9.1 hours ashore on average
Ships typically dock in Sakaiminato-Matsue for around 9.1 hours. That's enough time for a full island tour, a beach day, or a combination of shorter experiences.

Tours & Experiences in Sakaiminato-Matsue

27 experiences available — book through our trusted partners

Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue
Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue
★★★★★ 5.0 (17 reviews) ⏱️ 3.0h
Matsue is a castle town that is great for wearing kimonos, and wearing a kimono as you tour the area is one of the best ways to experience the traditional atmosphere of Matsue. Please take a lot of memorable pictures in kimonos.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Urban Goen Travel Multiple Plans to Enjoy Matsue
Urban Goen Travel Multiple Plans to Enjoy Matsue
★★★★★ 5.0 (2 reviews) ⏱️ 2.5h
"Urban Connection Travel" is located inside Matsue New Urban Hotel and plans and organizes events and tours where you can experience the charm of the Shimane and Izumo regions. The area, where the myths and legends of ancient Izumo still remain, offers experiences in a townscape that blends the historic castle town with nature. [Important Notes] ・The listed price is per person. ・Please refrain from participating if you are feeling unwell on the day of the tour. We may also ask you to refrain from joining at our discretion. Persons under 16 years of age are not allowed to operate micro-mobility, so please be aware. [What to Bring] Comfortable clothing Clothes that can get dirty Sunscreen
VIATOR
Art and Gardens of Sakaiminato by Private Car
Art and Gardens of Sakaiminato by Private Car
★★★★★ 5.0 (1 reviews) ⏱️ 8.0h
Enjoy the natural beauty and artistic charm of the Sakaiminato area on this relaxing private vehicle tour. Visit Yuushien Garden, a peaceful Japanese garden with elegant ponds, seasonal flowers, and traditional landscapes. Explore the world-renowned Adachi Museum of Art, celebrated for its award-winning Japanese gardens and exceptional collection of modern art. Continue to the expansive Tottori Prefectural Flower Park, where colorful seasonal blooms and panoramic views create an unforgettable experience. With private transportation, you can travel comfortably and enjoy each location at your own pace. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a scenic, cultural, and visually stunning journey through western Japan. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Matsue Castle Guided Tour - With a Local Guide and an Audioguide
Matsue Castle Guided Tour - With a Local Guide and an Audioguide
★★★★★ 5.0 (1 reviews) ⏱️ 1.5h
Explore Matsue castle with a local guide and discover its 400-year history, unique architecture, and hidden stories, including the little-known origins of the castle. Climb to the top floor and take in a 360-degree panoramic view: the shimmering expanse of Lake Shinji, the rooftops of the old castle town below, and on a clear day, the distant silhouette of Mount Daisen on the horizon. Look up. Four centuries of history are waiting. Schedule: 09:00 Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel 09:15 Matsue Castle - Otemon Gate 09:30 Matsue Castle Keep 10:30 Dispersal at the site or Matsue New Urban Hotel
Free cancellation VIATOR
Take a boat out to enjoy some activities at a campsite on an uninhabited island
Take a boat out to enjoy some activities at a campsite on an uninhabited island
★★★★★ 4.9 (7 reviews) ⏱️ 2.0h
The Yata Ferry area has 1300 years of history, and from here, you can take the only remaining ferry boat out to Kitsunemorijima, an uninhabited island that has a campground on it. Although it is relatively close to the central part of the city, you can enjoy relaxing here in a natural environment, sitting by a campfire, walking around the island, or any number of other activities available to do there. So why not hop on the ferry and enjoy an experience that's a little bit different from sightseeing in the city?
Free cancellation VIATOR
Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
★★★★★ 4.8 (6 reviews) ⏱️ 4.0h
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Eastern Shimane! Shimane Prefecture sits on the southwestern portion of Japan's main island of Honshu, and is the perfect spot to visit if you're looking for an off the beaten path travel experience. Often overlooked by visitors in favor of more well known destinations, the region has culture, nature and history by the bucketload – just without the massive crowds to battle! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Tour around Matsue Horikawa
Tour around Matsue Horikawa
★★★★★ 4.6 (26 reviews) ⏱️ 0.8h
[One-day boarding pass] Purchase date is free during business hours and you can get on and off at any of the three piers. You can see seasonal trees and flowers on the route. Wild birds and fish, insects and boatmen Not only guide, but also fun to see with the eyes. If you are lucky, rays etc. 海 You can see the sea creatures. コ ー ス It is a varied course where you can also feel the historic townscape of the castle town and the life of the citizens I have
Free cancellation VIATOR
Matsue & Izumo Taisha in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
Matsue & Izumo Taisha in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
★★★★★ 4.5 (11 reviews) ⏱️ 8.0h
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Eastern Shimane! Shimane Prefecture sits on the southwestern portion of Japan's main island of Honshu, and is the perfect spot to visit if you're looking for an off the beaten path travel experience. Often overlooked by visitors in favor of more well known destinations, the region has culture, nature and history by the bucketload – just without the massive crowds to battle! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Tea Ceremony and Matsue Castle With Local and Audio Guide
Tea Ceremony and Matsue Castle With Local and Audio Guide
⏱️ 2.5h
Schedule: 14:00 Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel 14:15 Matsue Castle — Otemon Gate 14:30 Matsue Castle Keep 15:30 Meimei-an Teahouse for tea ceremony & garden viewing 16:30 Dispersal at the site or Matsue New Urban Hotel Note: - To enter the site, we need to take off shoes. - Tours are available even from 2 persons (max. 6), offering a personal experience with a local guide. - English and French audio guides are available for Matsue Castle Guided tours. - Tours run in light rain; in case of severe weather, arrangements will be discussed. - Matsue Castle has steep stairs. Guests may wait at the base if preferred. Children aged 6 and above are welcome for the tour.. - All bookings are non-cancellable and non-refundable once confirmed.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Lafcadio Hearn Following Footsteps with Local and Audio Guide
Lafcadio Hearn Following Footsteps with Local and Audio Guide
⏱️ 3.0h
Step into his world, married into a samurai family and transformed Japan’s ghost stories into literature to the world. Explore his former residence and the places he cherished, from samurai districts to Gessho-ji Temple at your pace. Background: When Lafcadio Hearn arrived in Japan in 1890—during the country's rapid rush toward modernization—he set out to explore the vanishing spirit of Japan. In Matsue, he encountered the everyday lives of ordinary people upholding age-old customs, and with a deep sense of reverence for the unseen, he captured these experiences in his writings. Schedule: 13:20 Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel 13:30 Depart - tour begins 13:45 Matsue Castle — Otemon Gate area 13:55 Matsue Jozan Inari Shrine 14:45 Lafcadio Hearn Museum & Former Residence 15:46 Taking the Lake Line Bus 15:51 Gesshoji Temple 16:20 Dispersal at the site or Matsue New Urban Hotel
Free cancellation VIATOR
Sakaiminato Semi Private Tour for Cruise Passengers
Sakaiminato Semi Private Tour for Cruise Passengers
⏱️ 5.0h
The tour offers a 5-hour journey to discover Japanese history and beauty. After meeting a tour guide in Sakaiminato Ferry Terminal, we first head to Matsue Castle by car. It is one of only 12 surviving castle towers in Japan. From the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Matsue city and the Lake Shinji. Next, you visit the internationally acclaimed Adachi Museum of art. The beautiful garden, often called “the best garden in Japan,” will fascinate you. You'll return to Sakaiminato Ferry Terminal and finish up. This tour is a fulfilling experience where you can feel the charm of Japanese culture in a short time.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Private Shore Excursion: Sakaiminato Highlights
Private Shore Excursion: Sakaiminato Highlights
⏱️ 4.0h
This 4-hour private tour is ideal for cruise passengers who want to explore the cultural and local highlights of the Sakaiminato area in comfort. The tour includes Mizuki Shigeru Road and Miho Shrine, with an additional stop at Sakaiminato Sakana Center if time allows, before returning to the cruise terminal. This plan combines local folklore, a historic seaside shrine, and regional seafood shopping in a relaxed half-day trip. The optional stop at Sakaiminato Sakana Center may be adjusted depending on traffic, your ship schedule, and the pace of sightseeing. Please note that the driver speaks Japanese and may only know limited English. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX
Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX
⏱️ 4.3h
Book your Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport (KIX). Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport/port transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. Meeting with a Nameplate. We track your Flight. Door-to-door Service. No Hidden Charges. Clean cars & Professional drivers.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Sakaiminato Private Vehicle Service with Restaurant Reservation
Sakaiminato Private Vehicle Service with Restaurant Reservation
⏱️ 8.0h
Discover Sakaiminato (located in Tottori Prefecture) in comfort and style with a private chartered vehicle tour designed just for you. Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural landmarks, browsing vibrant local markets, or venturing off the beaten path, you can create a fully customized itinerary that suits your pace and interests. For added convenience, take advantage of your optional restaurant reservation service (securing a table at a locally recommended dining spot) tailored to your taste.
VIATOR
Private Transfer Yonago Airport
Private Transfer Yonago Airport
⏱️ 0.5h
Private airport transfer (one-way) and English support included (possible not to be arranged). We provide luxurious vehicles and experienced professional drivers for your comfortable transportation experience. We give thorough consideration to safety and privacy. Please contact us regarding special operations.
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Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and Shimane 2 Days Private Tour
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and Shimane 2 Days Private Tour
⏱️ 48.0h
- Explore Shimane with a private car with a comfortable air conditioned. - Places that are hard to reach by public transport are now easily accessible by private car. - You can also visit the sights that are not included in the day trip, Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art and Izumo Taisha Shrine. You can learn the history of Shimane deeper and immerse the culture and tradition with long history Izumo. - You can customize the itinerary based on this default schedule.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Private Night Walk in Matsue Legends and Ghost Stories
Private Night Walk in Matsue Legends and Ghost Stories
⏱️ 1.5h
Matsue is a peaceful waterfront castle town where lakes, rivers, and bridges create a gentle, dreamlike landscape. Once the sun sets, the streets grow calm, lanterns glow softly on the water, and the town’s long-told stories begin to feel alive. Guided by locals who were born and raised here, you’ll wander through atmospheric alleys, historical shrines, and old bridges—each connected to myths, legends, or ghost tales passed down for generations. For us, folklore has always been part of daily life, and we are excited to share these stories in the places where they were born. This experience is not a staged show or a haunted attraction. It is a slow, intimate walk through the real night scenery of a town untouched by overtourism, guided by people who deeply love their hometown. Join us for a quiet, story-filled walk—where landscape and folklore blend gently into the night.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Private Romantic Walking Tour In Matsue
Private Romantic Walking Tour In Matsue
⏱️ 2.0h
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. An exclusive private tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Enjoy a hugely romantic getaway in one of the most exciting cities in Japan. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. Why is Izumo Taisha Shrine known as a spot that grants luck and good fortune in love and relationships? What is the most famous historical couple in Japan? What is the famous beautiful love story of princess Inata Hime and Susanoo? This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!
Free cancellation VIATOR
The Best of Matsue Private Walking Tour
The Best of Matsue Private Walking Tour
⏱️ 2.0h
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Why does Matsue attract visitors around the world all year round? Known as the “City of Water”, Matsue is so rich in cultural assets and historical sites that most of Japan's ancient legends have their roots from Matsue. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. How was a man named Gensuke sacrificed during the construction of the Matsue Ohashi Bridge to appease the spirits of the river? Gensuke is now a legend of the Matsue Ohashi Bridge. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Matsue. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!
Free cancellation VIATOR
Wagashi Making Experience in Matsue
Wagashi Making Experience in Matsue
⏱️ 1.0h
Join a hands-on wagashi (Japanese sweets) making experience guided by a professional instructor. Learn the basics, craft beautiful seasonal sweets, and enjoy the process step by step. A fun and interactive 60-minute session that lets you create, learn, and taste traditional Japanese culture.
VIATOR
Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city
Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city
⏱️ 3.8h
Book your Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport/port transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. Meeting with a Nameplate. We track your Flight. Door-to-door Service. No Hidden Charges. Clean cars & Professional drivers.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Ninja Costume Rental
Ninja Costume Rental
⏱️ 3.0h
Horikawa Komachi is a kimono rental shop in Matsue. It has a welcoming, at-home atmosphere. With a wide selection of colors and designs, you can choose the kimono or ninja costume that suits you the best. The friendly staff are waiting for you! Matsue Castle, a national treasure, and a townscape of former samurai residences are located near our rental shop, Horikawa Komachi, so you can feel just like a ninja! Anyone can enjoy our ninja experience, children, adults, men, and women. You can also rent small articles like katana. *We can accommodate heights from 120cm to 170cm.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion
Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion
⏱️ 7.0h
This is a private day tour in Hiroshima for shore excursion travelers! There are a couple of options that one of would fit your needs! With local English speaking guide, we will visit the historical sites such as Izumo Oyashiro Shrine and Matsue Castle. We will visit places you can feel Japanese cultural traditions such as Adachi Museum of Art. Depends on the time limit, we can arrange sightseeing area with the guide and we have options to fit you as much as we can. Tour Options are mainly divided into "Izumo Plan" and "Matsue and Sakaiminato Plan". Also you can change the start and end time up to your cruise schedule. Feel free to let us know your request!
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The Discover Matsue’s Old Town Walking Tour
The Discover Matsue’s Old Town Walking Tour
⏱️ 4.0h
Explore the timeless charm of Matsue Castle Town on a scenic moat cruise. Glide along tranquil waterways to the National Treasure Matsue Castle, step inside its historic keep, then wander through atmospheric streets lined with samurai residences and cultural landmarks. This immersive 4-hour journey invites you to see, walk, and truly feel the living history of Matsue.
Free cancellation VIATOR
Indigo Dyeing and Matsue Castle With Local and Audio Guide
Indigo Dyeing and Matsue Castle With Local and Audio Guide
⏱️ 2.3h
After a guided tour of Matsue Castle — one of only twelve surviving original castle keeps in Japan — guests visit the studio of a certified traditional indigo dye artisan along the moat canal for a hands-on natural indigo dyeing experience (small cotton scarf or towel). Interact directly with the artisan and create your own unique piece. Schedule: 09:00 Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel 09:15 Matsue Castle — Otemon Gate 09:30 Matsue Castle Keep 10:30 Hands-on indigo dyeing experience 11:20 Dispersal at the site
Free cancellation VIATOR
Explore Matsue with the Discover Another Japan Pass
Explore Matsue with the Discover Another Japan Pass
⏱️ 4.0h
Matsue, a city rich in history and culture, awaits your exploration with the Discover Another Japan Pass (DAJP). This tour provides a 1-day pass that unlocks access to around 120 facilities in the San'in region. With a knowledgeable guide fluent in English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese by your side, you can navigate the city effortlessly and tailor your own itinerary. The pass allows for flexibility in your journey, ensuring you experience the best of Matsue and even includes guidance at locations not covered by the DAJP. - Access to approximately 120 facilities with DAJP - Explore at your own pace and create a personalized itinerary - English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese-speaking guide available - Flexible tour design with guidance for non-DAJP locations
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Izumo Traditional Cuisine Izumo Soba Making Experience
Izumo Traditional Cuisine Izumo Soba Making Experience
⏱️ 1.5h
Meeting Time: 10:50 Start Time: 11:00 Duration: 90 minutes Enjoy a hands-on soba noodle making experience. After a brief explanation, you will make soba noodles from scratch, then enjoy your freshly made noodles and relax with time to eat and chat. The experience ends at 12:30.
Free cancellation VIATOR

When to Visit Sakaiminato-Matsue

Cruise season patterns based on scheduled ship visits and passenger volumes

Spring Season
Mar – May
37,436 estimated passengers across 23 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Summer Season
Jun – Aug
25,254 estimated passengers across 11 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.
Autumn Season
Sep – Nov
48,737 estimated passengers across 19 ship visits. Quieter period — fewer crowds.

Cruise Lines Visiting Sakaiminato-Matsue

11 cruise lines. View full breakdown →

Princess Cruises Cruises (95) Azamara Cruises Cruises (23) Holland America Cruises (15) Ponant Cruises Cruises (8) Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises (7) Royal Caribbean Cruises (6) Oceania Cruises Cruises (4) Seabourn Cruises Cruises (3) Scenic Cruises Cruises (2) Silversea Cruises Cruises (1) TUI Cruises Cruises (1)

Ships Arriving Soon

Next scheduled visits to Sakaiminato-Matsue

Wed 23 Sep
Azamara Pursuit
Azamara Cruises Cruises
08:00 – 17:30
Sun 4 Oct
ms Westerdam
Holland America Cruises
08:00 – 17:00
Thu 15 Oct
Diamond Princess
Princess Cruises Cruises
07:00 – 17:00
Fri 16 Oct
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises
07:00 – 18:00
Tue 20 Oct
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises
07:00 – 17:00

View all scheduled visits →

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