The origin of taraibune

Taraubune boats were given birth to around the Meiji era. Tub boats, used for collecting wakame seaweed, abalones and turban shells, were designed to be capable of small sharp turns and to be freely operated along the Ogi coast full of deeply indented and complicated shore reefs. It is said that a washing tub was improved over and over again and developed into the present taraibune.
A taraibune is rowed with a single oar. Around various fishing ports of the Ogi district, you can still see tub boats being used as fishing boats here and there.

Experience a taraibue ride!

Today, a taraibune ride is one of the standard hands-on activities in the course of seeing the signts of Sado. At first Rikyiya Kanko Kisen only gave a public demonstration of how to oar a taraibune. Tourists' experiencing of a tub boat ride started when some of them voiced their wish to have a ride themselves. While experiencing a taraibune ride, you can watch a female skipper row the boat right beside you, and you can also acturally try rowing the boat yourself. The scenery you see from the taraibune, rocked softly by the waves, is something special that you can experience only at this moment.
The female skipper, wearing a sedge hat known for Sado Okesa Dance and a traditional coat made of cloth with splashed patterns, will make your time on the boat all the more special for her appearance.

The Ogi coast along which you cruise on a motorboat or a tourist boat

Spectacular sights filled with diversities extend along the Ogi coast, from the rock tract composed of pillow-shaped lava, one of the only six that can be found in the world, to the eroded caves of Kotoura, to Nansenkyo's ocean reefs made of upheaved lava.
Rikiya Kanko Kisen will provide you with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the sights from short distance while cruising on a high-speed tourist boat or motorboat―the sights that cannot be seen on land but can be seen only from the sea.
The high-speed tourist boat will provide you with a leisurely cruise that lasts 40 minutes, while the motorboat will provide you with five courses that last from 10 to 35 minutes, out of which you can choose, taking into consideration how much time you can spare.