5 hours
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English/Other language upon request
Tour Route: Sakata Port → Hiyoriyama Park → Kaikoji Temple → Sanno Club → Honma Residence → Sankyo Warehouse → Hatsumago Sake Brewery → Sakata Port
This refined half-day Sakata shore excursion invites you to unravel the quiet charms of Sakata – once a thriving merchant port on Japan’s Sea of Japan coast. Ideal for guests seeking an immersive yet unhurried cultural experience, the tour blends peaceful landscapes with historical depth and artisanal excellence.
This tour is crafted for:
Cruise travelers aged 50+
Guests who prefer calm, insightful cultural experiences
Those interested in Japanese history, traditional architecture, and sake craftsmanship
Travelers who appreciate scenic beauty and storytelling
Your journey begins at this symbolic park, perched atop an artificial hill built for sailors. Admire the elegant replica of a Kitamaebune (cargo ship), and stand before Japan’s oldest wooden lighthouse. The park becomes particularly poetic in spring, with over 400 cherry blossom trees painting the landscape in gentle pink. A perfect introduction to the spirit of Sakata.
Step into the dim, sacred halls of this quiet temple where self-mummified monks are enshrined. These sokushinbutsu, considered living Buddhas, offered their lives for the sake of others. It's a humbling moment – haunting, beautiful, and deeply human.
Formerly an elite teahouse built in 1895, this space now exhibits historical artifacts like exquisite Japanese dolls and colorful ceremonial umbrellas. The architecture itself speaks volumes about Sakata’s affluence during the Edo and Meiji periods.
The former home of one of Japan’s wealthiest merchant families, this estate reveals the refined yet powerful aesthetic of the era. Explore the traditional tatami rooms, sliding fusuma doors, and exquisite woodwork of this complex house that once hosted lords and samurai.
A row of cedar-lined rice storehouses transformed into a nostalgic museum district. Inside, learn about Sakata’s role in the Kitamaebune shipping network while browsing locally made crafts and delicacies.
Conclude your journey at this renowned brewery established in the Meiji era. Sample sake made with pristine water and traditional techniques – each sip offering a sense of place and time. For those abstaining, local amazake or teas are available.
This tour is designed for comfort. Most walking is light and at a relaxed pace, with rest areas at each location. Steps and uneven surfaces are minimal, though some old buildings may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs.
This tour focuses on cultural highlights and includes a sake tasting. For groups or private tours, lunch can be added upon request, with options featuring local seafood and seasonal delicacies.
Hatsumago uses a traditional method called kimoto-zukuri for sake brewing, resulting in a rich, layered taste with elegant acidity. The water comes from nearby mountains, and all ingredients are locally sourced, preserving the terroir of Yamagata Prefecture.
Yes! In early spring (late April), Hiyoriyama Park becomes one of Sakata’s cherry blossom hotspots. In winter, while some garden elements are dormant, the architecture and indoor exhibits become a cozy retreat from the cold. The tour runs year-round.
Absolutely. Sankyo Warehouse has local crafts, Sakata-themed gifts, and rice-related items. The sake brewery also offers premium bottles and gift sets for purchase (international shipping may be available depending on your cruise line).
Member Since 2025
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