The Sado Bugyosho (佐渡奉行所), also known as the Sado Magistrate’s Office, was a historical administrative center located in what is now Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The building served as the administrative center for Sado Island during the Edo period, when it was used as a place of exile for political prisoners.
Today, the Sado Bugyosho is open to the public as a museum, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Sado Island, as well as the role that the magistrate’s office played in the island’s development. The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays, including artifacts related to the Edo period government, the lives of exiles who were sent to the island, and the history of the Sado Gold Mine.
One of the highlights of the Sado Bugyosho is the opportunity to see various traditional Japanese architecture, including a large gate (designated as an Important Cultural Property), a courtyard, and several buildings that have been reconstructed to resemble the original structures that once stood on the site. Visitors can also see the Oshirasu (courtroom) where the magistrate held trials and the Oshirasu prison where prisoners were kept. Additionally, a beautiful Japanese garden can be found on the premises.
While the Sado Bugyosho itself does not offer outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on Sado Island, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The site is located near several other historical sites and cultural attractions on Sado Island, such as the Sado Gold Mine and the Toki Forest Park, making it a great destination for travelers interested in learning more about the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Details
| Hours | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:30 PM. |
| Admission | Adults: 500 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 160 yen |
| Phone | +81 259-74-2201 |
| Adress | 1-1 Aikawa Hiromamachi, Sado, Niigata 952-1531 |
