Stone statues on the lakeshore facing a small tree-covered island with a white torii gate in the calm waters of Lake Shinji.

Sakaiminato, Japan

Cruises to Sakaiminato

View cruises

Things to do in Sakaiminato

Sakaiminato may be compact, but its character stretches far beyond the coastline. Tucked between the Sea of Japan and the slopes of Mt. Daisen, this port town draws you in with seafood markets, mystical folklore and quiet spots where time seems to pause.

Cruises to Sakaiminato open the door to wandering castle paths and art that’s very much alive in the streets. It’s a place where sacred traditions coexist with playful manga, where you can sample freshly caught crab one minute and pose next to a bronze yokai statue the next.

Explore things to do in Sakaiminato
01 / 04
  • Close-up of a giant straw rope (shimenawa) hanging under the eaves of Izumo Grand Shrine, flanked by traditional lanterns.

    The spiritual heart of the region is Izumo Grand Shrine, a sacred site that predates most written Japanese history and still draws worshippers from across the country.

  • Traditional Japanese castle partially hidden behind pine and broadleaf trees, with stone wall in the foreground.

    In the castle town of Matsue, the blackened timbers of Matsue Castle rise above the treetops. It’s one of the few original castles still standing and a rare chance to walk the same floors as feudal lords once did.

  • Close-up of vibrant pink peonies in full bloom surrounded by lush green leaves at Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park.

    Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park is a garden that’s a changing canvas of petals and color. Seasonal blooms roll across its wide paths, with hidden corners and greenhouse views around nearly every bend.

  • Close-up of playful bronze yokai statue with a toothy grin and round body on Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato.

    For a window into Sakaiminato’s creative spirit, the Mizuki Shigeru Museum celebrates the town’s most famous storyteller and the monsters he imagined. Many of those monsters now greet visitors in statue form throughout the city

01 / 04

Shore excursions to explore Sakaiminato

The right excursion can turn a visit into something unforgettable, and Sakaiminato has no shortage of options. It doesn't matter if you're drawn to Shinto tradition or carefully curated gardens, each of these experiences reveals something deeper about this serene corner of Honshu.

01 / 04
  • Front view of Izumo Grand Shrine featuring large wooden beams, ornate rooflines and a massive straw rope above the entrance.

    Izumo Grand Shrine & Lake Shinji

    Visit one of Japan’s oldest and most venerated Shinto shrines, where mythology and quiet reverence fill the air. Izumo Grand Shrine is a spiritual landmark with massive thatched roofs and a timeless atmosphere. Afterward, make your way to Lake Shinji for a scenic stop where you can take in the beauty that surrounds this region.

    View excursion
  • Dark wooden Japanese castle with layered tile roofs and stone base, set against a blue sky with puffy clouds.

    Matsue Castle, Horikawa Boat Ride & Adachi Museum

    Step into Japan’s feudal past with a visit to Matsue Castle, one of the country’s few remaining original castles. Drift through the city’s old canals on a Horikawa sightseeing boat before ending your day at the Adachi Museum, where modern art and traditional garden design come together in striking harmony.

    View excursion
  • Lush Japanese garden with a pond filled with lily pads, stone bridges, manicured trees and vibrant greenery under a sunny sky.

    Adachi Museum of Art & Yushien Garden

    Begin at the Adachi Museum of Art, renowned for both its collection of 20th-century Japanese paintings and its award-winning gardens, seamlessly integrated into the gallery’s design. Then stroll through Yushien Garden on Daikon Island, a tranquil space of stone bridges, koi ponds and seasonal blooms that make the landscape feel like a painting in motion.

    View excursion
  • Vibrant flowerbeds of tulips and hyacinths in sweeping patterns across a green lawn beneath tall trees.

    Tottori Flower Park

    Spend the day among seasonal colors and floral displays that stretch as far as the eye can see. Tottori Flower Park is one of the largest botanical gardens in Japan, with covered walkways, expansive greenhouses and perfectly manicured outdoor beds. The scenery changes throughout the year, but the sense of wonder stays the same.

    View excursion
01 / 04

Experience the Sakaiminato port on your next cruise

Stepping off your ship in Sakaiminato, you land in a port where ancient history and modern whimsy meet. The harbor opens right onto the heart of town, giving you quick access to both quiet garden walks and streets lined with storybook statues. You might follow the scent of grilled seafood down a bustling market lane, or head inland where temples rise above misty rice fields.

This port invites guests to look closer. With every detour and path, there’s another moment waiting to be discovered. Explore more Japan cruises that include Sakaiminato.

01 / 06

14-Day Grand Japan with Fall Foliage

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

View cruise

8-Day Sea of Japan

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

View cruise

11-Day Circle Japan with Nebuta & Summer Festivals

Roundtrip from Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

View cruise

Step into the spirit of  Sakaiminato with Princess Cruises

A cruise to Sakaiminato takes you beyond the obvious. Between the quiet shrines and lively sidewalks, you’ll find a destination that’s steeped in story and shaped by spirit. Princess helps you travel with intention, whether you’re drawn to scenic coastlines or centuries-old craftsmanship (or maybe just something a little offbeat).

In Sakaiminato, every corner tells a tale. And the journey’s only just begun.

Cruises to Sakaiminato
Detailed view of Matsue Castle’s ornate gables and tiled rooftops with phoenix-shaped decorations under a blue sky.

Get up close to Matsue Castle’s intricate rooftops—every curve and crest tells a story carved in tradition.

A bowl of fresh sashimi featuring sliced raw fish garnished with green shiso leaves.

Fresh sashimi served in a ceramic bowl, showcasing delicate slices of raw fish topped with vibrant shiso leaves.

Ships sailing to Sakaiminato

Reaching Sakaiminato is part of the adventure, and these Princess ships are designed to make the journey just as compelling as the destination. Each one offers the comforts you want, with thoughtful touches that echo the landscapes you’ll soon be exploring.

01 / 06
Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess®

Diamond Princess® feels in tune with its surroundings. On board, you’ll find everything from a Japanese-style bath to locally inspired dining and entertainment. This ship helps set the tone for the adventure ahead, whether you’re looking out at Mt. Daisen from the rail or unwinding after a day with the yokai.

Learn more
Sapphire Princess

Sapphire Princess®

Sapphire Princess® brings the spirit of discovery and indulgence to life with regionally inspired dining, captivating entertainment and relaxing spaces between adventures. Enjoy a treatment at the Lotus Spa®, savor chef-curated meals or unwind with cocktails under the stars. When Sakaiminato is on the horizon, Sapphire Princess is a destination in its own right.

Learn more

Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

01 / 03
  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

    Learn more about Princess EZAir
  • airplane to ship transfer

    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

    Learn more about transfers
  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

    View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages
01 / 03

Cruise deals and promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

View all deals and promotions
Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

A couple stands together on the deck of a cruise ship, smiling as they enjoy the ocean view under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

You may also like

Don't miss the Imperial Palace in Japan

Don't miss the Imperial Palace in Japan

If you're heading to this fascinating, culturally rich island nation, make time to visit the world-famous Imperial Palace.

LEARN MORE
Explore Tokyo's gardens on a cruise to Japan

Explore Tokyo's gardens on a cruise to Japan

Hidden within the radiant lights and exhilarating sounds of Tokyo are tranquil garden sanctuaries.

LEARN MORE
Three must-see cultural attractions in Japan

Three must-see cultural attractions in Japan

From popular skyscrapers and modern buildings, to world-famous temples, shrines and breathtaking national parks, Japan has a lot to offer tourists exploring the country. 

LEARN MORE
01 / 06