Sankyo Soko Rice Warehouses Guide
Sankyo Soko: Whispers of History in Sakata's Rice Granaries Guide
Discover the charm and history of the Sankyo Soko Rice Warehouses in Sakata, Japan. These iconic warehouses, a row of twelve structures with distinctive red brick and black tiled roofs, stand as a testament to Sakata's rich history as a major rice trading port. More than just storage facilities, the Sankyo Soko are a symbol of the city's prosperity and a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture. Built in 1893, the Sankyo Soko were designed to store rice harvested from the surrounding Shonai Plain, one of Japan's most fertile rice-growing regions. The warehouses played a crucial role in Sakata's economic development, facilitating the trade and distribution of rice throughout the country. The design of the warehouses incorporates innovative features to protect the rice from moisture and temperature fluctuations, ensuring its quality and longevity. The Zelkova trees planted along the back of the warehouses act as a natural windbreak and help to regulate the temperature inside. Today, the Sankyo Soko have been repurposed and offer a variety of attractions for visitors. Some warehouses house the Shonai Rice Historical Museum, where you can learn about the history of rice cultivation and trade in the region. Others have been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants, offering local crafts and cuisine. Take a stroll along the canal that runs in front of the warehouses, admire the reflection of the buildings in the water, and soak in the atmosphere of this historic site. The *Kaidokoro* restaurant within the warehouses offers local specialties, including rice dishes made with freshly harvested Shonai rice.
Transportation
From JR Sakata Station, take the Shonai Kotsu bus bound for Sankyo Soko-mae (山居倉庫前). The ride takes approximately 10 minutes. The warehouses are located right in front of the bus stop.