sakata Archives - The Hidden Japan

Sea to Table Experiences in Yamagata

Catch your own fish or shop for some at a local market, then watch or work alongside as a professional Japanese chef prepares it.

A stroll through the charming historical city of Sakata, which prospered during the Edo period as a major port for safflower and rice.

Our top 9 spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture: at parks and temples, along rivers, and more!

Held annually since 1609, the Sakata Matsuri is Sakata City’s biggest event. It boasts parades, performances, and hundreds of street vendors.

This dance festival is held in downtown Sakata; hundreds of dancers fill the streets and dance to Sakata Jinku, a traditional folk song.

At the Sakata Ika Tsuri Festival, onlookers cheer on the fishermen of Yamagata as they depart on their first squid fishing trip of the year.

The Matsuyama Cultural Heritage Museum in Sakata, Yamagata is a museum introducing the history and local cultural traditions of this town.

Sakata Beika offers self-guided tours of its senbei rice cracker factory, plus fun food experiences like fresh senbei grilling and seasoning.

Kaikoji Temple in Sakata is home to two sokushinbutsu, Buddhist monks who mummified themselves while alive through a grueling 9-year process.

Hiyoriyama Park, a seaside park in Sakata, is known for its cherry blossoms, beautiful sunsets, and replica Kitamaebune ship.