Location: Sakata
Top Things to do in Sakata
The 6 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Sakata, Tohoku
Sakata is a city located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. As of October 2015, the city has an estimated population of 105,022, and a population density of 174 persons per km². The total area is 602.97 square kilometres.
Restaurants in Sakata
1. Somaro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Dating back over 200 years to the Edo Period, Somaro is a maiko teahouse and museum in the northern port city of Sakata. It is one of the very few places outside of Kyoto where geisha culture can be enjoyed. Originally called Soma-ya, Somaro's geisha culture was brought up to Northern Japan through the thriving trade ties that once existed between Kyoto and Sakata. During that time, Somaro served as an entertainment destination and exquisite restaurant for the many merchants and shipping agents who shuffled through this city. Beautifully restored in 2000, Somaro is a museum and maiko dance house that preserves and showcases the splendor of Sakata's geisha culture.
2. Ken Domon Museum of Photography
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
▼The first museum of photography in Japan Ken Domon is one of the representative photographers of postwar Japan. He took news photos grounded in realism, portraits and snapshots of famous and ordinary people, as well as photos of cultural assets such as temples and Buddhist statues. His lens captured moments that revealed truths in the turbulent Showa era. Ken Domon Museum of Photography was built in his hometown of Sakata in October 1983 as the first Japanese museum dedicated solely to photographs, and is said to be the only photography museum in the world built for an individual. Here, all 70,000 pieces of his photographic work, including his lifework, “A Pilgrimage through Old Temples,” “Muroji Temple,” “Hiroshima,” “The Children in Chikuho,” “Bunraku Puppets,” and “Features” are preserved and shown to the public in regular succession.
3. Sankyo Soko Storehouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By passionfruitsin
Our cruise landed in Sakata and our shuttle brought on to the main shopping mall in town. Young and old were on the spot to receive us and there were stalls and cultural displays too. Going to the Tourism booth we were surprised that they organized free tours for 3 separate routes around the whole town, We decided on the Sanyo warehouse route and were led by a most enthusiastic lady and 3 high school students with elemental command of English. The highlight of the tour was Sanyo Soko and we were told of the history. The shrine behind the warehouse has been protecting the owners of the place for generations. We were even shown how the ritual is carried out at this shrine. Leaving the warehouse we walked pass the municipal office followed by the Honma residence. This was impressive but we did not stayed long as we were still keen to go round the rest of the town. Not far from the Honma resident was that of Abumiya, another rich local merchant who did a lot of philanthropy work for the locals for which they are very appreciative of. We ended our tour and offered to buy our guests lunch. The leading guide was in a hurry to go as she has another appointment. The students led us to a Ramen shop for lunch. It was a nice meal at a very reasonable price for the quality they provided. All in all, it was a very satisfying experience and the warmest of the Japanese guests was something we have yet to experience in any other countries we have been to so far.
4. Kyu Abumiya
5. Holland Sembei Factory
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Oranda Senbei rice cracker factory Factory tour shows visitors the process of making Japanese rice crackers. The 395m factory tour gives visitors a look at how the Japanese rice cracker is made. It also allows visitors to sample Japanese rice crackers hot and fresh from oven, with their choice of flavors (you can choose two varieties from the entire selection). The souvenir shop has a lot of varieties of gifts, and you can taste samples while you shop. There is also a cafe in which to relax after the tour. Operating hours: Factory tours 9:00-16:00 (Last entry is at 15:40) Shop & Cafe 9:00-18:00 (Last order 17:30) Experience Corner 9:00-17:30 (Last entry is at 17:00) Holidays: 12/31, 1/1
6. Sakata Seafood Market
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Origirl
I explored the city by bicycle (rented for free at Sakata station). For lunch, I stopped at the seafood market. The popular restaurants at the second floor were too busy (a long line of people). Therefore, I chose one restaurant on the first floor and ordered maguro-don (tuna sashimi on top on rice). I am satisfied with the quality and the quantity. It was such a treat!
