Touch the elegant world of Sakata's dancing geisha at Maiko Chaya Somarō, a renovated restaurant operating since the Edo period
About this spot
A representative tourist spot in Sakata, this is a renovated building of "Somaya," a restaurant that thrived since the Edo period. The wooden main building is a nationally registered tangible cultural asset. The interior features striking crimson walls and red staircases, with period furnishings and hina dolls on display, vividly conveying the geisha culture of Sakata as a port of call for North Front Ships. This is also a practice and performance space for Sakata's dancing geisha, and on performance days, you can enjoy their elegant dances up close. The building also houses the Takehisa Yumeji Art Museum, allowing you to experience the world of Taisho-era romanticism as well. The interplay of light streaming through corridor windows and vivid colors is so beautiful that photography enthusiasts will find themselves mesmerized, losing track of time.
Tips
About 5 minutes by car from Yamaoikura Warehouse, located on the way toward Hiyoriyama Park. Check the official website in advance for closure days, business hours, performance dates and times, and reservation methods for Sakata's dancing geisha. As you remove your shoes inside the building, wearing easy-to-remove footwear makes things smoother.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour required. The morning hours allow for relatively quiet, leisurely viewing. If you want to watch a performance, plan to arrive at the scheduled performance time
Access & map
〒998-0037 Yamagata Prefecture, Sakata City, Hiyoshi Town, 1-chome, 2-20
Model course featuring this spot
Sakata: Yamaoikura Warehouse and Port Town Seafood Tour
Yamagata
Explore features & model courses
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