Sanno Club

Sanno Club stands as a preserved testament to Sakata's prosperous merchant past, housed in a building that dates back to 1895. Originally constructed as the high-class restaurant Uhachiro and designed by renowned local architect Yasutaro Sato, the establishment served wealthy merchants and featured elegant azalea gardens along with maiko and geisha entertainment. After closing during World War II in 1941, it reopened as Sanno Club in 1946 and operated for over five decades before being donated to Sakata City. The building reopened as a tourist facility in 2008 and is now recognized as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan.

The facility's primary cultural significance lies in its spectacular display of kasafuku, traditional hanging ornaments that represent one of Japan's three major tsurushi decorations alongside similar crafts from Izu and Yanagawa. The centerpiece features 999 individual ornaments suspended from a 2-meter diameter umbrella in the expansive 106-tatami mat hall on the second floor, each piece hand-sewn with prayers for health and family happiness. The name kasafuku translates to umbrella fortune, combining traditional symbolism with intricate craftsmanship. Many pieces incorporate distinctive Yamagata materials including Shonai silk and safflower-dyed fabrics that cannot be found elsewhere.

Visitors can explore multiple exhibition spaces across two floors. The first floor presents displays related to the kitamaebune cargo ships of the Edo period, artworks by famous Japanese doll maker Jusaburo Tsujimura, a traditional tearoom, and a souvenir shop selling kasafuku ornaments and craft kits. The second floor includes the kasafuku hall and the Yumeji Room, where celebrated Taisho-era painter Takehisa Yumeji stayed during his visits. The facility offers hands-on kasafuku-making workshops where local artisans teach visitors to create their own ornaments, though reservations are required for this experience.

Sanno Club is positioned next to Hiyoriyama Park and within walking distance of the Somaro maiko teahouse. The venue sits approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Sakata Station, though visitors can also reach it via the Runrun Bus or Shonai Kotsu buses which take around 18-20 minutes and cost 200-260 yen. An on-site parking lot accommodates 34 vehicles. Standard admission costs 410 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school students, and 120 yen for elementary and junior high school students, with fees increasing to 800 yen during special exhibition periods.