Historically Japan was famous for gold, much of it mined on Sado. The prosperity this created left the island with unique cultural traditions like its strong Noh theater. We meet an actor teaching a new generation of Noh performers, cycle Sado's beautiful coastline and spectacular mountains, paddle hangiri shallow-water fishing boats, visit a sake brewery built in an old school, and meet the man who rescued the Japanese crested ibis from extinction to Sado's current population of 500 birds.
Remains of Sado gold mine, the largest in Japanese history
Japanese crested ibis, rescued from extinction by local efforts
Sado's most famous Noh actor strives to keep the tradition alive
A spectacular view rewards cyclists at the top of the Z Switchback