Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato, Japan, is a charming port city that brings Japanese folklore to life. Located on the Sea of Japan coast, it serves as a gateway to the scenic San'in region. The city is the hometown of the famous manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, and his whimsical creatures, known as yokai, are celebrated throughout the town. For a cruiser, Sakaiminato offers a delightful blend of modern pop culture and ancient tradition, all within easy reach of the port.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock at the Sakaiminato Cruise Pier (Showa South Quay), a smaller yet convenient terminal located at the edge of the city. You can walk right off the ship and onto a pier that leads to the main port area. The walk is a short, pleasant stroll, and from there, you are just a short walk to the town's main attractions.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Sakaiminato Cruise Pier is a modern facility with various amenities for visitors. It features a range of shops and a large souvenir market for you to explore. In the terminal, you can experience a free green tea ceremony with treats, a unique and authentic taste of Japanese culture.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal has restrooms, an information center, and a currency exchange service. Free Wi-Fi is also available at the pier, which is a big plus. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the pier, and you are immediately surrounded by the city's charming downtown.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Japanese. While you will find that English is spoken in the main tourist areas and at the cruise terminal, it is not as universally spoken as in some other countries. It is highly recommended to have a few basic Japanese phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Konnichiwa (kon-ni-chi-wa) - Hello
Arigatou (a-ri-ga-to) - Thank you
Sumimasen (su-mi-ma-sen) - Excuse me
Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (ei-go o ha-na-se-ma-su ka) - Do you speak English?
💰 Money
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). While major credit cards are widely accepted at larger stores, restaurants, and at the cruise terminal, it is highly recommended to carry some cash for smaller shops, food stalls, and local markets. ATMs that accept international cards can be found at the cruise terminal, post offices, and 7-Eleven convenience stores.
🚗 Transportation
Sakaiminato is a very walkable city, and its main attractions are clustered in the city center.
Walking: The best way to explore downtown is on foot. The historic Mizuki Shigeru Road, shops, and restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the cruise docks.
Train: The train is the best and most affordable way to get to other parts of the city. The Sakaiminato Station is a 15-minute walk from the port. From there, you can take a train to nearby attractions.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal, but they can be expensive.
Ride-Sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber are not common in this region.
Public Bus: The Hama Loop bus has two routes that allow visitors to see the major places in the city.
♿ Accessibility
Sakaiminato has an accessibility rating of 5 out of 10. The cruise pier is flat and the main attractions like the Mizuki Shigeru Road have wide, flat sidewalks that are easy to navigate. However, some of the historic buildings and attractions may have stairs or uneven surfaces that can be challenging to navigate. The public bus system is also generally accessible.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town from the cruise port is to simply walk. The port is located right in the heart of the city's waterfront, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions.
🚽 Toilet
Public restrooms are generally available and clean in Sakaiminato, especially at major tourist attractions, train stations, and shopping centers. They are free to use.
💊 Drugstore
Welcia Drugstore: You can find many Welcia Drugstore locations throughout the city.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi: This is a major drugstore chain that you can find in most cities in Japan.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk the Mizuki Shigeru Road: For a truly unique experience, take a walk down the Mizuki Shigeru Road. The road is lined with over 170 bronze statues of yokai, the Japanese folklore creatures from the famous manga series. It's an entertaining and whimsical walk that will take you to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum.
Dine on Fresh Local Seafood at a Fishing Port: Sakaiminato is a major fishing port, and it is a must to try some fresh, locally sourced seafood. Seek out a local restaurant near the fishing port and try a bowl of fresh crab, squid, or mackerel. It is a true taste of the local culinary scene.
Visit the Adachi Museum of Art: For a peaceful and authentic experience, take a bus or a pre-arranged tour to the Adachi Museum of Art. It is world-renowned for its award-winning gardens, which are considered living works of art. The museum also houses an impressive collection of modern Japanese paintings.
