4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku

4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

North Exit of Kintetsu line's Saiku Station

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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.

    2 hours 15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2

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

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    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.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by DMO Hana-meiwa
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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
Zombie
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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