Upcoming Small-Group Shore Excursions You Can Join
| Cruise | Date | Group Size (Pax) | Price |
| Azamara Pursuit | April 03 2026 (09:00 - 15:30) | Flexible | $256 USD Deposit 70% via Onepay Deposit for this tour |
| Diamond Princess | April 12 2026 (09:00 - 15:30) | Flexible | $213 USD Deposit 70% via Onepay Deposit for this tour |
| Azamara Pursuit | April 30 2026 (09:00 - 15:30) | Flexible | $238 USD Deposit 70% via Onepay Deposit for this tour |
Please Note:
- If you’re looking for other dates, simply complete the Inquiry Form below, and we’ll promptly send you clear, helpful information tailored just for you.
- The remaining balance for tours with a deposit is due closer to the departure date.
Tour Overview
Discover the cultural treasures of Shimane Prefecture on this full-day shore excursion departing from Sakaiminato Port. Explore the iconic Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, admire world-class Japanese gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art, and dive into the whimsical world of manga at the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum and Mizuki Shigeru Road. This Sakaiminato shore excursions blends history, art, and pop culture, offering a well-rounded experience ideal for all types of travelers.
Who This Tour Is For:
- Travelers fascinated by Japanese history, castles, and traditional architecture
- Fans of Japanese art, garden design, and cultural museums
- Manga and anime lovers, especially fans of Shigeru Mizuki’s works
- Families, couples, and small groups seeking a diverse and engaging shore excursion
- Visitors wanting to explore top highlights near Sakaiminato Port in a single day
Full Itinerary
Pickup at Sakaiminato Port
Meet your guide at the cruise terminal and board a comfortable vehicle for your cultural journey. As you leave the port area, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and coastal scenery.
Matsue Castle
Your guided Sakaiminato shore excursion starts by an around 45-minute ride heading to Matsue Castle. Here you can see the main tower survived up to now after fires, earthquakes and the anti-feudal demolitions of the Meiji Period. The castle was reconstructed to resist war, but fortunately, it has not faced with any war. Walking through the castle’s main keep and grounds, then you can enjoy a riverboat cruise which is driven around the moat and narrow canals by boatmen. The stories about the castle’s history retold by boatmen also make your trip more memorable.
Follow the flow of history, you continue on to stunning Adachi Museum and Garden. Immerse yourself in the blue sky dotted with the reds, oranges, and greens of plants highlighting the majestic beauty of the museum.
Adachi Museum of Art
Next, travel to the Adachi Museum of Art, world-renowned for its meticulously maintained Japanese garden, often ranked the best in Japan for decades. Take your time to admire the stunning garden landscapes from different viewing windows and explore the museum’s extensive collection of modern Japanese paintings, ceramics, and cultural exhibits. The museum blends art and nature seamlessly, creating a peaceful and highly photogenic experience.
Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum
Afterward, your driver transfers you back to the Sakaiminato city center and then travel back in time to the childhood by strolling along the Mizuki Shigeru Road to visit the Mizuki Shigeru Museum. The name of the museum revives from a legend about a well-known Japanese Manga Author who is famous in the motif of ‘Yokai’ which refers to a strange or peculiar phenomenon. Japanese believed that yokai punishes people for their laziness and selfishness and teaches them to do good things to protect nature and the environment.
Stroll around the Mizuki Shigeru Road, you can see and touch various bronze statues of yokai line the stretch of the street. Enter the museum, you can see the world of the creators’ unique and diverse artworks as well as the world of Yokais which representing Mizuki’s philosophy and spirit. All are reflected by unique exhibitions and motions pictures inside the museum. Undoublty, it’s time for you to keep in touch with your childhood manga friends. Trip finishes when your guide drops you off at the port for departure.
Return to Sakaiminato Port
After a day filled with history, art, and manga culture, your vehicle brings you back safely to Sakaiminato Port in good time for your ship’s departure.
Inquire about this tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!
David Lin –
This immersive Sakaiminato sightseeing tour gave us unique insight into rural Japan and its natural gems. The view from the vine bridge was spectacular, and the peaceful river cruise a refreshing finale. Our guide's attention and the smooth transport made it a pleasant, memorable trip. Booking support was excellent, which eased our planning greatly.
Jonathan Park –
Felix was very helpful and thorough when I was booking the tour, giving me confidence that our day would be well managed. On the tour day, the guide impressed us with detailed stories about the castle’s history and the quirky manga artist whose legacy brings charm to the city. The Adachi Museum garden was breathtaking, a true highlight for those who appreciate fine art and peaceful landscapes. The overall experience felt personal and well-cared for, thanks also to the seamless transport arrangements.
Susan Clarke –
This was our first time in Sakaiminato, and the tour was a great introduction. Fiona from the sales team made booking a breeze, even accommodating our last-minute request. The guide was exceptional, sharing detailed stories about Matsue Castle’s samurai history that kept us captivated. The Adachi Museum’s gardens were serene, though I’d have loved a bit more time there. For anyone with mobility concerns, the tour is well-planned with minimal walking and plenty of rest stops. Highly recommend for older travelers looking for a culturally rich day.
Sarah Jennings –
Our sales contact Lara was quick to respond and made planning stress-free. The castle’s history was impressive, and the boat cruise around the moat added charm. The manga museum was a fun surprise for the whole family. Overall, a well-organized and pleasant tour.
Paula Simmons –
This tour was a fantastic dive into Sakaiminato’s heritage. The castle, still standing strong through centuries, was fascinating to explore. The boat cruise around the castle’s moat gave us beautiful perspectives and interesting stories told by the boatmen. The Adachi Museum stunned us with its art collection and exquisitely maintained gardens. The highlight was the visit to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum and Road, where the statues of yokai and the manga exhibits created a fun and nostalgic atmosphere. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, providing cultural context that enriched the experience. The booking process was smooth, thanks to Felix who was always prompt and thorough in communications.
Emily Richards –
This tour gave us a fascinating glimpse into Sakaiminato’s rich culture and history. From exploring the impressive Matsue Castle to wandering the whimsical Mizuki Shigeru Road, every moment was unique. Our guide was friendly and shared interesting stories that made the sites come alive. The day flowed at a comfortable pace, and the transport was smooth and easy, which suited our group perfectly. The blend of art, nature, and history made for a memorable outing that felt both relaxing and inspiring.
Henry Collins –
Great combination of sites and stories. Sales team Thomas was very patient with our group’s questions. A small but memorable tour.
Helen Foster –
I can’t say enough good things about this Akita shore excursions. Felix went above and beyond, checking in before the trip to confirm details and even following up afterward. The tour guide’s passion for Sakaiminato’s history shone through, especially at Matsue Castle, where we learned so much about feudal Japan. The Adachi Museum was a serene escape, though the gift shop was a bit pricey. The bus had ample space, and the driver helped with my husband mobility issue. Thank you!
Linda Foster –
Great nature and culture blend. Some walking was a bit hard for seniors but guide helped a lot. Worth it!
Allison White –
A charming day visiting the castle and manga museum. The guide was great and booking with Fiona was easy. Highly recommended.