Sakata Seafood and Hiyoriyama Park: Food Culture of the Port Town Where Kitamae Ships Flourished

Sakata History and Food

Sakata, Yamagata, is a port town that flourished as a Kitamae trading hub between Osaka and Hokkaido in the Edo period. The surviving "Sankyosoko" storehouse complex is its iconic historic site — also a filming location for the film "Departures" (Okuribito).

Highlights

- Sankyosoko: 1893 zelkova tree promenade and white-walled rice storehouse complex (filming location for "Departures") - Hiyoriyama Park: Park with panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and Shonai Plain; famous for hexagonal lighthouse and cherry blossoms - Honma Family Old Residence: Former mansion of the Honma family, the largest landowner in Edo-period Japan - Sakata Dream Club: Facility to learn about Sakata's history

Food

- Dadacha-mame: Special edamame from Tsuruoka — said to be Japan's sweetest - Kandan (Winter Cod): Season-limited kandan-jiru (winter cod soup) - Seafood: Fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan

Getting There

- Alight at JR Uetsu Main Line Sakata Station (Shinkansen connection via Shinjō or Tsuruoka direction) - About 10 minutes by car from Yamagata Expressway Sakata IC

Tips

For fans of the film "Departures," Sankyosoko is a pilgrimage site. The zelkova promenade is especially beautiful during fresh green and autumn foliage seasons.