Kodo Village: A Refuge For Artisanal Craftsmen

Kodo Village was created by its founders with the dream of establishing a refuge for artisanal craftsmen in the wild forested surroundings of the Ogi Peninsula on Sado Island. The large S-shaped island in the Sea of Japan is Japan’s sixth largest island and is home to a beautiful natural landscape as well as a treasure house of Japanese crafts and performing arts.

The History of Sado Island

The island has historically been used as a place of exile for both political prisoners and an artistic refuge due to its remoteness and seclusion from the rest of Japan. Important historic and cultural figures such as Emperor Juntoku (1197-1242), Buddhist monk, Nichiren (1222-1283) and noh master, Zeami Motokiyo (1363-1443) were exiled here. The island’s past along with its own unique culture and religion have developed over time, making it the perfect place to hone one’s skill as an artisan. The island has been referred to as a “floating treasure chest” of traditional Japanese culture. In 1988, Kodo Village was officially opened on 25 acres of land in the southern part of the island.

An island of arts

The goal of the island is not only to be a home for Japanese artists, but a place where artists from around the world can meet and understand each other. The beautiful natural environment of the island and Kodo Village is devoted to creativity and exchange.

Sado Earth celebration

The biggest event on Sado Island is the annual Earth celebration in August, which is hosted by the world famous taiko group, Kodo Drummers. The group, world leaders in the performing art of Japanese drumming lives on the island, touring eight months a year, and hosting the festival in August. The three-day event features musical performers from all around the world, workshops, flea markets and art exhibitions. The highlight is the collaboration between the Kodo Drummers and the international artists they invite. The 2017 Earth Celebration is scheduled to be held from August 18 to 20. More details about the event will be announced in May.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.