuring local seafood. The area is remote, so visitors should plan dining in advance or bring supplies, especially outside peak season.

Is there an entrance fee to visit Onogame?

No, there is no admission fee to visit Onogame. The site is freely accessible to all visitors. The rock formation, surrounding walking trails, observation areas, and flower meadows can all be explored without charge. However, visitors should note that the northern part of Sado Island has limited services and facilities, so it is advisable to bring necessities and ensure adequate fuel if driving, as the nearest petrol station is located in Washizaki.

Niigata

Onogame, Sado

4.4 (590)Tourist AttractionHiking AreaNature PreserveParkSports Activity LocationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Onogame is a massive monolithic rock formation located on the northwestern tip of Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. Standing 167 meters above sea level, this natural landmark takes its name from its distinctive turtle-like shape, appearing as if the creature is crawling into the Sea of Japan. The formation is composed of solidified magma, creating a dramatic geological feature that has become one of Sado Island's most recognizable attractions. The site has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, recognizing its outstanding natural beauty.

The area surrounding Onogame is renowned for its Tobishima kanzo wildflowers, a type of yellow daylily that transforms the landscape each spring. From late May to early June, the surrounding slopes are covered with a carpet of golden yellow flowers, creating one of Japan's most spectacular floral displays. The site hosts approximately 50 million Tobishima kanzo plants, making it Japan's largest collection. An annual liquorice festival is held on the second Sunday of June to celebrate the peak blooming period.

Visitors can explore the area via established walking trails that lead to the summit of the rock formation, though the path may be closed depending on weather conditions for safety reasons. The trails offer panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and the nearby Futatsugame islands at Sado's northernmost point. Observation decks and promenades have been installed around the base to facilitate exploration of the coastal scenery.

Onogame is located approximately 50 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port, Sado's main ferry terminal, or about 70 minutes by bus on the Niigata Kotsu Sado Uchikaifu Line to the Onogame bus stop. A rental car is strongly recommended as the northern part of Sado Island is remote with limited public transportation and services. The nearest petrol station is in Washizaki. There is no admission fee to visit the site.

Phone

+81 259-27-5000

Website

www.visitsado.com

Overview

Address

Negai, Sado, Niigata 952-3203, Japan

Phone

+81 259-27-5000

Website

www.visitsado.com

Traveler reviews

We arrived in the late afternoon. Driving north along the coast from Sado Kinzan, we saw many uniquely shaped rocks and beautiful coastlines along the way. But when we reached Ōnogame, its grandeur was truly overwhelming—it didn’t feel like we were on a small island like Sado anymore, but rather at the edge of some distant continent. As it was close to sunset, I considered whether it was possible to climb to the summit, but didn’t get as far as looking for a route. If conditions allow and the difficulty isn’t too high, I’d love to climb to the top someday.

iTokyoTravel-iTokyoDrive IceSoda T.-

May 19, 2025

Onogame is an exhilarating easy to medium level trek to the top of the cape! Seems like not many people took photographs of the "summit" so let me share some perspective here. If you are there, I will highly suggest to walk all the way up as the views are amazing (of the cape and from the cape). It can get muddy and slippery if there's even small rain.

Rtexal Tan

Jul 21, 2023

A short drive from the famous Futatsugame beach. It is a relaxing hiking area, in June the area will be covered with yellow blooms. Which is a super photographic view. You can have a really nice view of ocean from the trail. But this place gets super hot in summer, so please take care. If you are weak to heat like me go there in June. You will be able to enjoy the place thoroughly.

Tanima Biswas

Oct 9, 2021

On July 29, 2025, my wife and I drove here. Apart from the landscape, there wasn’t much to see. We stayed around 10 minutes.

Peter Kam Fai Cheung

Aug 3, 2025

We stopped off here on our drive to Futatsugame Beach. There’s a really nice walking path that goes all around the coast and in the center is an area that in spring is full of lilies. You can also walk up to the shrine with the rope between the rocks. A gorgeous area and nice stop off if you want to stretch your legs. There’s also a restroom and across the road a small hotel that I think serves lunch but we didn’t go in. The more adventurous can hike all the way up Onogame Island. The lilies bloom from late May to early June.