4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku

Mie Prefecture , Japan

4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

In this historical walking tour in Mie a friendly guide will introduce you to the remains of Saiku, the most glorious palace of Japan's Heian period (794-1185), and the Saio, an imperial princess who served Ise Jingu.

You will visit several highlights of the former Saiku palace and learn in more detail about the fascinating life of the Saio princess. A local guide will introduce you to a less-known part of Japan's history and you will follow together the footsteps of the Saio princess in an attempt to unfold some of her hidden secrets. While the grandiose Saiku palace no longer exists, several of its many buildings have been reconstructed and opened to the public. Taking this tour before you pay a visit to Ise Jingu is highly recommended in order to appreciate the value of the area and understand the significant links between the Imperial lineage and Ise Jingu.

Available options

4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku

What's included

Guide, entry to facilities, sake-manju dumpling with a tea set

Detailed itinerary

Start your guided tour at Saiku Station and walk past the 1/10 Scale Model of the Saiku Palace and the Anicent Ise Road before arriving at Saiku Historical Museum. Watch the video exhibition "Saio Gunko" visualizing the life of Saio princess. Take a guided tour of the museum. The wonderful Saiku Historical Museum offers an in-depth look at the life of Saio with many visuals which will help you understand how life then looked like.

Rest at Itsukian teahouse while eating sake-manju dumpling (Japanese sweet made with red bean paste)

Continue your walk through the quiet streets of the town. Visit the historical remains of the Heian period era and let the story of the Saio princess unfold.

Walk through the spiritual Take Shrine believed to be the place where Saio's residence was. See the colorful flower-decorated water ablution pavilion before heading either back to Saiku Station or for a stopover at the relaxing local cafe Minoriya.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

North Exit of Kintetsu line's Saiku Station

About Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture, located in the Chūbu region of Japan, is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. From the sacred Ise Jingu shrines to the picturesque Ise-Shima National Park, Mie offers a blend of spiritual sites, scenic landscapes, and unique local traditions.

Top Attractions

Ise Jingu

Ise Jingu is Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine complex consists of over 100 shrines, with the main Naikū and Gekū shrines being the most significant.

Religious 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Ise-Shima National Park

This national park offers stunning coastal landscapes, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Half to full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato is a stunning seasonal flower park located on the shores of Ise Bay. It is famous for its illuminated night displays and vast fields of tulips, kochia, and other flowers.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥1,500 to ¥2,000

Matsusaka Castle

Matsusaka Castle is a reconstructed castle that offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. The castle grounds are surrounded by a moat and feature a museum and gardens.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥300 to ¥500

Suigetsu no Ie

Suigetsu no Ie is a traditional thatched-roof house that offers a glimpse into the lives of rural farmers in the Edo period. The house is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a pond.

Cultural 1-2 hours ¥500 to ¥1,000

Must-Try Local Dishes

Matsusaka Beef

Matsusaka beef is a premium type of Wagyu beef known for its tenderness, marbling, and rich flavor. It is often served as sashimi, grilled, or in hot pot dishes.

Dinner Contains beef

Ise Udon

Ise udon is a type of thick, chewy udon noodle that is often served in a hot broth or as a cold noodle dish. It is a local specialty of the Ise region.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly (check for dashi broth)

Akame Shio Ramen

Akame Shio Ramen is a salt-based ramen dish that originated in the Akame region of Mie. It is known for its rich, savory broth and chewy noodles.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork and seafood

Hitaki Ika

Hitaki Ika is a grilled squid dish that is a local specialty of the Toba region. The squid is grilled over charcoal and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Snack/Dinner Contains squid

Popular Activities

Hiking in Ise-Shima National Park Scuba diving in Ago Bay Visiting Ise Jingu for a spiritual experience Enjoying a traditional onsen (hot spring) Exploring Okage Yokocho in Ise Learning about pearl farming in Toba Boat tours in Ago Bay Swimming and water sports in Ise Bay

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn offers vibrant fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. These are the best times to visit for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Mie Prefecture is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tour guides

Getting there

By air

Chūbu Centrair International Airport • 50 km from Nagoya, 100 km from Mie
Matsusaka Airport • 10 km from Matsusaka

By train

Kintetsu-Nagoya Station, Matsusaka Station

By bus

Nagoya Station, Osaka Station, Kyoto Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are the most convenient way to get around Mie, connecting major cities and attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ise Toba Matsusaka Kuwana

Day trips

Nabana no Sato

30 km from Nagoya • Half to full day

Nabana no Sato is a stunning seasonal flower park located on the shores of Ise Bay. It is famous for its illuminated night displays and vast fields of tulips, kochia, and other flowers.

Ise Jingu

100 km from Nagoya • Full day

Ise-Shima National Park

120 km from Nagoya • Full day

This national park offers stunning coastal landscapes, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails. It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Festivals

Ise Grand Shrine Shikinen Sengu • Every 20 years (next in 2033) Toba Fireworks Festival • Early August Matsusaka Tanabata Festival • Early July

Pro tips

Visit Ise Jingu during the Shikinen Sengu ceremony, which occurs every 20 years, for a unique and memorable experience.
Try Matsusaka beef, a local specialty, at a traditional restaurant or izakaya (pub).
Explore the scenic beauty of Ise-Shima National Park by hiking, cycling, or taking a scenic boat tour.
Experience the illuminated night displays at Nabana no Sato flower park during the winter season.
Learn about the history and production of pearls at the Toba Pearl Museum, and create your own pearl jewelry.