Sakata (Sakata City, Yamagata Pref.)

During the Edo Period (17th to 19th centuries), locally harvested rice and safflower (from which dye is derived) were shipped to Osaka and Edo (Tokyo) and the prosperity of Sakata as a port town was well known across the land. A miniature replica of a Japanese-style "Sengokubune" ship (literally, a thousand rice-bale ship) used to transport the rice in those days is on display in Hiyoriyama Park.

Sengokubune:

A large scale transport vessel used in Japan in the 18th century to transport rice.

In reflecting the prosperity enjoyed by this town, every luxury imaginable was lavished on warehouses and the residences and social gathering places of merchants. There are many examples of Japanese architecture remaining in Sakata that can no longer be found elsewhere.

Items that were made using innovative arts that have not been passed down from generation to generation also exist and have become valuable assets.

Unique events for every season are held in Sakata: a cherry blossom festival in spring, a port festival, and other festivals, ranging from the Sakata Festival to the Kandara Festival held in winter, a locally-brewed sake fair, and the Sakata Hinakaido Festival.

Guide services and materials have also been prepared in foreign languages in order to welcome tourists from overseas.