Sakata
Sakata in Bloom: Canal Walks and Cherry Blossoms on Japan’s Sea Coast
Sakata was one of those ports that surprised me, in the best way. I arrived by cruise ship in early April, just in time to catch the start of cherry blossom season. After hopping on the shuttle into town, I set off on an independent walking tour with no fixed plan except to explore and soak up the atmosphere. This turned out to be one of my favorite days for photography on the entire trip.
My first stop was the Sankyo Soko Rice Warehouses, a picturesque area lined with traditional white storehouses and a tranquil canal. The winding wooden footbridge and quiet water made for great photos, especially with reflections of the old rooftops and trees in bloom. Just down the way, I found one of the city’s decorative manhole covers, a small but artistic detail I love spotting in Japanese towns. I noticed some striking wisteria-like branches and pink plum blossoms just starting to open up, twisting beautifully in front of the warehouse.
I passed by the Somaro teahouse, known for its connection to Sakata’s geisha culture. Though I didn’t stop for tea, the historic building and carefully manicured trees made it worth the detour.
After that, it was uphill to Shimohie Shrine, where I found a quiet collection of buildings, red torii gates, and a playful maneki-neko statue tucked away in an alley. The contrast between tradition and whimsy made it a charming stop.
Eventually, I made my way over to Hiyoriyama Park, where the atmosphere was totally different. A spring festival was in full swing. Families were spread out on the lawn with picnic blankets, vendors were selling snacks and balloons, and a wooden sailboat floated in a pond near the old wooden lighthouse. The whole scene was framed by blooming cherry blossoms and soft pink lanterns hanging from the trees. It was a perfect moment of local life and seasonal joy.
On the walk back, I caught a glimpse of Mount Chokai, still capped in snow, from the ship. The view was majestic and a beautiful way to close out the day. After miles of walking and dozens of photos, I was more than ready to catch the shuttle back and rest my weary feet.
If You Have More Time…
- Homma Museum of Art – One of the oldest private art museums in Japan, showcasing a mix of Western and Japanese pieces with a peaceful garden to explore.
- Kaikoji Temple (Mummies Temple) – Home to the self-mummified remains of two Buddhist monks, this temple offers a unique look at ascetic practice in Japanese history.
- Former Abumiya Residence – A preserved Edo-period merchant house that offers a glimpse into the life of one of Sakata’s wealthiest families.
- Mount Chokai Lookout – On a clear day, head to one of the city’s viewpoints for stunning views of this towering mountain, often called Dewa Fuji.
- Sanno Club – A beautifully preserved building tied to Sakata’s geisha tradition with seasonal exhibitions and cultural events.