Making the most of Sakaiminato
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The port at Sakaiminato is located approximately 5km from the city center. A 10 minute taxi ride.
Wedged between sea, sky and mountains, this small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood.
Sakaiminato is the home of Shigeru Mizuki, the creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, a character seen in many forms throughout Japan. The spirit of Kitaro can be found in Sakaiminato, on Kitaro Road, a street dedicated to all the characters that appear in Mizuki's stories. One hundred bronze statues of the story's characters line both sides of the road.
Getting around
Hama Loop Bus has Two Courses; Main Course and Life Course. Main Course conveniently runs around a network of major places such as Municipal Administration Offices, Hospitals and Sight-seeing Spots. There are a Bus running Right Loop Course and a Bus running Left Loop Course. One Loop Bus runs right loop clockwise and the other one runs left loop counter clockwise, each departing from and arriving at the City Hall which is the base point. It would be more convenient if one would check the location of bus stop where to get on and where to get off before using the loop bus.
The fishing wharf and center of town are compact enough to enjoy on foot.
Nearby places
Sakaiminato is also your gateway to a very ancient region of Honshu. West of the city lies Izumo-taisha, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Shinto. This area is dotted with burial mounds from Japan's Bronze Age. The town of Matsue boasts the celebrated "Black Castle," a six-story, black-walled castle that home to a clan of the mighty Tokugawa dynasty that ruled Japan for over 250 years. And to the east rises the great snow-capped summit of Mt. Daisen, considered one of the four most scenic mountains in all Japan.
Food and shopping
Kitaro-related souvenirs of all types are available everywhere. Anything related to the Medama Oyaji or Eyeball Daddy character seems especially popular.
Money
The currency in Japan is the yen. It comes in denominations of ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 notes, as well as ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1 coins.
ATMs in Japan are becoming more useful, and most can be used to withdraw funds from overseas accounts. Post offices also offer ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted at a majority of stores and restaurants in large urban areas, but if you plan on spending any time in rural areas, be sure to carry sufficient cash. Japan is still very much a cash society and some stores, hotels and restaurants-regardless of location-refuse credit cards.
Don't tip, as it's considered rude!