Sankyo Warehouses

The Sankyo Warehouses (山居倉庫, Sankyo Sōko) are a striking row of traditional rice storehouses dating back to 1893. Set beside a quiet river and shaded by tall Zelkova trees, the site offers a scenic glimpse into the city’s past. Of the 15 buildings, many are still in active use for storing rice from the fertile Shonai Plain, a region famous for producing some of Japan’s highest-quality rice. Sakata’s position on a historic coastal trade route once made it a key hub for rice distribution, with these warehouses at the heart of the operation.

At the front of the complex, the Yume no Kura buildings welcome visitors with a souvenir shop offering local products, a restaurant serving regional dishes, and a small museum on Sakata’s culture. Toward the back stands the Historical Museum of Shonai Rice (currently closed), which formerly showcased farming tools and hands-on exhibits about rice harvesting. The area remains popular for its riverside setting, traditional buildings, and the peaceful, tree-lined paths that surround this historic site.