Sakata Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the scenic Yamagata region of Japan, Sakata is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. From its picturesque landscapes to its vibrant festivals, Sakata is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

One of the main attractions in Sakata is the beautiful Yuza Beach. With its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, this beach is a haven for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and even try their hand at surfing. The beach also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

For those interested in Japanese history and culture, Sakata is home to the historic Sankyo Soko Rice Warehouse. Built in the 19th century, this well-preserved warehouse showcases the city's rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore the various exhibits and learn about the traditional rice cultivation methods that have been passed down through generations.

No visit to Sakata is complete without experiencing the city's lively festivals. The Sakata Kanto Festival, held annually in August, is a spectacle of towering bamboo poles adorned with lanterns. Participants skillfully balance these poles on their foreheads, showcasing their strength and agility. The festival creates a vibrant atmosphere with traditional music and dance performances, attracting visitors from all over Japan.

Another must-see attraction in Sakata is the Honma Museum of Art. This museum houses an impressive collection of Japanese and Western artwork, including pieces by renowned artists such as Monet and Renoir. The museum's tranquil gardens provide a peaceful setting to appreciate the beauty of these masterpieces.

Sakata is also famous for its delicious seafood. The city's proximity to the Sea of Japan ensures a fresh and diverse range of seafood delicacies. Visitors can indulge in mouthwatering dishes such as sashimi, grilled fish, and sushi, prepared with the finest ingredients sourced from the local waters.

Local name: 酒田市 Population: 100.9 thous. (2019)Area: 232.81 mi²Elevation: 33 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°54'59"N, 139°50'17"E

Location

YamagataJapan

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Sakata Top Attractions

Sakata Attractions - What to See and Explore

Sakata offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: City Museum of Art, Abumiya, Kinowanosaku, Ken Domon Museum of Photography. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art museum
City Museum of Art
Sakata City Museum of Art opened in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan in 1997. Located on a small hill with views over the city as well as towards Mount Chōkai and the Mogami River, the collection focuses on works in the western tradition by Japanese artists.
Museum
Abumiya
The Abumiya is an Edo period Machiya located in the city of Sakata, Yamagata in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1984.
Forts and castles
Kinowanosaku
Kiwanosaku was a late Nara period though Heian period josaku-style Japanese castle located in what is now part of the town of Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture in the Tōhoku region of Japan. Its ruins are now an archaeological site and have been protected by the central government as a National Historic Site since 1932.

Museum • Art museum
Ken Domon Museum of Photography
The Ken Domon Museum of Photography was opened in 1983 in Sakata, Yamagata, the birthplace of the photographer Ken Domon. On the occasion of becoming the first honorary citizen of Sakata in 1974, Domon donated his entire collection of works to the town.
38°55'10"N • 139°49'59"E
Somaro
Museum • Specialty museum
Museum • Art museum
Homma Museum of Art
Homma Museum of Art opened in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, in 1947.
Museum
Yamadera Basho Memorial Museum
The Yamadera Basho Memorial Museum was established in 1989 as part of the cultural building boom in Yamagata celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the city.
Harbor
Port of Sakata
The Port of Sakata is a seaport on the Sea of Japan coast of Yamagata Prefecture, to the west of the city center of Sakata at the mouth of the Mogami River in the Tōhoku region of northern Honshū, Japan. It is classified as a Major Port and as a Special Port by the Japanese government.

Day trips

Sakata – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Sakata, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kamo Aquarium (Tsuruoka), Naso Falls (Nikaho), Tsurugaoka Castle (Tsuruoka).

12 milesSW
Aquarium, Park, Zoo
Kamo Aquarium, Tsuruoka
Nestled in the serene city of Tsuruoka, Japan, the Kamo Aquarium offers a tranquil yet fascinating escape into the underwater world. Renowned for its impressive collection of jellyfish, this aquatic haven has earned international acclaim and has become a must-visit...
19 milesN
Waterfall
Naso Falls, Nikaho
The Naso Falls, nestled in the serene city of Nikaho in Japan, offers a tranquil escape to nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. This picturesque waterfall is part of the larger Nikaho Green Park, which is a haven for outdoor activities and relaxation.
13 milesS
Forts and castles
Tsurugaoka Castle, Tsuruoka
Tsurugaoka Castle is a flatland-style Japanese castle constructed in early Edo period in the city of Tsuruoka, Yamagata. It was the seat of the Sakai clan, a fudai daimyō clan who ruled over Shōnai Domain, Dewa Province in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate.
13 milesS
Historical place
Chidōkan, Tsuruoka
The Chidōkan was the Domain academy of Shōnai Domain under the Edo period Tokugawa shogunate located in what is now part of the city of Tsuruoka in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan.
49 milesSE
Art museum, Museum
Dewazakura Museum of Art, Tendo
Dewazakura Museum of Art opened in Tendō, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan in 1988. Owned and operated by the Dewazakura Sake Brewery Corporation, the collection focuses on traditional Japanese and Korean arts and crafts, including ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Sakata

Learn when is the best time to travel to Sakata weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

May and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June, July and October.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in March, April and May. Most of it rains in November and December.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Sakata?

The top attractions to visit in Sakata are:

What is the best time to visit Sakata?

May and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June, July and October. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and December.