Location: Sakata
Top Things to do in Sakata
The 9 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks 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. Former Honma Family Residence
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. Sanno Club
6. Hatsumago Shuzo Shiryokan Kura Tambokan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Tohoku Meijo was founded in 1893. It won the 2018 Sake Brewer of the Year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the world’s largest wine competition. Tokuhu Meijo makes sake using kimoto, a traditional sake yeast mash starter. Hatsumago is popular. Visitors can sample the sake and visit the factory (reservations required). Access: Approximately 15 min by car from JR Sakata Station
