Port
Sakata, Japan
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$370
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Discover the most highlights of Sakata, which will reveal a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems, from the beautifully preserved Sankyo Soko rice warehouses to the elegant and serene Ken Domon Museum of Photography.
Your first visit will be Honma Museum of Art. The old villa and garden were originally constructed in the Edo period as a holiday home for the head of the Honma Family. There is a central pond and a winding network of walking trails. Enjoy the traditional exhibits, old Japanese atmosphere and the scenic views.
Continue to the local sake brewery to learn how to produce nice sake in this region.
Next visit Somaro, which is one of the best places to experience the rich history and culture of the port city of Sakata. Originally a traditional Japanese high-class restaurant named Somaya that operated for over 100 years, the buildings underwent a renovation in the year 2000 when the newly renamed Somaro was born. Here, you will see the historical buildings as well as enjoy a maiko performance. You will also have a chance to eat lunch here.
Then visit the Sankyo Soko Rice Warehouses, a complex of rice warehouses built in 1893 to manage and store rice – still in use today. Shonai Plain around Sakata is one of Japan’s few large plains and is well-suited for high-quality rice cultivation. These nine warehouses can hold over 10,000 tons of rice.
Your last stop is the Ken Domon Museum of Photography, a museum dedicated to one of the leading photographers of post-war Japan. Domon is known for taking news photos, portraits and snapshots of famous and ordinary people, as well as photos of cultural assets such as temples and Buddhist statues. It exhibits nearly 70,000 works.
Please note:
Since Somaro is a traditional Japanese building, the corridors and interior are narrow. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency (yen) for purchases as few stores accept credit cards. Traffic can be unpredictable, especially during public holidays. The driver will do their best to keep moving safely. Your patience is greatly appreciated. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s).