Sado Steam Ship

Sado Kisen operates routes connecting Niigata City in Niigata Prefecture with Sado Island. There are three types of vessels: car ferry, high-speed car ferry, and jetfoil. From Niigata Port, you can use the car ferry and jetfoil. The car ferry is themed as a “luxury hotel on the sea,” offering well-equipped facilities and events in its event spaces for an elegant voyage. The jetfoil can travel at high speed (about 80 km/h) by lifting its hull above the water surface, earning the nickname “the airplane of the sea.” Because it runs while floating, it has very little wave-induced motion—another jetfoil appeal. Since both ferry and jetfoil have different charms, it’s fun to take different types on the outbound and return trips. Access to Niigata Port (where Sado Kisen departs/arrives): about 15 minutes by bus from JR Niigata Station, or about 30 minutes by taxi from Niigata Airport.