Sakaiminato Sakura Walk at the Marina Green Space

Sailing into Sakaiminato cruise port felt like a peaceful reset from the busier days earlier in the itinerary. Sakaiminato (境港市 – Pronounced [sa-ka-ee-mee-na-to]) is a coastal city in Japan’s Tottori Prefecture, best known for its rich fishing heritage and quirky yokai folklore. With the cherry blossom season in full swing, I skipped the excursions and went for a simple walk straight from the ship.

Just a few minutes from the dock, I found myself at the Sakaiminato Public Marina Green Space. The path was lined with blooming cherry trees, and the whole area had an easy, quiet charm. There was no rush here, just a few scattered benches, bird calls overhead, and petals drifting through the morning air.

While the city itself offers plenty for tourists, this quick detour to the waterfront park gave me exactly what I needed: light exercise, fresh air, and some beautiful spring scenery.

I didn’t go far in Sakaiminato, but sometimes that’s the point. The Marina Green Space is right beside the port, and it felt like a well-kept local secret. Most other passengers were heading off on tours or into town, but I took my time wandering among the sakura and letting the day unfold slowly.

The trees were in full bloom and the timing couldn’t have been better. A few petals had started to fall, dotting the walkways and the tops of the benches. I even caught sight of a small bird tucked between the branches, pausing just long enough for a quick photo. I spent most of the visit just walking quietly, soaking in the fresh air and natural beauty before heading back to the ship.

What stood out was how accessible it all was. No taxis, no tours, just a five-minute walk from the terminal to the trees. For anyone who values slow travel or just needs a breather in the middle of a busy cruise, this little park delivers more than it promises.