Like Somaro Maiko Teahouse, the Sanno Club was also originally a high-class restaurant in Sakata City.

Named “Uhachi-ro”, the restaurant was originally designed in 1894 by Yasutaro Sato, one of Sakata’s most famous architects who also worked on the buildings for Somaro, the hexagonal lighthouse in Hiyoriyama park, and the Jokigen Sake Brewery buildings. Uhachiro ran from 1895 until it was forced to close in 1941 due to the war, and was famous for its azalea garden and its Maiko and Geisha house.

After the war, the restaurant was reopened and renamed the Sanno Club, where it ran for over 50 years. In 1999, the restaurant closed down again, but was donated to Sakata City and reopened in 2008 to share the unique history and culture of the port town.

The Sanno Club is famous for its Kasafuku dolls, small everyday objects that are sewn and hung from stark red umbrellas (Kasa). On the first floor, there is a souvenir shop where the Kasafuku ornaments can be purchased already made or in ready-to-make kits along with other local crafts. There is also a tearoom and exhibitions all about the Kitamaebune ships which are sure to please history buffs.

The second floor is famous for its limited time exhibition of Kasafuku, and the accompanying craft room where guests can try making the ornamental pieces with help from the locals.