Soma Building

Soma Building

The Soma Building is situated in the city center of Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, in northeastern Japan. Originally a representative high-end restaurant in Sakata during the Edo period (1603–1867), it was listed as a nationally registered cultural property building in 1996. The restored Soma Building is now a performance and practice space where visitors can dine while enjoying the dances of the Sakata maiko, a traditional entertainment culture that emerged from trade between Kyoto and Osaka. Guests can savor refined, delicious cuisine while watching these performances.

The Soma Building is a small red-walled structure exuding an elegant atmosphere and reflecting the glory of Sakata during the Edo period. The two-story building features a 20-tatami mat room on the first floor used as a tea room and light snack area ("chabako rest area"), while the large second-floor room functions as a performance hall where guests can enjoy meals accompanied by maiko dances. The former kitchen has been converted into a practice space for Sakata maiko. In addition, the Soma Building displays traditional Japanese Hina dolls used in the March 3rd Girl’s Day celebrations, as well as bijin-ga (beautiful women paintings) by artist Kitagawa Utamaro. There is also a shop selling traditional Japanese goods, offering visitors a rich taste of Japanese culture.

Soma-ro

Must-visit reason: One of Sakata’s most important historic buildings

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Yamagata Prefecture [Yamagata Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Sakata [Sakata]