Senkaku Bay

Discover

About Senkaku Bay

Senkaku Bay lies on Sado’s northwest coast, about 5 km north of Aikawa, on a stretch of shoreline called Sotokaifu, known for high cliffs and islets carved by the sea. The bay is made up of several indented coves, with rocks of varied shapes and clear water, and is part of the Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Quasi-National Park.

The main visiting point is Ageshima Park, on a rocky headland between the coves. Paths and bridges lead to viewpoints over the cliffs, with open sea and islet views. The park also has a small garden area and a viewpoint used as a setting in a 1950s Japanese film, noted by plaques.

From the park pier, glass-bottom boats run through the coves for about 15 minutes, when the sea permits, showing rock bottoms, seaweed and fish. You can also see the coast from above, from the roadside viewpoint, with dark rocks against the blue sea.

The coastal road that continues north to the island’s tip passes fishing villages, rice terraces and cliffs, and is one of the most sought-after drives. Sunset on the west coast is common on clear afternoons. Along the way, small restaurants serve grilled squid and day’s catch fish, and some villages have outdoor wooden nō stages associated with local shrines.