Yamagata Prefecture
A spacious park where you can see a lighthouse and a replica Sengoku ship.
Hiyoriyama Park is a spacious park located near downtown Sakata City. The area is named after the weather (Hiyori) as sailors would climb the mountain (yama) to check the conditions before heading out to sea.
Play in the large grass field surrounded by cherry trees, and check out the replica of the Sengoku ship that played a very important role in the Kitamaebune trade routes that allowed Sakata to flourish from the 1600s onwards.
If you follow the path up the hill, it veers off to the right where you will find a lookout over the port, that also gives a good view of the lighthouse. Built in 1813, this is one of the oldest wooden lighthouses in Japan, and it used to be located on the opposite shore of the river.
Hiyoriyama Park is within walking distance of Kaikoji Temple, Somaro, and the Sanno Club making it a great item to add into a walking itinerary of the downtown area.
Quick Info
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Accessible year-round, however note that the Kitamaebune ship in the lake is partially dismantled during the winter months due to heavy snow.
Average Duration
1 hour
Address
1 Chome-10 Minamishinmachi, Sakata, Yamagata 998-0063
Other tips
There are two parking lots at both ends of the park.
There is a small cafe near the lake that sells shaved ice, coffee, udon noodles, and other snacks.
Hiyoriyama Park is filled with historical monuments and statues of famous merchants and samurai that helped to shape this city.
It is a nice place to stroll around after a visit to the Sanno Club located right next to this park as you will get to see many of the cultural exhibits featured in the museum of Sanno Club in person.
This includes a replica of one of the Kitamaebune ships that you can also board in the small lake in the center of the park.
It is also a great place to have a picnic after having bought some food at one of the local convenience stores or the small cafe located in the park.
