What to know
Sakata (酒田) is a mid-sized city in Yamagata Prefecture, located on the Sea of Japan coast about an hour north of the Dewa Sanzan region. It lies in the fertile Shonai Plain, renowned for its high-quality rice. During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Sakata flourished as a key port on the coastal shipping route linking Hokkaido to Osaka via the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea.
The Honma family, a local merchant dynasty, dominated Sakata's trade and amassed a fortune that surpassed some feudal lords. Their wealth led to close ties with regional lords and the construction of lavish buildings. Several of these structures, along with museums and other attractions, survive today.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Original name
- Sakata
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