Somaro: Discover Preserved Tradition of Yamagata in the Heart of Sakata City
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Are you interested in experiencing Japan’s rich culture and tradition in the port city of Sakata (酒田市)? Located in the heart of the city in the prefecture of Yamagata (山形県), Somaro (相馬樓) is one of the city’s best places to uncover the city’s preserved history.
Originally a high-end traditional Japanese restaurant called Somaya, Somaro is a maiko teahouse where dance performances by maiko (trainee geisha) are held daily. The building in which Somaro is located was built during the later half of Edo Period (1603–1868), some time 200 years ago.
With direct influence from Kyoto reflected in its architecture and design, Somaro offers a glimpse of Japan’s old cultural capital right in the Tohoku Region.
Equipped with a Japanese garden, many tearooms, a cafe called The Maiko Cafe, and a performance hall, the cultural experiences you can enjoy here are endless.
For instance, on the 2nd floor, there is the reception floor which acts as the performance hall for Sakata maiko. Here, you can watch dance performances performed by the maiko scheduled from 2pm on regular business days.
Containing three songs, the performance commences with “Sakata Jinku” (酒田甚句), which reflects the historical and cultural aspects of the area, particularly its bustling days when it thrived with the kitamaebune trade ships during the Edo Period.
The popular Maiko Entertainment Plan or Ozashiki Asobi Plan (お座敷遊びプラン) is a 2-hour, 30-minute private party plan with includes a meal filled with Yamagata delicacies, the maiko dance performance, and a tour of the museum. You can also take photos with the maiko performers after the show.
Particularly in spring time, for one month in March each year, Somaya’s traditional hina dolls are on display, which have been beautifully preserved over the years.
Please visit Somaro when you have the chance, especially during spring and summer.
Somaro (相馬樓)
Address: 1-2-20, Hiyoshi-cho, Sakata, Yamagata 998-0037
Access: 5-minute taxi ride from Sakata Station, or a 20-minute walk.
Other Attractions in Sakata City
But if you wish to delve deeper into Sakata City, here are some local recommendations and must-visit events:
Sakata City belongs to the Shonai Region, which is famous for its flourishing rice cultivation. Sakata City prospered as a port of call for Kitamaebune ships in the Edo Period where the culture of mercantile flourished, and traces of this rich history can still be felt around the city.
Apart from Somaro, you should also visit the Former Honma Family Residence (本間家旧本邸) and Honma Museum of Art (本間美術館), home to one of the wealthiest merchant families in Japan, whose buildings feature a unique fusion of traditional samurai houses and modern merchant houses.
Another must-see attraction in Sakata are the Sankyo-Soko Rice Storehouses (山居倉庫). A cultural landmark, these well-preserved storehouses were built in the Edo Period to store rice. They now house museums and exhibitions that showcase the region’s rich history and rice culture. The picturesque surroundings, including zelkova trees, add to the site’s charm and historical ambiance.
Notable seasonal events around the area include the Sakata Fireworks Festival in early August and the Hiroriyama Park Sakura Festival in mid April.
Lastly, if you are a lover of nature, look out for Mount Chokai (鳥海山), the symbol of the Shonai Region. Mount Haguro (羽黒山), one of the sacred mountains of the Three Mountains of Dewa (出羽三山 Dewa Sanzan) is also a must-visit when it comes to Yamagata’s power spots.
We hope to see you when you visit Sakata City and its attractive charms!
Sue Lynn
Currently based in Tokyo, Sue Lynn first came to Japan as a university exchange student. With 6 years of experience in Japan’s inbound tourism, she is familiar with Japan, particularly on rail passes and East Japan spots, and has a passion for travelling. Some of her favourite places in Japan include Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture and Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture.
Sue is also passionate about Japan’s thrifting culture, and is keen to uncover more anaba hidden gems while visiting all 47 prefectures during her stay in Japan. Sue’s 5Cs are cats, cameras, cinema, (vintage) Coach bags, and city pop. Ask her about how her favourite JR Pass (JR TOKYO Wide Pass) saved her life (and wallet).
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