Earth Celebration
The Earth Celebration (http://www.kodo.or.jp/ec/) is a yearly arts festival run by the taiko Japanese drumming group KodÅ since 1988. Performers from around the world join the event, culminating in Kodo's famously physical drumming performances on the bass-laden Å-daiko great drum. The group lives and works out in spartan conditions on the island year-round, and once ran from the finish line of Boston Marathon onto stage for a performance. Tickets are pricey ¥4000+ but well worth it. Book early as only 1000 are sold — the concerts are all acoustic and would not support more. The event takes place in the Ogi area, and in 2008 will run from August 22-24.
Yajima-KyÅjima
For a more tame experience, take a spin literally in one of Ogi's tarai-bune, tiny little boats inconveniently shaped like barrels and rented out to tourists by the hour. Close to Ogi Yajima-KyÅjima is also a famous spot at which to tarai-bune.
There is a very small ski field in Kanai, with three lifts (http://park14.wakwak.com/...).
Triathlon
Sado hosts an International Triathlon (http://www.sado.gr.jp/eng...) each year, with around 1700 participants from Japan and overseas. The 2007 edition will take place on September 2.
diving
Although Sado is far from being a tropical island, you can bring your bathing suit in the summer and take a short swim at the beach in Sawata or in the Northern tip of the island. Diving in Sado is quite popular and there are a few diving centers, in the Ogi area and Senego for instance Sado Diving Center (http://www.sadodiving.com or the Ogi Diving Center (http://www2.ocn.ne.jp/~og...).
Trekking
Is very enjoyable in the o-sado mountain range northern range of the island. remember however that you need a permit to walk in the area around the summit of mt. kinpoku. the permit is easy to obtain.