Course Story

• STORY.1

  Sakata Station

  Rent bicycles for free at Sakata Station to make sightseeing a breeze!

  In order to rent the bikes you can directly go to the Sakata Station Tourist Information Center in the Sakata Station Exchange Base Facility “Miraini” and inquire about the free rental cycles!

  Address 1-10-1 Saiwaicho, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture
  URL　https://miraini-sakata.jp/

• STORY.2

  Homma Museum

  The Homma family was one of Japan’s richest families and largest landowners during the Edo period and built the villa “Seienkaku” and the Japanese garden “Kakubuen” in 1813 to provide steady work for dockworkers during the offseason as well as to serve as a holiday home for visiting elites and government officials.

  

  At the teahouse in the Seienkaku, you can relax and sip your tea while looking out over the beautiful traditional garden.

  In the main hall of the art exhibition, works of art collected by the Homma family, such as old books, antiques, and paintings from all over Japan are on display and rotate frequently. Take a stroll through the garden where you can deepen your appreciation of the arts and peacefully observe the magnificent seasonal views of Mount Chokai.

  Opening hours April-October 9: 00-17: 00 Admission until 16:30
  Opening hours November-March 9: 00-16: 30 Admission until 16:00
  December-February the museum will be closed on Tue / Wed (If a national holiday falls on a weekend the next day will be closed) Also closed on Year-end and New Year holidays

  URL http://www.homma-museum.or.jp/

• STORY.3

  Minato Market

  Minato Market is right across from the Sakata Seafood Market, and features a variety of shops selling locally sourced fresh fish, fruits, snacks, and sake!

  At Komatsu Maguro, a famous local seafood restaurant, you can enjoy a wide variety of seafood donburi bowls including the mouthwatering tuna bowl that brings in customers from far and wide! The famous “Yamahokodon” is another local favorite and is comprised of a mountain of fresh sashimi served on top of a steaming serving of fluffy rice. The impressive display is served in a cloud of steam from dry ice, making it as equally beautiful as it is delicious!

  

  Address: 2-5-56 Funaba-cho, Sakata-shi, Yamagata
  URL　http://kaisen-ichiba.net/

• STORY.4

  The Ken Domon Museum of Photography

  Japan’s first photography museum and the first photography museum in the world to be built just to house the works of one photographer! The museum was built to display the numerous works of Ken Domon, perhaps the most famous and decorated Japanese photographer as well as a proud citizen of Sakata City!

  

  The building itself was designed by noted architect Yoshio Taniguchi of whom shared a close personal relationship with Ken Domon and designed the building, sculptures, and gardens in accordance with what Domon would have envisioned.

  Located in Iimoriyama Park overlooking Mt. Chokai, we recommend taking a walk and exploring the grounds as the museum and surrounding areas are just as much art as the photographs inside!

  Address: 2-13 Iimoriyama, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture 998-0055
  Business hours: 9: 00-17: 00

  URL　http://www.domonken-kinenkan.jp/english/

• STORY.5

  Sakata City Museum of Art

  

  

  Enjoy the finest artists of Sakata at this museum located on a scenic hill overlooking Mount. Chokai, the Mogami River, and the city of Sakata itself! Special exhibitions of famous artists frequently pass through making this an attraction you can visit time and time again! The museum café features a large glass window where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while peering out at the spectacular scenery during each season.

  Address: 3-17-95 Iimoriyama, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture 998-0055
  Business hours 9 am to 5 pm (admission is until 4:30 pm)
  URL　http://www.sakata-art-museum.jp/

• STORY.6

  Oranda Senbei Factory

  Produced by Oranda, Sakata’s very own rice crackers are often called “mirror rice crackers” for their sheik smoothness and silky outer texture. At the Oranda rice cracker factory, you can observe the production process first hand from start to finish and see just how elaborate the process really is! Additionally, you can participate in a rice cracker baking and seasoning workshop (for an additional fee) and truly get a greater idea of what goes into making Japan’s favorite snack! Afterward, stop by the gift shop to stock up on all your favorite snacks and get souvenirs for family and friends!

  

  Address: 2-24 Ryoucho, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 998-0832
  Business hours 9:00 to 18:00
  Free admission
  Additional Experience fee: Handbaking experience: 400 yen (time required: about 30 minutes) Seasoning experience: 600 yen (time required: about 10 minutes) Dango-yaki experience: 400 yen (time required: about 15 minutes)

  URL　http://www.sakatabeika.co.jp/factory/

• STORY.7

  Sankyo Soko Warehouses

  Sankyo Soko is a local landmark, symbol, and the pride of Shonai! The beautiful zelkova trees that line the warehouse are a popular photo spot and no matter the season make for a spectacular backdrop to all your photos! At the tourist center here, you can find souvenirs from all over Sakata and so if you want to get something special to remember your time here in Sakata, there is no better place than here!

  Address: 1-1-20 Sankyomachi, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture
  Business hours: 9:00-17:00
  URL　http://www.sakata-kankou.com/spot/165

• GOAL

  Sakata Station