Izumo Taisha & Matsue Tour – Spiritual Heritage & Scenic Exploration (5 to 5.5 Hours)

Tour Overview

This private half-day tour from Sakaiminato Cruise Port is designed for travelers who want to experience the spiritual heart of Japan and explore the cultural beauty of Matsue — all in under six hours. Visit Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, then customize your afternoon in Matsue, choosing from a curated list of historical and scenic attractions.

• Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Sakaiminato Cruise Port (Westerdam berth)
• Start Time: Between 9:00–9:30 AM
• End Time: Return in time for cruise departure
• Includes: Private guide, vehicle, entry to one selected site in Matsue
• Optional: Lunch at a scenic location or on the road

Tour Itinerary

9:00–9:30 AM – Pick-Up at Sakaiminato Cruise Port

Meet your guide at the port terminal for a warm welcome and short orientation before departure.

Drive to Izumo Taisha Shrine (Approx. 1 Hour)

Head west through rural Shimane Prefecture to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines.
🕯️ Explore for ~1 Hour: Learn about the shrine’s myths, walk beneath its massive sacred ropes (shimenawa), and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this revered place.

Flexible Lunch Options

Choose one of the following based on your group’s style and preferences:

• 🍱 Bento Box: Enjoy a beautifully packed lunch en route or at a scenic spot
• 🍜 Restaurant Meal: Reservation arranged at a local restaurant (advance notice recommended)
• 🛒 Japanese Supermarket Visit: Grab what you like for a casual, flexible meal

Explore Matsue – Choose Your Own Adventure

Select one or two stops based on your group’s interests and timing (you can decide in advance or with your guide):

Historical & Cultural Options:

• 🏯 Matsue Castle – Original feudal castle with panoramic views
• 🥋 Bukeyashiki Samurai Residence – Explore a real samurai house
• 🏰 Kounkaku Mansion – A unique Western-style Meiji-era building
• 🍵 Meimei-An Teahouse – A traditional tea house with seasonal garden views
• 📖 Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum – Tribute to the famous foreign chronicler of Japan

Nature & Gardens:

• 🐦 Matsue Vogel Park – Beautiful bird sanctuary with floral displays
• 🌸 Yuushien Garden – Peony paradise, perfect for spring/fall visits
• 🖼️ Adachi Museum of Art – World-class gardens + traditional art (Note: allow ~1.5 hours total with drive)

Special Interests:

• ⚔️ Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum & Forge – Learn about ancient Japanese sword-making
• 🔩 Itohara Ironworks Museum – Industrial heritage meets café culture (~1 hr 15 min away)

Relaxation/Shopping Options (Near Port):

• 🧴 Public Hot Spring Foot Bath – Unwind at the end of your tour
• 🛍️ Mizuki Shigeru Road – Anime-themed shopping street with quirky shops & statues

Return to Sakaiminato Port

After exploring Matsue and Izumo, enjoy a scenic drive back to port, arriving in plenty of time before cruise departure.

Tour Details

• Duration: 5 to 5.5 hours
• Start Location: Sakaiminato Cruise Ship Port (Westerdam)
• Vehicle Type: Comfortable private van (licensed, insured)
• Included:
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Transportation
  • Entry to Izumo Taisha and one additional selected site
• Optional:
  • Add-ons (Adachi Museum, tea ceremony, etc.)
  • Custom return time if needed

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