thumb|160px|10 subdivisions (former municipalities) in the [[Sado, Niigata|Sado City. Ryotsu is located on the east of the island.]]

was a city located in Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

Population

As of 2003, the city had an estimated population of 16,710 and a density of 71.60 persons per km<sup>2</sup>. The total area was 233.37&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.

History

The city was founded on November 3, 1954.

On March 1, 2004, Ryōtsu, along with the rest of Sado Island (the towns of Aikawa, Kanai, Sawata, Hatano, Mano, Hamochi and Ogi, and the villages of Niibo and Akadomari (all from Sado District)), was merged to create the city of Sado. Since then, Ryōtsu has been one of the 10 subdivisions of Sado City.

Transportation

Bus

  • Niigata Kotsu Sado

Highway

Sea

  • Ryōtsu Port
  • Sado Kisen Terminal
  • Car ferry and Jetfoil services to/from Niigata Port

Local attractions

  • Lake Kamo
  • Onogame
  • Futatsugame

<gallery widths=160>

Kameiwa_Sado.jpg|Onogame

二ツ亀.jpg|Futatsugame

Himezaki tohdai.jpg|Himezaki Lighthouse

</gallery>

Climate

See also

  • Sado, Niigata

References

  • Sado Tourism Association
  • Sado Steam Ship
  • Sado Geopark