Sado Tarai-bune Tub Boats

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.