From $192 USD
Duration: 6 hours
Port: Sakata, Japan
Highlights: Hiyoriyama Park, Kaikoji Temple, Sannou Club, Former Main Residence of Homma Family, Sankyo Warehouse, Hatsumago Sake Brewery
Excursion Type: Culture / Local Experience
Cruise: HAL Westerdam
Fixed Departure Date: Oct 21 2025
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Join fellow cruise passengers on these pre-scheduled departures and enjoy a cost-effective, sociable shore experience.
| Cruise | Date | Group Size (Pax) | Price |
HAL Westerdam | Oct 21 2025 (11:00 - 17:00) | 16 | $192 USD |
*Note: For other dates, please fill out the INQUIRY FORM BELOW to receive detailed information.
This full-day Sakata Shore Excursion reveals the quiet elegance and rich history of this former merchant port on the Sea of Japan. From serene temples and samurai homes to Meiji-era storehouses and a working sake brewery, the tour immerses you in the authentic atmosphere of old northern Japan.
Who This Tour Is For:
Cruise passengers docking in Sakata Port who enjoy cultural sightseeing
Mature travelers or couples seeking a gentle, historical exploration
Visitors interested in Japanese architecture, sake brewing, and Edo-Meiji period merchant culture
Anyone looking for a well-paced, off-the-beaten-path Japan experience with personalized charm
Upon arrival at Sakata Port, your English-speaking guide will greet you and accompany you on a comfortable ride to the city center.
The tour starts when your local guide and driver transfer you from Sakata port to Hiyoriyama Park. Located on an artificial hill, the park is originally created for shipping merchants to observe their ships. It also serves as a guardian protecting the city from strong winds blowing to the mainland. You can enjoy a wide view of the port on the foot of the oldest wooden lighthouse in Japan. Or relax your mind and admire the fully-covered pink scenery created by over 400 cherry blossoms available in the park.
Afterward, prepare to be dominated by a touch of thrilling before heading to Kaikoji Temple where priests become mummies in hope of salvation. Under the dim light, it’s where preserves the coal-liked skin of priest’s dead bodies who are considered the living gods scarifying their life to atone not only their sins but also the salvation of local people.
Then descend to Sanno Club, a high-class Japanese restaurant dated back to 1895 and home to various displays of kitamae cargo ships, Japanese dolls, and ornament lucky umbrellas. Continue on to Honma Residence, known as the grand old house of the wealthy merchant Honma Family. Its complex structure indicates the power of a prosperous family with a huge gate, countless tatami rooms consist of sliding doors and transoms.
Later, head to Sankyo Warehouse with picturesque grounds and souvenir shops full of local products. It was formerly a place to preserve rice for Sakata but then served as a rice museum with numerous exhibitions for visitors to come and enjoy.
Your trip ends after paying a visit to the long-standing Hatsumago Sake Brewery that dated back to the Meiji era from the 1890s. Its name means “the first grandchild” related to the born of the founder’s first grandson. It attracts visitors most for its unique sake with perfect complexity, depth, and smooth aftertaste.
Re-board your coach and head back to the cruise port, carrying with you the refined flavors and memories of northern Japan.
Note:The order of visits may vary depending on traffic and opening hours to ensure the smoothest experience possible.
Book tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!
| Service Included | – English-Speaking-Guide (licensed) |
|---|---|
| Service Excluded | – Meals & other drinks |
| Cruise Name | HAL Westerdam |
| Departure Date | Oct 21 2025 (11:00 – 17:00) |
Sakata Shore Excursions
Sakata Shore Excursions
George & Carol Williams –
Our consultant Thomas helped us customize the tour with ease, he even sent tips for buying sake as souvenirs. We especially loved the Sankyo Warehouse: the contrast between the sturdy wooden granaries and delicate blossoms nearby made for truly picturesque moments.
Anne Dupont –
This was a shore excursion of quiet stories and noble simplicity. From the elegant Sanno Club to the old wooden lighthouse watching over the port, every site told of a town that once thrived and still whispers its legacy. Our guide was patient, articulate, and always attentive
Bernard Schmidt –
I came for the sake and left with so much more. Hatsumago Brewery was a lovely final touch. its tasting session was refined, not rushed. But it was Kaikoji Temple that stayed with me… something haunting yet humbling about the mummified monks. A rare, contemplative experience.
Edward Langley –
The Honma Residence was a window into the refined life of Japan’s merchant class, beautifully preserved and thoughtfully explained by our guide. I appreciated the way the tour unraveled layers of Sakata’s history in such an elegant, unhurried way.
Mei-Lin Cheng –
Booking was easy thanks to Lara, who answered all our questions with grace. The cherry blossoms in Hiyoriyama Park were breathtaking, even in light drizzle. Our guide invited us to pause and take it in. That made all the difference.