On October 27, 2026, the cruise ship "Mitsui Ocean Sakura"—which entered service this past September—made its maiden call at Miyazu Port in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. The predominantly white luxury vessel anchored near the scenic sandbar of Amanohashidate.
Operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Cruises (based in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo), the ship measures 198 meters in length. This particular voyage departed from Sakata Port in Yamagata Prefecture and included stops at Miyazu Port and Kanazawa Port in Ishikawa Prefecture, carrying approximately 390 passengers.
After the ship anchored in Miyazu Bay, passengers transferred to smaller vessels to reach the Miyazu Pier in Hamacho, Miyazu City. During a welcome ceremony at the pier, which featured a performance of the "Miyazu Odori" (Miyazu Dance), Mayor Masafumi Kizaki remarked, "We share a historical connection with Sakata Port, as both were ports of call for the *Kitamae-bune* (traditional merchant ships); it is deeply moving to see that history linked once again." Captain Satoshi Ninomiya commented, "The view from the sea as we entered Miyazu Bay was absolutely beautiful and magnificent. I would love for us to visit every year."
Following the ceremony, the passengers boarded buses to explore Amanohashidate and the *funaya* (traditional boat houses) in the town of Ine.
