Cruises to Sakaiminato (Tottori)
Sakaiminato — a small fishing town on the Sea of Japan coast, a true gem of the San'in region. This is a place where the traditional way of life of Japanese fishing communities blends naturally with the vivid culture of manga and Japanese folklore. The town sits at the western tip of Tottori Prefecture, on the narrow Yumigahama sandspit that separates the Sea of Japan from Miho Bay and Lake Nakaumi. Every morning, the country's largest catch of snow crab is auctioned off here, and the main street — named after local-born manga artist Shigeru Mizuki — is lined with hundreds of bronze statues of yokai spirits.
For cruise travelers, Sakaiminato isn't a destination in itself — it's the perfect gateway to an authentic Japan that mass tourism hasn't yet reached. The port serves as a convenient starting point for day trips across the San'in region: to the historic Matsue Castle, the sacred Izumo Taisha Shrine, the celebrated Adachi Museum of Art, and Mount Daisen. Dozens of international liners call at the town's new cruise terminal each year, sailing routes between South Korea and the ports of the Sea of Japan. π’
π Before setting off on a cruise to Sakaiminato, or stepping ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you need to know:
π―π΅ Country: Japan
π Region: Tottori Prefecture, San'in region, Honshu Island
π₯ Population: around 32,000 residents
π Area: approximately 29 km² (11 sq mi)
π£οΈ Language: Japanese; English is spoken to a limited extent in the port and terminal's tourist areas
π΄ Currency: yen (JPY)
π Time zone: JST (UTC+9) — 7 hours ahead of Kyiv time in winter and 6 hours ahead in summer (Japan does not observe daylight saving time)
βοΈ Climate: temperate, monsoon-influenced, with cool, snowy winters (the Sea of Japan coast receives heavy snowfall) and hot, humid summers (+28…+33 °C / 82–91 °F)
βοΈ Nearest airport: Yonago-Kitaro (YGJ), also known as Miho Airport — about 10 km (6.2 mi) from the cruise terminal
β Official port name: Port of Sakaiminato (ε’ζΈ―, Sakai Port)
πΊοΈ Cruise berths: Sakai Minato Terminal, Showa-ko Pier, Nakano Pier
ποΈ The history of Sakaiminato — from a fishing village to the international gateway of San'in
β³ Over a century of maritime history
The history of Sakaiminato is inseparable from its natural harbor, sheltered from the north by the Shimane Peninsula. Long before the modern town emerged, a modest fishing village stood here on the Yumigahama sandspit, jutting into the Sakai Channel between Miho Bay and Lake Nakaumi. In 1889, with the introduction of the modern municipal system, the village of Sakai was established, and in 1896, during the Meiji era, the port was officially opened to international trade with Busan, Incheon, and Wonsan on the Korean Peninsula — transforming the quiet fishing settlement into an important link with continental Asia.
βοΈ From Western Japan's fishing hub to a modern port
Sakaiminato gained city status on April 1, 1956, taking on its present name at that time. After World War II, the port became the main fishing base for all of Western Japan, and seafood processing remains the backbone of the local economy to this day: it is here that the country's largest catch of snow crab (matsuba-gani) and a significant share of Sea of Japan bluefin tuna are landed each year. An interesting historical footnote — for many years Sakaiminato was the official sister city of North Korea's Wonsan (a status revoked in 2006), making it the only Japanese municipality with such ties.
The 20th century gave the town another claim to fame — the birth of Shigeru Mizuki (1922–2015), creator of the iconic manga “GeGeGe no Kitaro” about yokai spirits. Today his legacy is the town's main tourist calling card. In April 2020, despite pandemic-related restrictions, Sakaiminato opened a new international passenger terminal, Sakai Minato Terminal, designed to receive large cruise ships and further develop the town as a maritime gateway to the San'in region. π₯
β The Port of Sakaiminato — San'in's gateway to the Sea of Japan
π Scale and layout of the port
The modern Port of Sakai is a multifunctional port complex that combines a fishing harbor — one of Japan's leading ports by catch volume — cargo terminals handling trade with South Korea and Russia, and passenger infrastructure. Large ships can dock in three locations: the Showa-ko Pier, with its deep-water 10,000-ton berth, the Nakano Pier, and the newest facility — the international Sakai Minato Terminal.
Sakai Minato Terminal opened in April 2020 and is fully equipped with customs, immigration, and quarantine (C.I.Q.) facilities required to receive international cruise ships. The building features a spacious waiting hall, an observation deck with panoramic views of sacred Mount Daisen (often nicknamed “Hoki-Fuji” for its resemblance to Mount Fuji) and Miho Bay, plus parking for around 350 vehicles. β¨
π’ How many liners does the port receive
Before the pandemic, Sakaiminato welcomed more than 30 international cruise ships a year, mostly on routes connecting South Korean ports (chiefly Busan) with the Sea of Japan. Since international cruise traffic resumed, numbers have been gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels: in 2023 the port recorded around 25 ship calls, and the figure continues to grow. On one occasion — October 19, 2023 — the port even received two large international liners simultaneously, a notable event for the town.
π’ Which cruise lines call at Sakaiminato
The port regularly welcomes ships from Asian and international cruise brands, including Costa Cruises (Costa Serena has called here multiple times), as well as the Japanese coastal cruise ships Asuka II, Nippon Maru, and Pacific Venus, which operate domestic routes along the Japanese coastline. The port also serves the regular Eastern Dream cargo-passenger ferry operated by DBS Cruise Ferry, connecting Sakaiminato with Donghae in South Korea and Vladivostok in Russia. π
π‘ Interesting facts about Sakaiminato and its port
Getting to know the town is even better with a few lesser-known details:
π¦ Sakaiminato is the main fishing port for all of Western Japan. It lands the country's largest catch of snow crab, as well as a significant share of Sea of Japan bluefin tuna.
π» The town is the birthplace of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of the iconic yokai manga. Mizuki Shigeru Road features more than 170 bronze statues of folklore characters and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
π’ Until 2006, Sakaiminato was the official sister city of North Korea's Wonsan — the only such case among Japanese municipalities.
πΆ The town preserves the tradition of taraibune — round tub boats once used to gather seaweed and shellfish along the coast.
π» The observation deck at Sakai Minato Terminal offers views of Mount Daisen, standing 1,729 m (5,673 ft) tall — the highest peak in the Chugoku region, often compared to Mount Fuji for its silhouette.
π¦ The port is officially recognized as Japan's top crab-landing port — the local matsuba-gani delicacy is considered one of the country's most prized varieties of snow crab.
βοΈ The nearby Yonago-Kitaro Airport shares a runway with the Japan Self-Defense Forces' Miho Air Base, so civilian and military flights occasionally share the same strip.
π The port lies just 221 nautical miles from Busan, South Korea — which is why most international cruises to Sakaiminato begin or end there.
π Top sights in Sakaiminato and the San'in region — must-sees for cruise travelers
A cruise ship's call at Sakaiminato usually lasts between 8 and 10 hours, and most passengers opt for shore excursions across the region, so it's worth planning your route in advance. A detailed list with photos, addresses, and opening hours can be found in the “Landmarks and Places of Interest” section — below is a brief overview of the iconic spots that define this corner of Japan.
π» Mizuki Shigeru Road — a pedestrian street a few minutes from the terminal, lined with hundreds of bronze yokai statues and dedicated to the work of the town's famous manga artist.
π Sakana Center Fish Market — the town's main seafood market, where you can sample fresh crab, tuna, and squid straight from the stalls.
π― Matsue Castle — one of the few Japanese castles to retain its original wooden structure dating from 1611; located about an hour's drive from the port in the capital of Shimane Prefecture.
β©οΈ Izumo Taisha Shrine — one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to the god of marriage and destiny.
π¨ Adachi Museum of Art — a world-renowned museum with picturesque Japanese gardens that Sukiya Living magazine names the best in the country every year.
π» Mount Daisen — the highest peak in the Chugoku region, a sacred mountain home to the Buddhist temple Daisen-ji, roughly halfway up.
π Miho Bay and Lake Nakaumi — scenic natural landscapes right by the terminal, perfect for a short waterfront stroll.
β¨ Why choose a cruise calling at Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato is a rare chance to see Japan away from the tourist trails of Tokyo or Osaka.
First, there's authenticity: the town runs on fishing and doesn't try to put on a show for visitors, so the experience feels genuinely real. π¦
Second, there's convenient access to the treasures of the San'in region — Matsue Castle, Izumo Taisha Shrine, and the Adachi Museum — sights that rarely make it onto mass-tourism itineraries despite being among Japan's finest cultural attractions. β©οΈ
Third, the atmosphere of the port itself is an experience in its own right: the local community welcomes every ship with genuine warmth, and a stroll down Mizuki Shigeru Road among the yokai statues will be one of the most memorable moments of the whole cruise. π»
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the best Sea of Japan cruise route, recommend the finest shore excursions across the San'in region, and take care of every detail of your trip — while also offering exclusive rates from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. π€
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For the latest details, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato is a small port town on the western coast of Tottori Prefecture, and that's exactly why its logistics differ so much from giant European hubs like Barcelona. The “Sakai Yume Minato” cruise terminal sits in the Takenouchi industrial zone, a few kilometers from the town's historic center, and has no direct rail connection — the nearest station is 3.1–3.7 miles (5–6 km) away. That's not a drawback but simply a feature of a small Japanese port: the infrastructure here is built around organized transfers rather than independent walks from the station. Below is a verified, step-by-step guide with every transfer option, up-to-date prices, and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. π―
π Exactly Where the Sakaiminato Cruise Port Is
Cruise ships call at the town's single modern terminal — “Sakai Yume Minato” (ε’ε€’γΏγͺγ¨γΏγΌγγγ«, Sakai Minato Yume Terminal), opened in 2020. It's a full international passenger terminal with customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities (CIQ), designed to receive ships up to 984 feet (300 meters) long and up to 160,000 gross tons — that is, up to 5,000 passengers on board at once.
π GPS address: 252-2 Takenouchi-danchi, Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, 684-0046 (ι³₯εηε’ζΈ―εΈη«Ήε
ε£ε°252-2)
ποΈ Distance to downtown Sakaiminato (Mizuki Shigeru Road): about 3.7 miles (6 km), a 14-minute drive
βοΈ Distance to Yonago-Kitaro Airport: about 2.5 miles (4 km), an 8-minute drive
π
ΏοΈ Parking: around 290 free spaces (shared with the “Yume Minato Tower”), plus separate lots for buses and taxis
π Highlight: the terminal's panoramic deck overlooks Miho Bay and the sacred Mount Daisen (nicknamed “Hoki-Fuji”) — a favorite photo spot for cruise passengers
β Important: Sakaiminato has no subway, tram, or any other rail transport that reaches the terminal directly. The nearest railway station, Takamatsu-cho, is a 26–30-minute walk away, so the only realistic ways to reach the port are taxi, a pre-booked transfer, a rental car, or an organized shuttle arranged for the day of the port call.
βοΈ From Yonago-Kitaro Airport (YGJ) to the Cruise Terminal
Yonago-Kitaro Airport (η±³ει¬Όε€ͺιη©ΊζΈ―, Yonago Kitaro Airport, code YGJ) is the closest airport to Sakaiminato, just 2.5 miles (4 km) from the terminal. It's mainly a domestic airport with regular flights to Tokyo (Haneda), and international passengers typically connect through Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka. Because the airport is small, there's no bus line to the port and no major international transfer companies — the primary way to get around is by taxi.
π Taxi — the simplest and fastest option
The taxi stand is right outside the arrivals hall. During cruise call season or at peak hours, the airport recommends booking a taxi in advance, as cars may be limited.
• Travel time: 8–12 minutes
• Approximate fare: around 1,500–2,000 JPY (standard Japanese metered fare: base fee plus distance charge)
• Payment: cash (Japanese yen) or card — confirm with the individual driver, as cash is always accepted
• Language: few drivers speak English, so it's helpful to have the terminal's name in Japanese — “ε’ε€’γΏγͺγ¨γΏγΌγγγ«” — written down or shown on your phone
π‘ Tip from Four Gates: show the driver the address or terminal name in Japanese — it will speed up boarding considerably and avoid misunderstandings.
π Private transfer — best for groups and heavy luggage
Since there are no regular buses between the airport and the port, families, groups, or passengers with a lot of luggage are best served by booking a private transfer in advance.
• Price: from 4,000 JPY for a sedan (1–3 people), from 7,000 JPY for a minivan (4–8 people)
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes
• Benefits: fixed price, driver with a name sign, no waiting in the taxi queue
π€ Four Gates Group arranges “airport–terminal” transfers for its clients — just provide your flight number when booking your cruise.
π Car rental
Several rental companies operate right at Yonago-Kitaro Airport (including Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, and Times Car). This is a convenient option if you're planning an independent trip to the sights of the San-in region before or after your cruise, though driving in Japan requires an International Driving Permit (IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention).
π Train — a budget-friendly but slower option
From “Yonago Airport Station” (η±³εη©ΊζΈ―ι§
, also nicknamed “Betobeto-san Station” after the “GeGeGe no Kitaro” manga theme), the local JR Sakai Line (ε’η·) runs to Sakaiminato Station.
• Fare: 190 JPY (from the airport station to Sakaiminato Station)
• Travel time: about 15–20 minutes to Sakaiminato Station, then another 3.7 miles (6 km) by taxi to the terminal
• Frequency: trains run infrequently, roughly once an hour — check the timetable in advance
β οΈ Important: this option requires a taxi transfer at Sakaiminato Station, so it's slower and less convenient than a direct taxi from the airport.
π From Yonago and Sakaiminato Railway Stations to the Cruise Terminal
If you're arriving in the San-in region by train — for example, on the Yakumo limited express from Okayama or Osaka, or on the San-in Main Line from Matsue and Izumo — your starting point is the region's main hub, Yonago Station (JR Yonago Station).
π Yonago Station → Sakaiminato Station (the “Kitaro Train”)
The local JR Sakai Line is famous throughout Japan for its trains painted in the style of the “GeGeGe no Kitaro” manga — the “Kitaro Train,” the “Nezumi-Otoko Train,” the “Nekomusume Train,” and others, running in rotation. All 16 stations on the line are named after characters from the manga.
• Departure: Platform 0 at Yonago Station
• Travel time: about 40–50 minutes (an 11.1-mile / 17.9-km, non-electrified line with frequent stops)
• Fare: 240 JPY (Yonago to the airport station) plus 190 JPY (airport to Sakaiminato), or a single through-ticket from Yonago to Sakaiminato
• Final stop: Sakaiminato (ε’ζΈ―ι§
, “Kitaro Station”) — the starting point of Mizuki Shigeru Road
π Sakaiminato Station → the cruise terminal
The terminal is about 3.7 miles (6 km) from the station, with no direct public transport, so a taxi is required.
• Travel time: 14–15 minutes
• Approximate fare: around 2,000–2,500 JPY
• Taxi stand: right outside the exit of Sakaiminato Station
β Tip: on days when a cruise ship is in port, the local government and tourism association sometimes run a free or paid shuttle between Sakaiminato Station (or Mizuki Shigeru Road) and the terminal — the availability and price of this shuttle vary by sailing and are confirmed on the terminal's website or through the cruise line the day before the call.
ποΈ From Downtown Sakaiminato and Mizuki Shigeru Road to the Cruise Terminal
If you spent the morning or the previous day in downtown Sakaiminato — on the famous Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with bronze statues of yokai (spirits from Japanese folklore) — you can get back to the terminal in a few ways:
π Taxi — the simplest option, with stands near Sakaiminato Station and the “Minato Sakai Koryukan” tourist information center.
• Travel time: 14–15 minutes
• Fare: around 2,000–2,500 JPY
π Shuttle bus on port-call days
On days when a cruise ship is docked, the local tourism association and port authority often arrange a dedicated bus between the terminal and downtown (Sakaiminato Station / the start of Mizuki Shigeru Road), and sometimes an additional paid service to the larger city of Yonago. The schedule and cost (free or a fixed fare) depend on the specific ship and are confirmed on the terminal's official website, sakai-tottori.jp, ahead of the port call.
π΄ Bicycle
A scenic 9.8-mile (15.8-km) cycling path called “Yumigahama” begins right at the terminal and runs along the coast of Miho Bay — ideal for travelers who want an active way into town. Bicycles can be rented at the terminal and at the tourist information center.
πΆ On foot is theoretically possible (about 3.7 miles / 6 km, 1.5–2 hours), but given the industrial surroundings along the route and the limited length of a port call, this option isn't recommended.
π By Rental Car — Parking at the Terminal
If you're traveling by rental car (for example, after a stop on Honshu or Kyushu), parking is available right at the terminal:
π
ΏοΈ “Sakai Yume Minato” terminal parking lot
• Capacity: around 290 spaces (shared with the “Yume Minato Tower”), plus separate lots for buses and taxis, with additional temporary spaces added on days when large ships call
• Cost: free
• Features: a dedicated “Heartful” zone for passengers with limited mobility, with security on duty during cruise calls
π Car rental at the terminal
A rental car counter (including Orix Rent a Car) operates inside the terminal building — convenient if you're planning an independent trip to Matsue, Izumo, or Mount Daisen before your ship departs.
π£οΈ GPS route: the most convenient way is to take the Yonago Expressway (η±³εθͺεθ»ι) to the Yonago IC interchange, then follow National Route 431 directly to the Takenouchi industrial zone, where the terminal is located.
βΏ Accessibility for Passengers with Limited Mobility
The “Sakai Yume Minato” terminal is a modern facility built in 2020 and fully adapted for passengers with limited mobility:
β
Elevators, ramps, and barrier-free routes throughout the terminal
β
A dedicated “Heartful” parking zone near the entrance for passengers with disabilities
β
A spacious waiting hall with no stairs between levels
β
Terminal staff assist with boarding and disembarkation — notify your cruise line of your needs in advance
β
Specialized taxis can be booked through local dispatch services, for example +81 859 42 3115 (Nihon Kotsu, Sakaiminato branch)
β° When to Return to the Ship
Sakaiminato is a port of call, not a home port — the ship only stops here for a few hours during its itinerary, so there's no check-in or boarding “from scratch” here, only a return to the vessel you're already sailing on.
π Standard “all aboard” deadline: typically 60–90 minutes before the ship's stated departure time — the exact time is always printed on your Ship Card and in the daily cruise program
π Build in extra time: since Sakaiminato is a small port with a limited number of taxis, queues can form at the taxi stand or shuttle stop during peak return times, when most passengers head back after their excursions. Plan to be back at the terminal at least 30–40 minutes before the official boarding deadline
π If you're on a self-guided excursion far from the port (say, to Matsue or Izumo), always build in extra time for the return trip to allow for transport delays; the ship won't wait for late passengers, and catching up at the next port is at your own expense
β Important: every Four Gates Group voucher includes the exact boarding-return time for your specific cruise — rely on that rather than general information found online.
π‘ Tips from the Four Gates Group Experts
Over years of working with Japanese ports, our cruise specialists have gathered tips that will save you unnecessary stress in Sakaiminato:
π± Save the terminal's name in Japanese. “ε’ε€’γΏγͺγ¨γΏγΌγγγ«” — show this to your taxi driver or enter it in your navigation app, since English signage and English-speaking staff are far less common here than in Europe's large cruise ports.
π΄ Carry cash in yen. Cards aren't accepted everywhere in Sakaiminato, especially at small cafes and by some taxis. Withdraw cash in advance from a 7-Eleven or Japan Post Bank ATM — these accept foreign cards most reliably.
π Book your taxi in advance on busy days. When a large ship is in port, the number of available taxis in town is limited, and there's a risk of a long wait for a ride back. The best approach is to arrange a pickup time with your driver in advance, or use an organized transfer through Four Gates Group.
π Plan your route around San-in region distances. Matsue (about a 1-hour drive) and Izumo Taisha (about 1.5 hours) are popular excursion destinations, but given the short length of the port call, you'll want to calculate your round-trip travel time carefully so you don't miss the boarding deadline.
π€οΈ Watch the weather forecast and typhoon activity. The Sea of Japan coastline is often affected by typhoons in autumn, which can change the ship's route or the length of the Sakaiminato call at the last minute — keep an eye on onboard announcements.
π¦ Try local seafood right by the port. A few minutes' walk from the terminal is the “Sakaiminato Sakana Center” seafood market — a great chance to sample fresh crab and squid without spending much time on transport.
π² Consider a bike ride instead of a taxi. If the weather cooperates and you have enough time, a rental bicycle and the “Yumigahama” coastal path make a pleasant, low-cost alternative to motorized transport.
π Sakaiminato Cruise Terminal Contacts
“Sakai Yume Minato” Terminal (general information):+81 859 46 0688
Sakai Port Authority:+81 859 42 3705
Nihon Kotsu, Sakaiminato branch (taxi):+81 859 42 3115
Wakatori Kotsu (taxi):+81 859 44 0345
Orix Rent a Car (terminal counter):+81 859 45 3707
Japan Emergency Services (police): 110
Japan Emergency Services (ambulance/fire): 119
Four Gates Group Cruise Specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Getting around Sakaiminato is quite different from Europe's major cruise hubs — there's no subway or dense bus network reaching the port, but there is a reliable taxi and transfer system, and the short distances make up for the lack of public transport. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients with every step — from booking an “airport–terminal” transfer to planning an independent excursion through the San-in region with a guaranteed return to the ship. Contact your cruise manager, and your day in Sakaiminato will go off without a hitch. π³οΈβ¨
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Places in Sakaiminato: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Sakaiminato — a small port town on the western edge of Tottori Prefecture that gave the world the creator of “GeGeGe no Kitaro” — artist Shigeru Mizuki — and that serves as a gateway to one of Japan's most distinctive regions, San'in. There are no skyscrapers or sprawling metropolises here — instead you'll find a street lined with bronze spirits and demons, a fishing port with a daily catch of matsuba crab, and, 40–70 minutes away by car, the historic Matsue Castle and the legendary Izumo Taisha Shinto shrine. For a cruise passenger with 8–10 hours in port, the key is to split time wisely between a stroll near the port and a longer excursion into the region. Below is a verified guide to the key landmarks, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the Sakai Yume Minato Terminal to every site. π―
πΊ 1. Mizuki Shigeru Road
π‘ Fun facts and background:
Mizuki Shigeru Road is Sakaiminato's main calling card and one of the most popular attractions in the San'in region, drawing more than 2 million visitors every year. It's a pedestrian street roughly 800 meters (2,625 ft) long, running from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum.
πΉ The street is lined with 178 bronze statues of characters from the “GeGeGe no Kitaro” manga — Kitaro, Nezumi Otoko, Medama Oyaji, and dozens of other yokai spirits from Japanese folklore. π»
πΉ The street lamps are shaped like fantastical creatures, and small bronze spirits “hide” here and there in the paving stones — spotting them is a favorite game among visitors.
πΉ Sakaiminato's railway station is officially “Kitaro Station,” the JR Sakai Line commuter train cars are also decorated with manga characters, and the train itself is unofficially known as the “Kitaro Train.” π
πΉ The street is home to more than 80 shops and cafés selling themed souvenirs, including a coffee shop shaped like a spirit house.
πΉ In the evening the statues are lit up, giving the street an eerie, magical atmosphere — a popular time for photos among visitors staying overnight.
π History:
Artist Shigeru Mizuki was born in Sakaiminato in 1922 and spent his childhood here, an experience that later inspired his universe of yokai spirits. In 1993, as the town faced economic decline due to the shrinking fishing industry, local authorities decided to turn a run-down shopping street near the station into a tourist attraction, installing the first 23 bronze character statues.
The idea was a runaway success: the street became one of the symbols of Japanese pop culture, and Sakaiminato a pilgrimage site for manga fans from around the world. In 2018, to mark the street's 25th anniversary, a major renovation added new statues and refreshed the paving and lighting. The number of bronze characters has since grown to 178.
π’ How to get there from the Sakai Yume Minato cruise terminal:
• Shuttle bus arranged for the ship's call: in most cases the cruise line or the port arranges a free or paid shuttle straight to Mizuki Shigeru Road — 15–20 minutes
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, roughly 2,500–3,500 JPY
• Public transport: there is no direct bus route from the terminal, so a taxi or an organized transfer is essentially the only convenient option
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Walking the street: free, open around the clock
• Shops and cafés: mostly open 9:00 a.m.–5:30/6:00 p.m.
β οΈ Tip: comfortable shoes are a must — the street and its side alleys are best explored on foot, without rushing.
ποΈ 2. Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum
π‘ Fun facts and background:
The museum sits at the end of the street of the same name and is devoted to the life and work of Shigeru Mizuki — one of the most influential manga artists in 20th-century Japan.
πΉ The exhibits include original drawings, a recreation of the artist's studio, and a “yokai cave” — a dim tunnel populated by around 50 spirit figures lit in near-darkness. π―οΈ
πΉ A separate section covers Mizuki's wartime experience: he lost his left arm on the front lines in Papua New Guinea during World War II, and the theme left a deep mark on his later work.
πΉ The museum regularly rotates themed exhibitions of original artwork, changing about twice a year.
πΉ A memorial plaque, “Words of Shigeru Mizuki,” features the artist's reflections on life, many of which have become widely quoted sayings in Japan.
π History:
The first museum on this site opened in 1993, alongside the creation of Mizuki Shigeru Road. The building was expanded and modernized in 2003. The most recent major renovation took place in 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of the artist's birth, adding new multimedia installations and more room for temporary exhibitions.
π’ How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Shuttle to Mizuki Shigeru Road + walking: 15–20 minutes by transfer, then 8–10 minutes on foot along the street to the far end
• Taxi directly to the museum: 15–20 minutes, roughly 2,500–3,500 JPY
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Adults: 1,000 JPY
• Preschool children: free
• Hours (2026): daily 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.), no closing days
β οΈ Tip: allow 1–2 hours for your visit, especially if you're interested in Japan's World War II history.
π 3. Sakaiminato Seafood Markets
π‘ Fun facts and background:
Sakaiminato is one of Japan's largest fishing ports by catch volume, best known for matsuba crab (snow crab) and mackerel. Right by the station and Mizuki Shigeru Road, two separate market complexes operate side by side.
πΉ Sakaiminato Suisanbutsu Chokubai Center (ε’ζΈ―ζ°΄η£η©η΄ε£²γ»γ³γΏγΌ) — 12 seafood stalls and 2 eateries where you can have freshly bought fish or crab cooked and served on the spot. π¦
πΉ Tairyo Ichiba Nakaura — a larger market complex a few kilometers from the center, popular with tour buses, offering a wider choice of souvenirs and frozen delicacies to take home.
πΉ Sakaiminato officially holds Japan's top spot for snow crab landings — crab season runs from November to March, though frozen delicacies are sold year-round.
π History:
Sakaiminato developed as a fishing harbor as far back as the Edo period, thanks to its favorable position between the Sea of Japan and Lake Nakaumi. In the 20th century, with the rise of trawl fishing, the port grew into one of Japan's major fishing hubs, and the markets beside it became a natural extension of the port trade.
π’ How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Sakaiminato Suisanbutsu Chokubai Center: taxi 15–20 minutes, roughly 2,500–3,000 JPY (next to Mizuki Shigeru Road)
• Tairyo Ichiba Nakaura: taxi 10–15 minutes from the terminal, roughly 1,500–2,000 JPY
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Admission: free
• Tairyo Ichiba Nakaura: daily 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Sakaiminato Suisanbutsu Chokubai Center: daily, roughly 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (individual stalls may vary)
β οΈ Tip: if you're planning to take seafood home, ask vendors about vacuum packing for the flight — most shops offer this service.
πΌ 4. Yumeminato Tower
π‘ Fun facts and background:
This 43-meter (141 ft) glass tower stands just a few minutes' walk from the cruise terminal — the closest landmark to the pier.
πΉ The 5th-floor observation deck offers a panorama of Mount Daisen (Tottori Prefecture's highest peak, nicknamed “Tottori's Fuji”), the Yumigahama Peninsula, and the famous Eshima Ohashi Bridge. ποΈ
πΉ The ground floor has a small shopping arcade and an exhibit of traditional costumes from various countries that visitors can try on.
πΉ It's the shortest tower among the members of the All Japan Tower Association, but the low-rise surroundings give it an unusually wide, unobstructed view.
π History:
The tower was built in Yumeminato Park in the early 2000s as a symbol of friendship between Tottori Prefecture and its Northeast Asian trading partners, with which Sakaiminato maintains trade and ferry links. With the opening of the new Sakai Yume Minato cruise terminal in 2020, the tower naturally became the “first stop” for passengers arriving in port.
π’ How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• On foot: 5–10 minutes — the tower stands in the same park as the terminal
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Observation deck: roughly 300–400 JPY for adults (confirm on-site; seasonal promotions possible)
• Hours: daily, roughly 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., usually closed on Tuesdays
π‘ Tip: a great spot to get your bearings right after disembarking and plan out your day.
π 5. Eshima Ohashi Bridge — the “Beta-fumi-zaka”
π‘ Fun facts and background:
One of the region's most striking feats of engineering — a concrete girder bridge linking Daikonshima Island (Shimane Prefecture) with the mainland at Sakaiko.
πΉ The bridge stretches 1,446 meters (4,744 ft, about 0.9 mi), with its highest point reaching roughly 45 meters (148 ft) — a clearance needed to let ships of up to 5,000 tons pass underneath. π’
πΉ The bridge shot to nationwide fame after a car commercial in which a camera's telephoto lens made its slope look like a heart-stopping “ramp into the sky” — hence the nickname “Beta-fumi-zaka” (roughly, “pedal-to-the-metal slope”). πΈ
πΉ In reality, the actual grade is far gentler than it appears in photos and videos — the illusion is created by the telephoto lens.
π History:
Construction finished in 2004, providing a convenient link between Matsue (Shimane Prefecture) and Sakaiminato (Tottori Prefecture) across Lake Nakaumi, replacing a long overland detour.
π’ How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi to the best viewpoint on the bridge: 10–15 minutes, roughly 2,000–2,500 JPY
• The bridge photographs best from a distance, from the shoreline — your driver or guide can point you to a good spot
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Viewing and crossing the bridge: free, open around the clock
π― 6. Matsue Castle
π‘ Fun facts and background:
Matsue Castle is one of only 12 castles in Japan to retain an authentic wooden keep from its original construction, and one of the few designated a National Treasure.
πΉ The castle carries the poetic nickname “Chidori-jo” — the “Plover Castle” — after the bird-wing-shaped gables that decorated the tower in its original design.
πΉ The keep has five exterior stories and six interior floors, and the top level offers a panorama of Lake Shinji and the city of Matsue.
πΉ For over a century the castle held only the status of a cultural property, until in 2015, after the discovery of historical documents confirming the exact construction year (1611), it was elevated to National Treasure of Japan status.
πΉ The moats surrounding the castle survive intact, and visitors can take a boat ride along them — the Horikawa canal tour.
π History:
The castle was built in 1611 by daimyo Yoshiharu Horio after five years of construction on Kameda Hill, to defend a strategically important stretch of the Sea of Japan coast. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when a great many Japanese castles were demolished, the citizens of Matsue bought back the keep and saved it from destruction — one of the few castles in the country to survive thanks to direct local initiative.
π’ How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi or private transfer: 40–45 minutes, roughly 8,000–10,000 JPY one way
• Public transport: there is no direct service from the terminal; an organized excursion or a private car is the best option
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Keep admission (adults, from July 1, 2026): 1,200 JPY
• School-age children: free
• Castle park grounds: free, open around the clock
• Hours (2026): April–September 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.), October–March 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
β οΈ Important: admission prices were raised in 2026 to help fund a major, multi-year restoration of the roof and wooden structure.
π¨ 7. Adachi Museum of Art
π‘ Fun facts and background:
Located in neighboring Shimane Prefecture, this museum has been named the world's best Japanese garden for more than two decades running by the American Journal of Japanese Gardening.
πΉ The collection includes around 120 works by painter Taikan Yokoyama — the most complete assembly of his work anywhere in the world.
πΉ The gardens are designed to be viewed like living paintings through the museum's large picture windows — a signature technique the museum calls “painting with nature.”
πΉ The gardens cover more than 5 hectares (about 12 acres), tended daily by gardeners so the scenery stays flawless year-round.
πΉ The museum's official website, with current prices and exhibition schedules: adachi-museum.or.jp.
π History:
The museum was founded in November 1970 by local entrepreneur Zenko Adachi, who spent his life amassing a collection of Japanese fine art and decided to pair it with landscape design, creating gardens purpose-built for the collection.
π’ How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi or private transfer: 55–65 minutes, roughly 12,000–15,000 JPY one way
• The museum is often paired with Matsue Castle as part of a single organized excursion, since the two sites lie along the same route
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Adults: 2,500 JPY
• University students: 2,000 JPY
• High school students: 1,000 JPY
• Elementary/middle school students: 500 JPY
• Hours (2026): April–September 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., October–March 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., no closing days
β οΈ Tip: allow at least 1.5–2 hours for your visit; given the distance from port, this stop is really best suited to a premium itinerary.
π 8. Other Notable Landmarks
• β©οΈ Izumo Taisha — one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi, the deity of love and prosperity. It's 70–80 minutes from the port by car, and entry to the grounds is free. Given the distance, it's best suited to a long premium excursion or a call with an unusually extended stay in port.
• πΈ Yuushien Garden — a Japanese garden on Daikonshima Island, known for its peony and ginseng collections and views over Lake Nakaumi. Roughly 25–30 minutes from the port by car; admission is charged.
• β°οΈ Mount Daisen — Tottori Prefecture's highest peak at 1,729 m (5,673 ft), often called “Tottori's Fuji” for its similar silhouette. Best viewed from Yumeminato Tower's observation deck; a separate trip (about 40 minutes) is needed to visit its base properly.
• π Kitaro Train (Kitaro Densha) — a JR Sakai Line commuter train decorated with Mizuki Shigeru manga characters, running between Yonago and Sakaiminato stations — a fun way to take a short scenic rail ride.
• ποΈ Yumigahama Beach and cycling path — a nearly 16-km (10-mile) coastal walking and cycling path that begins right at Yumeminato Park, next to the cruise terminal.
πΊοΈ Three Self-Guided Itineraries for a 9-Hour Day in Sakaiminato
A cruise call in Sakaiminato typically lasts 8–10 hours. With careful planning, it's realistic to combine a stroll near the port with a single longer excursion. Below are three options depending on budget and interests.
π₯ Itinerary #1. Near the Port — Under 5,000 JPY per Person
β±οΈ Total time: 9 hours | π° Estimated budget: 4,000–5,000 JPY + meals
π 9:00 a.m. — Depart the Sakai Yume Minato cruise terminal
Walk 5–10 minutes to Yumeminato Tower.
π 9:15–10:00 a.m. — Yumeminato Tower
Take in the panorama of Mount Daisen and Eshima Ohashi Bridge, and browse the traditional costume exhibit (300–400 JPY).
π 10:15–10:35 a.m. — Transfer to Mizuki Shigeru Road
Shuttle bus or taxi (roughly 2,500–3,000 JPY).
π 10:35 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Mizuki Shigeru Road and Memorial Museum
Stroll the street among the bronze yokai statues, visit the museum (1,000 JPY), and photograph your favorite characters.
π 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Lunch at a café on Mizuki Shigeru Road
Local seafood dishes — 1,500–2,500 JPY.
π 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Sakaiminato Suisanbutsu Chokubai Center market
Browse the stalls, sample and buy souvenir seafood; admission is free.
π 2:30–3:00 p.m. — Return to port
Taxi or shuttle back to the terminal (roughly 2,500–3,000 JPY).
π 3:00–5:00 p.m. — Free time, return to the ship
π° Cost breakdown:
• Tower observation deck: 300–400 JPY
• Round-trip transfer: about 5,500–6,000 JPY
• Mizuki Shigeru Museum: 1,000 JPY
• Lunch: 1,500–2,500 JPY
πΈ TOTAL: about 8,500–10,000 JPY per person
π₯ Itinerary #2. The Balanced Option — 12,000–16,000 JPY per Person
β±οΈ Total time: 9 hours | π° Estimated budget: 14,000 JPY + meals
π 8:30 a.m. — Leave the port, taxi to Matsue Castle
40–45 minutes on the road, roughly 9,000 JPY.
π 9:15–11:00 a.m. — Matsue Castle
Climb the keep (1,200 JPY), stroll the castle park grounds, and optionally take a boat ride along the Horikawa canal.
π 11:00–11:20 a.m. — Drive to Eshima Ohashi Bridge
15–20 minutes by taxi on the way back toward Sakaiminato.
π¦ 11:20–11:45 a.m. — Photo stop at Eshima Ohashi Bridge
The famous “Beta-fumi-zaka” — a few shots from the best angle.
π 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch at Tairyo Ichiba Nakaura market
Fresh crab and seafood, 2,500–4,000 JPY.
π 1:15–3:00 p.m. — Mizuki Shigeru Road and museum
Stroll, visit the museum (1,000 JPY), pick up souvenirs.
π 3:00–3:30 p.m. — Taxi back to port
Roughly 2,500–3,000 JPY.
π° Cost breakdown:
• Taxi to Matsue Castle: 9,000 JPY
• Castle admission: 1,200 JPY
• Taxi back toward Sakaiminato: 2,500–3,000 JPY (as part of the same route with the bridge photo stop)
• Lunch: 2,500–4,000 JPY
• Mizuki Shigeru Museum: 1,000 JPY
• Taxi to port: 2,500–3,000 JPY
πΈ TOTAL: about 18,700–21,200 JPY per person
π‘ Traveling in a group of 3–4 splits the taxi cost among passengers and significantly lowers the per-person price.
π₯ Itinerary #3. Premium — Private Excursion from 55,000 JPY per Person
β±οΈ Total time: 9 hours | π° Estimated budget: 55,000–70,000 JPY + tickets
π What's included:
• β
A private driver holding a name sign, meeting you right at the gangway
• β
A comfortable car or minivan for the whole day
• β
A professional English- or Ukrainian-speaking licensed guide
• β
Skip-the-line tickets to every landmark
• β
Table reservation at a seafood restaurant
• β
A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the fly
You can book through your cruise manager, or reach out to us directly using any convenient method:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
π 8:30 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal
π 9:15–11:15 a.m. — Adachi Museum of Art with your guide
A private tour of the gardens and galleries, with insights into the Taikan Yokoyama collection.
π 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Matsue Castle
Climb the keep with your guide, take a boat ride along the Horikawa canal, and photograph the “Plover Castle.”
π 1:15–2:30 p.m. — Lunch at a seafood restaurant
Sample matsuba snow crab and local delicacies — from 6,000 JPY per person. Reservations are handled by your guide.
π 2:45–3:15 p.m. — Photo stop at Eshima Ohashi Bridge
On the way back to Sakaiminato.
π 3:30–4:45 p.m. — Mizuki Shigeru Road and museum with your guide
A private walkthrough of the yokai world and the artist's career, with free time for souvenirs.
π 5:00 p.m. — Return to the port in comfort
π° Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from 20,000 JPY
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from 18,000 JPY
• Skip-the-line tickets (Adachi + Matsue Castle + Mizuki Shigeru Museum): about 4,700 JPY
• Lunch at a seafood restaurant: from 6,000 JPY
πΈ TOTAL: from 55,000 JPY per person (for 2+ people — priced as a group rate, not per person)
π€ Four Gates Group arranges private excursions in Sakaiminato and the San'in region with licensed guides, gangway pickup, and a guaranteed return to the ship. Contact your cruise specialist, and your day in Sakaiminato will be planned exactly to your taste. π³οΈβ¨
β οΈ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
π The “all aboard” rule: be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
πͺͺ Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card — occasional spot checks of documents are possible in Japan.
π΄ Cash: carry 8,000–10,000 JPY in cash — far from every small shop or taxi outside the main tourist areas accepts cards.
π Footwear: comfortable shoes are essential for walking Mizuki Shigeru Road and touring the Matsue Castle grounds, which include stairs.
π± Internet: free Wi-Fi is available at the terminal and along Mizuki Shigeru Road; for navigation elsewhere, download offline maps in advance.
π Safety: Sakaiminato and the San'in region are among the calmest, safest corners of Japan, with minimal crime.
π£οΈ Language: English is spoken far less here than in Japan's big cities, so it's worth having a translation app on your phone or printed place names in kanji.
π« Planning longer excursions: Izumo Taisha and other distant sites should only be included if you have an unusually long port call or an organized group tour with a guaranteed return to the ship.
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information, please check with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant sites.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals