Ritsuko was an excellent guide for us. She has a very gentle and unassuming yet knowlegable approach to guiding. The Matsue Castle was a great venue for us. It was physically challenging as the steps became narrower and narrower as we climbed to higher floors but the views were spectacular. I would recommend this venue for people who have no difficulty walking or climbing only. We also loved the Samuri houses on the walking part of the tour. The gardens were beautiful and Ritsuko was very knowlegable about the flowers and seasons of care for different types. Our final excursion was to the local fish market. Ritsuko was very helpful in pointing out new fish and snow crabs for us. As foodies, this was the unique experience in the tour . We would definitely hire her again if she guided in a new locale that we were to visit
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Private tour in Sakaiminato Ritsuko Y
Matsue Castle & Yushien Japanese Garden - Private Shore Excursion from Sakaiminato
4.3
(4) reviews
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6 hours
1
Tour date
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6 hours
1
Ritsuko Y.
4.5
Guide rating
8
Reviews
Tours delivered
13 hrs
Avg. response time
Hi, I'm Ritsuko. I was born and raised in Shimane. I lived in other cities through my career and study. Shimane's abundant natural beauty brought me back here when I started my career as a guide. I started guiding for tourists as a local volunteer guide and has been serving as a national certified guide since 2014. I really like meeting people from around the world. Nothing is more fun and valuable than listening to them and sharing views and thoughts. In my earlier career, I had served as a speech and communication therapist at hospitals for 11 years. I provided individual rehabilitation programs for patients who has various language problems and needs. I have met a lot of people in different generations. Personality, interest and background are different from people to people. Through my career, I have acquired skills to catch what he or she needs and provided suitable service for them. My clients are happy with my smile, attentiveness and easy-to-understand guide. I offer tours mainly in Shimane and Tottori. Tourists choose here to relax in the serene atmosphere, enjoy abundant nature, to experience our distinctive culture and history. They end up in finding something really Japanese. Japanese culture is based on the myths. Shimane and Tottori are well known as home to myths. Gods in the myths are enshrined at a lot of shrines existing since ancient times. Unique culture and tradition related to the myths has been well reserved in the life of local people. We have varieties of tourist attractions. Matsue Castle, one of only 12 original castles in Japan. It stands by a beautiful lake. Walking around the castle gives an opportunity to feel the atmosphere of 400 years ago. With luck, you might come across Samurai! Adachi Museum of Art is a must to see. It has spectacular Japanese gardens top ranked for many consecutive years, but also has precious Japanese modern and contemporary art collections. I'm sure you feel enriched there. What are your interests? I'd be very happy to customize the tour and help you enjoy every minute of your stay. I hope to see you soon! National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (License #EN00025) Bachelor degree I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ritsuko Y.
Feel and experience legacies of the castle lords: nostalgic landscape and rich tea culture
Overview of your Sakaiminato tour
I'll show you around Matsue, the beautiful and nostalgic city, where I was born and lived in several times in my life. In the old landscape you might feel you are traveling to the time 400 years ago. Out of 200 castle in Japan, Matsue Castle is one of the only 12 original castles. I'll tell you all about its unique architectural techniques and interesting episodes in the long history. I'll share rich inheritances we received from the castle lords. Our distinctive tea culture is one of them. If you like, why don't you try excellent matcha green tea with original Japanese confectionery near the castle. Then we visit Samurai Residence, where a middle-ranked samurai used to live. Yushien Japanese garden is well know for Japan's largest production of tree peonies. It is on the volcanic Island in the middle of a beautiful lake. They show you seasonal flowers as well. Let's stroll around the relaxing garden, feeling fresh air.
Recent Reviews
Ritsuko was knowledgeable, kind, accommodating, and helped us have a wonderful experience in Sakaiminato! She helped me enjoy amazing fresh sashimi in a real fish market. She was very attentive to our needs and made sure we had all questions answered while providing interesting facts.
We had a great guiding experience with Ritsuko as we visited Matsue Castle, Lafcadio Hearn Former Residence and Memorial Museum and Yuushein Garden. The pace was good and shared information was helpful and informative. We also enjoyed learning more about life in Japan during our time with Ritsuko. The taxi transportation driver that she arranged was attentative and polite.
Your Sakaiminato tour itinerary
• 9:30 am - Pick up at Sakaiminato Port • 10:30 am - Matsue Castle (1h) • 11:30 am - Walking along Samurai Street, Samurai Residence (2h) • 2:00 - Yushien Japanese Garden (1h) • 3:30 -Sakaiminato Port ●The length of stays in each spot may vary.
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan
privately rented vehicle with a driver
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Meeting location
Sakaiminato, Tottori, Japan
Sakaiminato Cruise Port
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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English
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6 hours
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6 hours
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