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@copyright: Somaro
What is Sakata Maiko?
Based in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Sakata Maiko represents the elegance of traditional Japanese arts. They perform classical dances and music, continuing the legacy of geisha culture from the Edo period. You can meet Sakata Maiko at Somaro, a beautifully restored historical teahouse.
@Copyright: Sakata Tourist Association
Historical Background
The tradition of Sakata Maiko is deeply related to the city’s history as a thriving port during the Edo period.
・The Kitamae-bune Connection: Sakata prospered greatly from the Kitamae-bune shipping route, which connected the northern regions with cultural centers such as Kyoto and Osaka. In addition to trading rice and goods, the Kitamae-bune introduced refined culture to Sakata."
・The birth of a teahouse, Somaya: The entertainment culture of Kyoto was imported to Sakata, leading to the establishment of high-class restaurants and teahouses like Somaya (now renamed as Somaro). These were hosted for the wealthy merchants, making the Maiko a symbol of Sakata’s prosperity.
@Copyright: Somaro
@Copyright: Sakata Tourist Association
・Sakata Maiko System: After the decline of popular entertainment culture due to the changing of the lifestyle, Somaro was beautifully restored and reopened, hoping that the elegant performing arts of Sakata continue to be preserved. The Sakata Maiko system, established in 1990, is a cultural revival project that trains young performers to inherit the traditions of Sakata’s geisha and hospitality culture.
Characteristics
@Copyright: Somaro
While there are similarities between Kyoto Maiko and Sakata Maiko, Sakata Maiko has a unique charm rooted in its local culture. They perform the Sakata Jinku, a traditional Japanese folk song that celebrates the rich culture and prosperity of Sakata. Unlike the highly formal Kyoto Maiko, the Sakata Maiko are more approachable, frequently appearing at public events and local tourist festivals, not just private engagements. Through their dances, we can sense Sakata’s history and beauty.
@Copylight: Somaro
Current activities as a “Sakata Tourism Exchange Meister”
They attended welcome events for large cruise ships arriving at Sakata Port. In recent years, they have also performed not only in Japan but also in other countries such as Russia, China, and Taiwan to play a role as cultural ambassadors, promoting tourism and Japanese culture.
To know more
Welcome to Sakata Maiko!
Invitation to Somaro
Wall painting by Robert Vargas, an American Artist known for his massive portrait of MLB star Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles
More information
Somaro Official Website https://www.somaro.net
Sakata Sanpo https://sakata-kankou.com
Sakata City Official Website https://sakatacity.com
Direct Voice from Kosuzu-san, Master Instructor of Sakata Maiko
The culture of geisha and the entertainment district in Sakata was introduced through the Kitamae-bune trading ships. Sakata Port prospered greatly in the Edo period, and it was praised in the saying, “Sakai in the west, Sakata in the east.” The geisha of Sakata played an important role in supporting this spirit of hospitality. From around 1800, the entertainment district of Sakata flourished. Although it was only a small port town, more than one hundred geisha were active there. As time passed, by the early Heisei era, only a few geisha in their eighties remained. In order to preserve the history of the port town, the business community of Sakata established the group “Sakata Maiko” in 1990. Even under the strong influence of changing times, the tradition has been handed down, and today five performers continue it. Although succession and preservation are becoming more difficult, we hope to keep this culture alive as a form of Japanese hospitality. Through graceful dance and a pure way of life, we aim to preserve traditional culture. Looking to the future, even under population decline, we are striving to maintain this tradition as a representative form of classical hospitality in Tohoku.
@Copyright: Somaro
Go Visit Somaro!!
Somaro is a traditional Japanese teahouse which has a history of over 200 years. Today, it is famous for:
・Daily Maiko performances: Sakata Maiko perform elegant dances and music in colorful kimono.
・Traditional architecture: The building preserves the style of old Japan with beautiful tearooms and gardens.
・Art gallery: It features works by Takehisa Yumeji, a famous Japanese artist known for romantic and modern Japanese paintings.
・Cultural experience: Visitors can enjoy tea, sweets, and refined entertainment culture.
How to Get to Somaro
You can reach Somaro in Sakata City by walking, taxi, or bus from Sakata Station. It's about a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
Address: Somaro, 1-2-20 Hiyoshicho, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 998-0037 Japan
By Train from Tokyo:
・Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Niigata Station (about 2 hours).
・Transfer to a limited express train from Niigata to Sakata Station (about 2 hours).
From Sakata Station to Somaro:
Taxi: About 6 minutes.
Walk: About 20 minutes.
References
References
Yamagata Shonai Tourism Website. (n.d.). Sakata maiko tanjō 30-nen no ayumi [30 years of Sakata Maiko]. Mokkedano.net. https://mokkedano.net/
Travel Voice. (2023, January 10). Yamagata Prefecture and DMO turn Sakata Maiko into an experiential tourism content: Interview with a geisha leader on Hanamachi culture × tourism. Travel Voice. https://www.travelvoice.jp/20230110-152469
Shonai Trip Catalog. (n.d.). Graceful, pure, and captivating: What is Sakata Maiko, the elegant tradition continuing into modern times? Trip Catalog (Shonai Airport). https://trip-catalog.shonai-airport.co.jp/introduce/article69r04/
By Saito Shiono, Saito Hinaki from Sakata Higashi High School, Yamagata
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