Yamagumi Storehouses

Overview

Yamagumi Storehouses are historic rice storehouses located in Sakata City, designated as a national historic site. Built in 1893 (Meiji 26), these storehouses have become a beloved symbol of Sakata City. The twelve remaining storehouses preserve the scenery of old rice storage warehouses, allowing visitors to feel a sense of history. The structure incorporates the ingenuity of the time, including a zelkova tree grove that helps prevent high temperatures in summer, and a double roof to prevent moisture inside. Inside the storehouses, you can find the Shonai Rice History Museum and the Sakata Yume no Kuraku (Sakata Dream Club) tourist information center, where you can learn about the history of rice storage and Sakata's past. Yamagumi Storehouses are also famous as a filming location for the NHK serial drama "Oshin." The rice wholesaler in Sakata where Oshin worked in the drama is modeled after these storehouses, making them a popular pilgrimage site for fans of the show. Yamagumi Storehouses are a tourist spot where you can experience history and culture. Take your time strolling through, imagining the Meiji-era architectural style and the daily lives of people at that time. The cobblestone path behind the storehouses is also a popular photo spot with a retro atmosphere; be sure to take some commemorative photos.