Sakaiminato, Japan
Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood. Here, the Sea of Japan yields up both crab and hon-maguro, the prized Bluefin tuna esteemed by gourmets around the world. Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan.
Also a common sight ashore are the Yokai - approximately 100 bronze statues of supernatural characters as imagined by famed manga comic author Shigeru Mizuki, who was born in Sakaiminato. The Yokai have become synonymous with the town and delight visitors at every turn.
Points of Interest
- Izumo Grand Shrine
- Hinomisaki Shrine and Light house
- Matsue Castle
- Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum
- Adachi Museum of Art
- Tottori Flower Road (Hanakairo)
- Mizuki Shigeru Museum
- Yushien Garden
とっとり花回廊(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
- Tottori Flower Road (Hanakairo)
Experience the lovely blooms and fountains at Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park and then sample your way through the candy factory. This charming half-day sightseeing excursion from Sakaiminato on the main island of Honshu brims with eye candy while satisfying the sweet tooth!
Moderate Activity
$89.95
足立美術館と由志園(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
- Adachi Museum of Art
- Yushien Garden
It will be a perfect day filled with beautiful art and flowers. You will visit the Adachi Museum of Art, which displays a variety of Japanese paintings, ceramics and art through the ages. The surrounding gardens are considered the most beautiful in Japan.
Moderate Activity
$114.95
Tottori Flower Park
- Tottori Flower Road (Hanakairo)
Experience the lovely blooms and fountains at Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park and then sample your way through the candy factory. This charming half-day sightseeing excursion from Sakaiminato on the main island of Honshu brims with eye candy while satisfying the sweet tooth!
Moderate Activity
$124.95
Adachi Museum of Art & Yushien Garden
- Adachi Museum of Art
- Yushien Garden
It will be a perfect day filled with beautiful art and flowers. You will visit the Adachi Museum of Art, which displays a variety of Japanese paintings, ceramics and art through the ages. The surrounding gardens are considered the most beautiful in Japan.
Moderate Activity
$129.95
出雲大社、日御碕灯台と宍道湖 (車窓)(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
- Izumo Grand Shrine
- Hinomisaki Shrine and Light house
Izumo-taisha is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. Visit the Shimane Museum of Izumo Ancient History for a look at the temple's long history before exploring the shrine itself. Visit Hinomisaki, home to an elegant temple and the tallest stone masonry lighthouse in Japan.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$149.95
足立美術館、松江城と水木しげるロード(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
- Matsue Castle
- Adachi Museum of Art
See it all on an exciting full-day adventure that explores all of Matsue and Sakaiminato's highlights. From the Adachi Museum to the historic castle, and Mizuki Shigeru Road's series of comical bronze statues, the day is full of sights and includes a traditional Japanese lunch with regional delicacies.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$154.95
Izumo Grand Shrine & Lake Shinji
- Izumo Grand Shrine
- Hinomisaki Shrine and Light house
Izumo-taisha is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. Driving by Lake Shinji, Japan's 7th largest lake and famous for the scenic beauty. Visit the Shimane Museum of Izumo Ancient History for a look at the temple's long history before exploring the shrine itself. Visit Hinomisaki, home to an elegant temple and the tallest stone masonry lighthouse in Japan.
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
$159.95
松江城、堀川遊覧船と足立美術館(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
- Matsue Castle
- Adachi Museum of Art
Tour the Adachi Museum of Art, home to a collection of modern Japanese paintings and one of the finest gardens in Japan. Explore Matsue Castle, nicknamed the 'plover castle'. After lunch, cruise Matsue's scenic canals.
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
$169.95
Local Connections: Sushi Making Experience with Chef Tomomi Obara, Sake Tasting and Miho Shrine
Enjoy a day full of culinary and cultural delights as seen through the eyes of a local expert. Learn how to make your own sushi using the freshest ingredients. Visit Miho Shrine, dedicated to the god of commerce and fishing and enjoy a photo stop at scenic Mihonoseki Lighthouse.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$184.95
Highlights of Sakaiminato
- Matsue Castle
- Adachi Museum of Art
See it all on an exciting full-day adventure that explores all of Matsue and Sakaiminato's highlights. From the Adachi Museum to the historic castle, and Mizuki Shigeru Road's series of comical bronze statues, the day is full of sights and includes a traditional Japanese lunch with regional delicacies.
Moderate Activity
$189.95
Matsue Castle, Horikawa Boat Ride & Adachi Museum
- Matsue Castle
- Adachi Museum of Art
Tour the Adachi Museum of Art, home to a collection of modern Japanese paintings and one of the finest gardens in Japan. Explore Matsue Castle, nicknamed the 'plover castle'. After lunch, cruise Matsue's scenic canals.
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
$189.95
Local Connections: Tatara & Sword Maker with Award-winning Chef's Lunch Box
The artistry of ancient Japan comes to life on this Local Connections tour that introduces you to the skilled craftsmen of Okuizumo. Visit the Tatara Sword Museum to learn the production techniques of genuine Japanese swords, and watch a sword demonstration. Then, visit a traditional Sakurai residence to enjoy the gardens and tea.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$199.95