6 hours
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English/Other language upon request
Tour Route: Sasebo Port → Kujuku Islands Observatory → Yamashita House → 300-year-old Sake Brewery → Senryu Sake Brewery → Sasebo Port
This curated 6-hour shore excursion is a gentle immersion into the tranquil soul of Sasebo. From the breathtaking panoramic views of the Kujuku Islands to the timeless elegance of Yamashita
House and the refined taste of handcrafted sake, this Sasebo shore excursion brings together natural beauty, architectural artistry, and the age-old spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. Each stop is thoughtfully selected to evoke reflection, wonder, and appreciation of Japan’s quiet treasures.
This tour is crafted for:
Perfect for mature travelers, culture enthusiasts, photography lovers, and those who value authentic, unhurried experiences far from crowds and noise.
Special Instructions
Comfortable shoes recommended.
Sake tasting is optional and limited to guests 20 years or older.
Tour is conducted in English by a licensed local guide.
Wheelchair access limited at Yamashita House due to historical structure.
Though “kujuku” means ninety-nine, this enchanting coastal view embraces over 200 untouched islets. These petite emerald jewels float across the blue expanse, protected within Saikai National Park. The observatory offers a peaceful start to the tour, perfect for slow-breathing moments and soulful photography.
Experience:
Breathtaking island views
Quiet scenic walkways
Local insight from your guide into Saikai National Park’s ecological significance
Step into the refined grace of Edo-period architecture. Built entirely without nails, this traditional guesthouse is a masterpiece of woodcraft. Wander through its rooms filled with history, and feel the soft light filtering through shoji screens.
Experience:
Guided walk through the residence
Learn about traditional carpentry techniques
Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the home’s garden surroundings
A short walk from Yamashita House brings you to a local sake brewery that’s been serving the region for centuries. Here, the air is filled with the scent of rice and fermenting koji – an authentic experience preserved by time.
Experience:
Complimentary sake tasting (with non-alcoholic options)
Shop for elegantly bottled sake – perfect as a gift or keepsake
Understand the brewing legacy passed down through generations
Dive deeper into the rich world of Japanese sake at Senryu Brewery. Your guide will walk you through the full brewing process – from rice polishing to fermentation. In the tasting room, appreciate the delicate differences in aroma and flavor of several sake varieties.
Experience:
Guided brewery tour with behind-the-scenes insights
Sake tasting flight with professional explanations
Learn how regional water and rice shape local flavors
Absolutely. This tour was specifically designed with mature travelers in mind. It offers a relaxed pace, thoughtful scheduling, and minimal physical exertion. The itinerary avoids strenuous climbs or rushed transitions, and the scenery, historical sites, and cultural immersion appeal to those seeking a meaningful and tranquil travel experience. Guests can enjoy beautiful views, guided commentary, and restful transfers between each destination by private vehicle.
Only a moderate amount of walking is required, and it's mostly on flat, paved surfaces. At the Kujuku Islands Observatory, you may stroll to different viewpoints, while the Yamashita House involves gentle walking through a traditional wooden structure.
Please note that the house is a preserved 19th-century building without modern accessibility features, so it may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility or those requiring wheelchairs. However, we provide ample time at each stop for guests to explore at their own comfort level.
Yes, absolutely. Visiting the sake breweries is not just about drinking alcohol – it’s about discovering a vital aspect of Japanese heritage. You’ll learn about the meticulous process behind sake brewing, from rice polishing to fermentation, and witness centuries-old craftsmanship.
For those who prefer not to drink, non-alcoholic alternatives like water or tea are often available, and your guide can still walk you through the aromas and techniques without requiring you to taste the sake. The peaceful setting and history of the breweries make them enjoyable for all guests.
No full meal is included in this tour, but there are opportunities to sample local snacks and sake at the breweries. If you would like to include a lunch stop or request time for dining, please inform us at the time of booking. We can customize the tour slightly to accommodate that, especially for private bookings. Guests are also welcome to bring light snacks or bottled water onboard.
Children are welcome, but please note that the tour is primarily geared toward adults who appreciate quiet, scenic, and culturally rich experiences. There are no interactive activities specifically designed for young children, and some may find the pace too slow. However, for families with older children or teens interested in photography, nature, or history, it can still be a rewarding excursion.
Yes, both sake breweries visited on this tour offer a curated selection of bottled sake for purchase. These make for excellent souvenirs or gifts, and the staff can assist you in choosing varieties that suit your taste preferences. We recommend checking with your cruise line or country’s customs regulations in advance regarding alcohol allowances for return travel.
This is a standard shared tour, so the itinerary follows a fixed route to accommodate all participants. However, if you're looking for a more personalized experience—such as a private tour with extended time at certain stops, a dedicated lunch, or additional activities—we would be delighted to arrange a private shore excursion tailored to your preferences. Just let us know your interests and we’ll craft the perfect day for you.
Member Since 2025
Leave a review