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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Sakaiminato.
Nestled on the coast of Japan’s Sea of Japan, Sakaiminato is a hidden gem known for its stunning coastline, bright sunsets and rich cultural heritage.
With a plethora of activities to indulge in, from exploring its many museums and historical landmarks to discovering its bustling streets and local delicacies, Sakaiminato promises to leave its visitors spellbound and memorized.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Sakaiminato:
1. Yonago Waterbirds Sanctuary-
Yonago Waterbirds Sanctuary is a beautiful bird sanctuary located in Sakaiminato, Japan.
What to see or do: The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of waterbirds, including swans, ducks, and herons.
Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, take a leisurely stroll around the ponds, or rent a boat to get a closer look at the birds.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the observation tower, which offers amazing views of the sanctuary and the surrounding area. You may also catch a glimpse of Mount Daisen in the distance.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit is in the fall and winter months, when migratory birds make their way to the sanctuary.
Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven in some places. Also, be sure to bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
2. Adachi Museum of Art-
Adachi Museum of Art is a museum located in Sakaiminato, Japan, dedicated to modern Japanese art.
What to see or do: The museum is known for its collection of Japanese paintings and artwork, including contemporary paintings, sculptures, pottery, and ceramics.
Visitors can stroll through the beautiful Japanese gardens, considered some of the best in Japan, which feature stunning vistas, waterfalls, and seasonal flowers.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the museum’s signature garden called “The Garden of the Four Seasons.” It’s a breathtaking place that offers a fantastic view throughout the year.
The garden is meticulously maintained, and you can see several types of trees and plants on display.
Insider travel tips: – The museum provides a free shuttle bus that runs regularly from Sakaiminato station to the museum.
3. Mizuki Shigeru Road-
A street dedicated to the work of Mizuki Shigeru, a famous manga artist who created the character GeGeGe no Kitaro.
What to see or do: Take a stroll down the street and admire the many statues and artwork dedicated to Mizuki Shigeru’s creations. Visit the Mizuki Shigeru Museum and learn about his life and work as a manga artist.
Don’t miss: The numerous GeGeGe no Kitaro-themed shops and restaurants along the street, selling everything from souvenirs to themed food. Make sure to take a photo with the giant statue of Kitaro and his friends.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to try the local specialty food, “kaisen-don,” a bowl of fresh seafood on top of rice. It’s a must-try when visiting the seaside town of Sakaiminato.
Additionally, consider purchasing your tickets to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum at one of the souvenir shops – you may be able to receive a discount.
4. Sakaiminato Fisherman’s Wharf
Sakaiminato Fisherman’s Wharf is a seafood market and amusement park located in Sakaiminato, Japan.
What to see or do: At Sakaiminato Fisherman’s Wharf, visitors can explore the various seafood vendors and restaurants, as well as enjoy carnival games and rides.
Don’t miss: Be sure to try the fresh seafood, including crab, squid, and sashimi. Also, check out the “Matsubara Ya” souvenir shop for unique gifts.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the evening to experience the illuminated ferris wheel and scenic views of the Sea of Japan. Additionally, consider purchasing a ticket package that includes both food and ride discounts.
5. Mizuki Shigeru Museum of Art
The Mizuki Shigeru Museum of Art is a museum dedicated to the works of famous manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, located in Sakaiminato, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy viewing the extensive collection of Mizuki’s artwork, including originals and replicas of his famous manga series such as GeGeGe no Kitaro.
The museum also features exhibits on Japanese folklore and a screening room showing short films and animations.
Don’t miss: The museum’s gift shop, which offers a wide variety of Mizuki-themed souvenirs and merchandise, as well as the impressive Mizuki Road, a street lined with over 150 bronze statues depicting characters from Mizuki’s manga.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to grab a map of Mizuki Road at the museum’s entrance and take the time to explore the surrounding area, which is full of cute shops and restaurants offering local specialties like honetsuki dango (dumplings) and fugu (pufferfish).
Also, be sure to check out the museum’s schedule of events, as they frequently host workshops and events related to Japanese culture and art.
6. Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Sakaiminato, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the temple’s stunning architecture, including the iconic wooden stage that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from one of three streams believed to bestow health, longevity, and success.
Insider travel tips:
7. Masuda Historical Museum
Masuda Historical Museum is a small yet unique museum situated in the city of Sakaiminato, Japan. This museum showcases the life and culture of the people who lived in the Masuda area during the Edo period.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s various exhibits, including the lifelike replicas of traditional Japanese houses, historical tools and artifacts, and an extensive collection of agricultural implements.
The museum also has a garden with a pond and outdoor exhibits that showcase ancient farming methods like plowing and rice planting.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Masuda area’s traditional architecture and tools up close. The life-sized replicas are carefully crafted and give visitors an accurate insight into the daily life of Edo-period Japanese people.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting Masuda Historical Museum from outside Sakaiminato, take the train to JR Sakaiminato Station. From there, take a local bus to the museum.
The admission fee to the museum is reasonable, and you can easily explore the museum in an hour or two. If you have some extra time, consider exploring the nearby hot springs or the Tottori sand dunes.
8. Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat is a traditional Japanese boat ride that takes visitors along the scenic Horikawa river in Sakaiminato.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing ride while taking in the picturesque surroundings, including cherry blossom trees in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall.
The boat ride also offers views of traditional Japanese-style houses and the iconic Yumeminato Tower.
Don’t miss: The boat ride is especially beautiful at night when the lanterns along the river are lit up, creating a magical atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. It’s also recommended to book your boat ride in advance, especially during peak season.
If you’re visiting in the summer, consider taking the evening boat ride to escape the heat and enjoy the cooler evening breeze.
9. Tamatsukuri Onsen
Tamatsukuri Onsen is a hot spring town located in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: – Soak in the various hot spring baths and relax in the soothing mineral water.
Don’t miss: – Tamatsukuri Onsen’s unique “Yumeguri Tegata” pass, which allows visitors to try multiple hot spring baths at a discounted price.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the off-season for a more relaxing and authentic experience.
10. Matsue History Museum
The Matsue History Museum in Sakaiminato showcases the history and culture of the Matsue region.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits on display, including artifacts, dioramas, and audio-visual displays. Learn about traditional Japanese culture, the history of Matsue Castle, and the impact of the samurai on the region.
Don’t miss: Check out the life-size replica of a traditional Japanese castle tower, and the interactive displays that allow visitors to experience life in old Japan.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
11. Matsue Vogel Park
Matsue Vogel Park is a bird-themed amusement park in Sakaiminato, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of birds and other animals, including flamingos, penguins, parrots, owls, and more. The park also features thematic gardens and attractions, such as a European-style castle, a flower field, and a Ferris wheel.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the bird shows, where trained birds demonstrate their flying skills and interact with the audience.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. Bring a camera to capture the vibrant colors of the birds and gardens.
Also, consider getting a souvenir at the gift shop, which offers a variety of unique bird-themed items.
12. Lake Shinji
Lake Shinji is a freshwater lake located in the city of Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy various water activities such as fishing, boating, and lakeside cycling. Along the shore, there are several parks and gardens providing great views of the lake.
Don’t miss: The sunset over Lake Shinji is a stunning sight to behold and considered one of the most beautiful sunsets in Japan.
Be sure to catch it from the viewing platform in Mizuki Shigeru Road, which is named after a famous manga artist who drew inspiration from the lake’s scenery.
Insider travel tips: To experience the lake’s natural beauty, take a boat ride during the daytime or try the stargazing at night. Visit the nearby Yumeminato Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake.
13. Yuushien Garden
A tranquil Japanese garden in Sakaiminato city, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: – Admire the stunning garden landscaping, featuring a pond, waterfall, bridges, and teahouses.
Don’t miss: Seeing the beautiful peony flowers that bloom in the spring. Yuushien Garden is well known for its large collection of rare peony cultivars.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the garden in the autumn to see the changing leaves.
14. Yaegaki Shrine
Yaegaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sakaiminato, Japan.
What to see or do: The shrine is situated on a hill offering stunning views of the city and has beautiful traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can also explore the forest surrounding the shrine and enjoy a peaceful walk.
Don’t miss: The main highlight of the shrine is the Yaegaki-jinja Museum, which displays a large collection of traditional Japanese artifacts, including swords, paintings, and pottery.
Insider travel tips: To fully experience the beauty of the shrine and its surroundings, visit during spring when cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.
It’s also recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a steep staircase leading up to the shrine.
Don’t forget to try the local Sakaiminato specialty, “yokai soft serve ice cream,” which is a delicious treat inspired by the famous local folklore creatures called yokai.