Sado Tarai-bune Tub Boats
entertainment
Sado Tarai-bune Tub Boats
佐渡 たらい舟
Overview
Ride in a traditional wooden tub boat steered by women fishers in a crystal-clear cove on Sado Island.
In the small fishing village of Ogi on Sado Island, local women pilot tarai-bune, circular wooden tub boats originally used for harvesting seaweed, abalone, and turban shells in shallow rocky coves. Visitors can ride in these surprisingly stable craft while the pilot navigates the crystal-clear waters with a single sculling oar. You can even try steering yourself (it's harder than it looks). The cove's calm turquoise waters and surrounding rocky coastline make for a uniquely photogenic experience.
Local tips
Visit between 8-9am when the water is calmest and you can see straight to the bottom of the cove. The obachan pilots are happy to let you try steering if you ask.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 佐渡 たらい舟
- Nearest station
- Ogi Port (Sado Kisen ferry from Naoetsu)
- Payment
- Cash only
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