Matsue Castle & Tottori Hanakairo

TOUR OVERVIEW

Discover the cultural charm and natural beauty of western Japan on this 6-hour Sakaiminato shore excursion. Visit the iconic Matsue Castle, wander through the vibrant landscapes of Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park, and enjoy the whimsical world of yōkai at the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum and Mizuki Shigeru Road. With convenient pickup and drop-off at the port, this tour offers a seamless blend of history, nature, and entertainment.

Who This Tour Is For:

• Travelers who love history, architecture, and traditional Japanese culture
• Nature lovers seeking beautiful landscapes and seasonal flowers
• Fans of manga or those who enjoy quirky, imaginative attractions
• Families and travelers looking for an easy, well-organized day trip from port
• Cruise passengers with limited time who want to see the region’s highlights efficiently

FULL INITERARY

Welcome at Sakaiminato Port

Your English-speaking guide will greet you at the Sakaiminato port with a personalized welcome board. After a brief introduction, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned chartered car or coach to begin your half-day adventure.

Visit Matsue Castle

Begin with a visit to Matsue Castle, one of only a handful of original castles remaining in Japan. Explore its wooden interior, climb to the top floor for stunning views over the city and Lake Shinji, and learn about samurai-era culture and architecture.

Explore Tottori Hanakairo - Flower Park

Your first stop is the stunning Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park, one of Japan’s largest flower gardens. Spread across 50 hectares, the park offers vibrant seasonal displays of tulips, lilies, roses, and more. Take a relaxing stroll through beautifully landscaped paths and enjoy picturesque views of Mount Daisen in the background. Don’t miss the covered Flower Walk and the tropical dome with exotic blooms.

Visit Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum

Next, dive into the whimsical world of manga at the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, dedicated to the famed manga artist best known for his work GeGeGe no Kitaro. Discover original artworks, character models, and immersive exhibits that explore Japan’s folklore, yokai (spirits), and the legacy of Mizuki’s storytelling. This is an engaging stop for both adults and children, blending culture, creativity, and nostalgia.

Stroll Along Mizuki Shigeru Road

After the museum visit, enjoy a leisurely walk down Mizuki Shigeru Road, a charming street lined with over 170 bronze statues of yokai characters from Mizuki's manga. Browse quirky souvenir shops, enjoy local snacks, and take fun photos with iconic figures like Kitaro, Nezumi Otoko, and Neko Musume. The lively atmosphere makes it a delightful cultural stroll.

Return to Port in Time

Reboard your vehicle and relax as you head back to the port. You’ll arrive in time to rejoin your cruise ship with lasting memories of this unique and colorful Sakaiminato excursion.

Special Notes

• The order of visits may vary depending on traffic and opening hours to ensure the smoothest experience possible.
• Due to immigration procedures as the previous port is Busan (Korea), a 09:30 departure is recommended.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as some areas involve moderate walking.
• Blooming patterns at Tottori Hanakairo depend on the season.

Inquire about this tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!