Mount Kinpoku (Kinpokusan, 1,172 m) is a mountain in Sado City, Niigata, and is one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains.
The main peak of the Ō-Sado Mountains and the highest point on Sado Island, its appeal lies in the sweeping panorama of the Ō-Sado traverse from Donden Kōgen over Kinpoku to Hakuundai and the spring wildflowers. The traverse from Donden Kōgen over Kinpoku to Hakuundai is about 13.6 km and 7 hours of walking, an intermediate route.
To reach the trailhead, cross from Niigata Port to Ryōtsu Port by Sado Kisen ferry, then take a seasonal bus to Donden Kōgen.
The traverse starts at Donden Kōgen (Donden Kōgen Lodge) and ends at Hakuundai (the Hakuundai Exchange Center). The main route is Donden Kōgen → Mount Kinpoku (1,172 m) → Hakuundai, about 13.6 km and 7 hours of walking, an intermediate route. The section from Kinpoku to Hakuundai uses a Defense Ministry road, so an advance passage notification (registration) is required.
The best season is mid-May to late October, when the traverse buses and Donden Kōgen Lodge operate. Always check the latest operating status and the passage-notification procedure before you go.
*Last checked: June 7, 2026
How to access the trailheads
1. [There & Back] Ryōtsu Port ⇄ Donden Kōgen / Hakuundai (Sado Kisen ferry + seasonal bus)
The gateway to Sado Island is the Sado Kisen ferry from Niigata Port. Using Ryōtsu Port as your base, take a seasonal bus to the trailhead of the traverse.
① Niigata Port → Ryōtsu Port (Sado Kisen)
From Niigata Port, cross to Ryōtsu Port by Sado Kisen car ferry or jetfoil. Ryōtsu Port is your base on Sado.
② Ryōtsu Port → Donden Kōgen (Donden Liner)
From Ryōtsu Port, take the seasonal “Donden Liner” bus to Donden Kōgen (some plans start from the Aoneba trailhead). After the descent, take the “Hakuundai Liner” back to Ryōtsu Port. Check the operating days, times and fares in advance.
③ Passage notification (Defense Ministry road): the Kinpoku–Hakuundai section is a Defense Ministry road, so an advance passage notification (registration) is required. You can register with the Sado Trekking Association, Donden Kōgen Lodge (0259-23-2161) or the Hakuundai Exchange Center (0259-61-1172).
By car: place two cars at the start and finish, or use a guide or shuttle. As the traverse is one-way, combining it with the buses is convenient.
References: [Visit Sado: Ō-Sado traverse] ／ [Sado Kisen]
Trail Guide and Safety Notes
Route: the main route is the Ō-Sado traverse from Donden Kōgen over Mount Kinpoku (1,172 m) to Hakuundai, about 13.6 km and 7 hours of walking, an intermediate route. There is also a plan that climbs to Donden Kōgen from the Aoneba trailhead. The Kinpoku Shrine stands on the summit.
Passage notification and weather: the Kinpoku–Hakuundai section is a Defense Ministry road, and advance notification is mandatory. The traverse is long, and snow can linger in the late-snow season (May–June), so mind the weather and your gear. The ridge has few escape routes, so allow plenty of time.
Views and flowers: from the ridge there is a panorama of Ryōtsu Bay, Mano Bay, the Sea of Japan and the Ō-Sado peaks. From spring into early summer, flowers that represent Sado such as dogtooth violet and Japanese wood poppy colour the trail.
Equipment and emergencies: carry rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp, a map/GPS, plenty of food and water. In an accident or emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).
・Sado-Nishi Police Station 0259-55-0110
Photo by Koda6029 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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