Shukunegi 宿根木 – A Nostalgic village on Sado Island

Shukunegi is an historical small village located in Ogi town on Sado Island in Niigata. It is located in about 4 km southwest of Ogi port, which flourished from the Edo to Meiji eras. the The shipping business developed in Shukunegi where products such as rice or gold from Echigo (the old name for Niigata) were shipped out and salt and other merchandise from Osaka were brought in during that time.

In a small 1 hectare village in narrow valley near the sea about 60 houses (half of the houses which were there in the village’s prime) have been preserved in their original condition. All the houses are made of wooden boards salvaged from disused ships. Stepping into the village feels like stepping into the Edo period or being at an Edo Theme Park. It feels so real. About 180 people still live, operate farms and fish quietly in Shukunegi.

Visitors are welcome enjoy strolling around, but it is important to remember not to disturb people’s daily lives. Also, visitors are encouraged to drop 100 yen into the box at the entrance. All proceeds go toward the preservation of the village.

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