Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I will report on a motorcycle touring trip to Osado Skyline, a scenic drive course on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. I departed from central Tokyo on a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB) and arrived at Niigata Port after about 6 hours. From there, take the Sado Kisen car ferry to Ryotsu Port. I didn’t have enough time to go around the island, so this time I focused on the Osado area in the north. Among them, the one that was particularly impressive was the Osado Skyline. In this article, we will introduce its charm, how to access it, and its highlights.
What is Osado Skyline?
The Osado Skyline is an observation road with a total length of approximately 30 km that connects Kanai Town and Aikawa Town. The highest point is Baekundae, 942m above sea level. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Sado Island, including Mano Bay, Ryotsu Bay, the Kuninaka Plain, and the Kosado Mountains. It is especially spectacular during the fresh greenery of early summer and the changing leaves of autumn. Baekundae also has a shop and an observation deck, making it ideal for taking a break and taking photos.
Route to Osado Skyline
I headed north on National Route 350 from Ryotsu Port and entered the Osado Skyline at Kanai Town. Along the way, you can stop at tourist spots such as Tokinomori Park and Sado Gold Mine. At Toki no Mori Park, you can see endangered ibises through the glass. At Sado Gold Mine, you can learn about the history and technology of gold mining, which flourished from the Edo period to the Showa period.
Once you enter the Osado Skyline, the road will have many sharp curves and steep gradients. Heavy bikes like Harleys require careful cornering and braking. The scenery you can see while driving is spectacular, with mountains and the ocean spreading out in front of you. The panorama seen from Baekundae is especially spectacular. If the weather is good, you can even see as far as Honshu.
Beyond Hakuundai, the road is managed by the Ministry of Defense. Here you must abide by traffic rules such as speed limits and no overtaking. Also, in winter, the road may be closed due to snow or ice. It takes about an hour to reach Aikawa Town, but you can enjoy the natural scenery of Otowa Pond and Ohira Plateau along the way. Otowa Pond is a natural pond deep in the mountains, with a floating island in the center. Ohira Plateau is a peaceful landscape filled with pastures and cows.
Highlights of Osado Skyline
If you are going to ride Osado Skyline, please pay attention to the following points.
- Stop at tourist spots such as Tokinomori Park and Sado Gold Mine
- Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Sado Island from Hakuundai
- Admire natural scenery such as Otowa Pond and Ohira Plateau
- Enjoy winding mountain passes
Motorcycle parking lot at Osado Skyline
Osado Skyline has motorcycle parking lots at tourist spots such as Hakuundai and Otowa Pond. However, in other places, you have no choice but to park on the side of the road. Also, please be aware that there are many areas where parking is prohibited on roads managed by the Ministry of Defense. I parked my bike at the following location.
- Tokinomori Park: Free parking available at the entrance
- Sado Gold Mine: Paid parking available at the entrance (free for motorcycles)
- Hakuundai: Free parking available in front of the store
- Otowa Pond: Free parking available at the entrance
summary
This time, we reported on a bike touring trip to Osado Skyline, a scenic drive course on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. Sado Island is rich in history and nature, making it the perfect environment for riding a motorcycle. The Osado Skyline in particular is a driving course where you can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and ocean, as well as winding mountain passes. Please come and visit us at least once.
Osado Skyline (English): Oosado Skyline
