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Yamakura Warehouse

山形県

general.prefecture.

Sakata's rice storage warehouses, which were once bustling as rice export ports

The Yamakura Warehouse has become a symbol of the rice-producing region of Sagami and is also famous as a location for the NHK TV drama "Oshin". The stunning architecture, which is hard to believe was built during the Meiji period, and the tree-lined streets filled with blooming keyaki trees are just a few of the many attractions.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic TownscapeHistory

Highlights

Point 1

Location for the TV Drama "Oshin"!

The Yamakura Warehouse is a historic building designated by the national government in March 2021. Built by the former feudal lord Sakai family in 1893, this warehouse was used to store rice and symbolizes the history of Sakata, which was once a bustling rice exporting port. The Yamakura Warehouse was also used as a location for the NHK morning drama "Oshin," making its presence and beauty known to many people. In addition to its historical value as a building, the Yamakura Warehouse also has cultural influence and is a source of pride for the local community. Visitors can have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Sakata. With its dignified appearance, the Yamakura Warehouse is a beloved and important part of the community, conveying the history of Sakata to both locals and tourists alike.

Point 2

Agricultural Warehouses Known for their White Walls and Storehouses!

The Yamago Warehouse is a group of buildings that were used as agricultural warehouses. Of the 12 warehouses known for their white walls and storehouses, 9 functioned as agricultural warehouses until 2022. These agricultural warehouses were built for the purpose of storing rice, and their storage capacity reaches up to 10,800 tons (180,000 bushels). To prevent the temperature inside the warehouses from rising, keyaki trees are planted behind them, and double roofs are used to prevent moisture. These are the wisdom and ingenuity of our ancestors who utilized the power of nature. The agricultural warehouses of Yamago Warehouse have played an important role in the storage and management of local rice. Their historical architectural style and functional features are evaluated as wise designs that fit the agricultural technology and climate of the time. Currently, some of them are used as tourist facilities and museums, and have become an important presence in conveying the history of Sakata and agriculture!

Point 3

Sakata Yume no Kuraku, where you can buy souvenirs from Sakata!

画像引用：山形県公式観光サイトやまがたへの旅

Sakata Yume no Kuraku, located in the Yamakura Warehouse, is a tourist facility that opened in 2004 after renovating two warehouses. These warehouses are still active as agricultural warehouses and are known as a symbol of Sakata. Sakata Yume no Kuraku offers a wide variety of Sakata souvenirs, allowing tourists to purchase various items. In addition, there are light meals and dining areas where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy taking commemorative photos in the beautiful Keyaki-lined street of the Yamakura Warehouse while experiencing Sakata's souvenirs and history.

Point 4

Introducing Shonai Rice History Museum, Showcasing the History of Sakata

The Shonai Rice History Museum at Yamakura Warehouse is a facility that introduces the history of Sakata. Here, various exhibits are on display, including the Kamekasa Hoko, a float made by the wealthy Honma family of Sakata during the Edo period. At the Shonai Rice History Museum, you can learn about the rich history and culture of rice in Sakata. The history of rice cultivation in Sakata, rice cultivation methods, and rice processing techniques are introduced, and various exhibits and explanations related to rice are conducted. In addition, there are exhibits on the history of the wealthy Honma family of Sakata and the Kamekasa Hoko they created. The Kamekasa Hoko is a gorgeous float used in Sakata's festival, and its history and significance are also explained in detail. By visiting the Shonai Rice History Museum, you can experience the culture and history of rice in Sakata. Through exhibits and explanations, you can deepen your understanding of Sakata's rich agricultural culture.

Point 5

Over 150-year-old Zelkova Tree-lined Street!

The Zelkova tree-lined street at Sankyo Warehouse is an attractive row of 35 Zelkova trees over 150 years old. The changing colors of the trees depending on the season fascinate visitors. In spring, fresh green leaves sprout and sway in the wind. In summer, the dense green leaves form a green tunnel. In autumn, the leaves change color, creating a beautiful landscape of golden and reddish leaves. In winter, the leaves fall, leaving only the branches in a dignified form. The changing scenery of the Zelkova tree-lined street with the seasons gives visitors a rich and emotional experience. You can spend a relaxing time while enjoying the beautiful colors and scenery of each season. The Zelkova tree-lined street is a symbolic presence of Sankyo Warehouse and is loved by people as one of the tourist attractions in Sakata City!

Sightseeing

Symbolic Cultural Warehouse of Shonai, the Rice Capital

The Yamakura Warehouse has become a symbol of Shonai, the rice capital. Built in 1893, this warehouse was originally used for storing rice. Sakata was once a thriving rice export port, and the Yamakura Warehouse is a reminder of that history. It was also used as a location for the NHK morning drama "Oshin." The Yamakura Warehouse consists of nine buildings made of white walls and traditional storehouse construction, and could store up to 10,800 tons (180,000 koku) of rice. To prevent high summer temperatures, zelkova trees were planted behind it, and a double roof was installed to prevent moisture inside, making it a low-temperature warehouse that utilized nature. However, after 129 years of service, it ended its role as an agricultural warehouse in September 2022. The Yamakura Warehouse site also includes the Sakata City Tourist Product Hall "Sakata Yume-no-Kura" and the Shonai Rice History Museum, attracting many tourists. One of the highlights is the zelkova-lined street consisting of 35 zelkova trees over 150 years old, which changes color depending on the season and fascinates visitors. The Yamakura Warehouse is a charming tourist spot where you can enjoy a landscape that harmonizes history and nature.

Access

Access in about 13 minutes by car from Sakata IC!

When accessing the Yamakura Warehouse by public transportation, it's about a 20-minute walk from JR Sakata Station. Alternatively, take the Shonai Kotsu bus bound for Tsuruoka and get off in front of the Yamakura Warehouse, which is just a 1-minute walk away. If you're using a private car, take National Route 7 via Sakata IC on the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway and you'll arrive in about 13 minutes over a distance of approximately 6.5 km. With ample parking available, it's also convenient to access by car. By using these access methods, you can enjoy the history and scenery of the Yamakura Warehouse.

Basic Information

	Address	1-8 Yamakicho, Sakata-shi, Yamagata 998-0838
	Business Hours	Sorry, unable to translate as the input is not a sentence in Japanese.
	TEL	0234-23-7470
	Web Site	http://www.city.sakata.lg.jp/bunka/bunkazai/bunkazaishisetsu/sankyosouko.html

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