Day in My Life in Japan: Escaping Tokyo

@Abroad in Japan

Abroad in Japanyoutubethe post

Escape Tokyo for a refreshing road trip through the Yamagata countryside, revisiting old haunts, meeting locals, and exploring temples and scenic views.

2 plans · 6 places · 7 experiences

Plan · 3 places · Sakata, Japan

A Day in Sakata: Cycling, Pizza, and Local Encounters

“Spend a morning cycling around Sakata, discovering hidden temples and enjoying a unique walking pizza, meeting friendly locals along the way.”

Experience · 1 place
Cycling through Sakata's hidden gems
Grab an e-bike and just cycle around Sakata. You'll be amazed at what you discover, like temples you never knew existed. It's a rewarding way to see the town, especially since it's off the main tourist path, so you won't see many other foreigners. The e-bike makes it effortless, even though Sakata has seen better days, the locals keep everything well-maintained.
1
Sakata
city · Sakata
Sakata is a city on the northwest coast of Japan’s Honshu Island. In the center, Sankyo Soko is a group of warehouses built in 1893. One now contains the Historical Museum of Shonai Rice. The Honma Museum of Art includes antiques displayed in a 19th-century villa. The Ken Domon Museum of Photography is dedicated to the revered social realist photographer. North of the city, trails lead to up Mount Chōkai volcano.
Sakata, Yamagata, Japan
Kushikatsu platter — A platter of kushikatsu, featuring various battered and fried skewers like wiener sausage, bacon, and cheese. A good size for sharing and enjoying the izakaya atmosphere.
Experience · 1 place
Discovering the Sakata Daibutsu
Seek out the Sakata Daibutsu, a great Buddha statue tucked away in a kindergarten. It's a hidden gem that even I, having lived here for years, never saw. You might need a local, like the monk Otaki-san, to show you the way, as it's not a typical tourist spot. The current statue was rebuilt by the monk's father almost 30 years ago, replacing one taken during WWI.
2
Sakata Daibutsu
Tourist attraction · Sakata
4.1 (7)
Great Buddha of Sakata, 1 Chome-4 Hiyoshicho, Sakata, Yamagata 998-0037, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Trying a patented walking pizza
Stop by Ari Pizza for their patented 'walking pizza.' It's not a crepe, it's a delicious pizza filled with bacon, cheese, and tomato, designed to be eaten on the go. The shopkeepers are incredibly friendly, making it a delightful experience. They're very proud of their patent, so don't try to steal the idea!
3
Ari Pizza
restaurant · Sakata
Sakata is a city on the northwest coast of Japan’s Honshu Island. In the center, Sankyo Soko is a group of warehouses built in 1893. One now contains the Historical Museum of Shonai Rice. The Honma Museum of Art includes antiques displayed in a 19th-century villa. The Ken Domon Museum of Photography is dedicated to the revered social realist photographer. North of the city, trails lead to up Mount Chōkai volcano.
Sakata, Yamagata, Japan

Plan · 4 places · Yamagata, Japan

Yamagata Countryside Escape: Hike, Sunset, and Nightlife

“Escape to the Yamagata countryside for a full day: hike the challenging stairs of Yamadera, catch a beautiful sunset on the west coast, and finish with dinner and drinks in Sakata.”

Experience · 1 place
Hiking the 1,000 stairs of Yamadera
Embark on the hike up Yamadera, one of my favorite places in Japan. The forest is ethereal, with gushing streams, waterfalls, and red lacquer bridges. There are 2,446 stairs leading to the temple at the top, but you can stop halfway at a cafe for matcha green tea and enjoy the forest views. It's stunning, especially in early summer with lush greenery and flowers. Be warned, it gets very steep, but the reward is an incredible view and a sense of accomplishment. This is probably top of my list of things to do in the Shonai Plain.
4
Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
Buddhist temple · Yamagata
4.5 (9,388)Closed · opens Monday 8 AM
Hundreds of steps form a mountain path to a centuries-old Buddhist temple with panoramic views.
Risshaku-ji Temple (Yamadera), 4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, 999-3301, Japan
Freshly made mochi with red bean paste — Soft, freshly made mochi served with sweet red bean paste. A perfect treat to refuel after climbing the stairs at Yamadera.
Mushroom soup — A very salty and delicious mushroom soup, ideal for rehydrating and getting some savory flavor after a strenuous hike.
Experience · 1 place
Sunset on the West Coast of Japan
Head to the west coast of Japan to catch a fine sunset. Hakan Island, with its shrine on top, offers a picturesque view. It's a beautiful way to end the day, enjoying the coastal scenery after a day of exploring the countryside.
5
Hakan Island
island · Sakata
Sakata is a city on the northwest coast of Japan’s Honshu Island. In the center, Sankyo Soko is a group of warehouses built in 1893. One now contains the Historical Museum of Shonai Rice. The Honma Museum of Art includes antiques displayed in a 19th-century villa. The Ken Domon Museum of Photography is dedicated to the revered social realist photographer. North of the city, trails lead to up Mount Chōkai volcano.
Sakata, Yamagata, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Dinner and English lessons at an Izakaya
Enjoy a dinner of kushikatsu (battered skewers) at a local izakaya in Sakata with Natski. It's one of the few restaurants Natski is allowed in! The vibe is great, sitting on tatami mats and eating a platter of sausages. You might even get an impromptu English lesson from Natski, comparing American and British accents.
1
Sakata
city · Sakata
Sakata is a city on the northwest coast of Japan’s Honshu Island. In the center, Sankyo Soko is a group of warehouses built in 1893. One now contains the Historical Museum of Shonai Rice. The Honma Museum of Art includes antiques displayed in a 19th-century villa. The Ken Domon Museum of Photography is dedicated to the revered social realist photographer. North of the city, trails lead to up Mount Chōkai volcano.
Sakata, Yamagata, Japan
Kushikatsu platter — A platter of kushikatsu, featuring various battered and fried skewers like wiener sausage, bacon, and cheese. A good size for sharing and enjoying the izakaya atmosphere.
Experience · 1 place
Drinks at Union Jack Collector Bar
Finish your long day at Union Jack Collector, a downtown bar run by Tenchan, Natski's former bandmate and a really nice guy. Despite the British theme, it's the owner's hospitality that makes it a great spot. It's a place I used to frequent when I lived here, and it's a perfect way to cap off a day in Sakata.
6
Union Jack Collector
Bar · Sakata
4.9 (20)Closed · opens tomorrow 8 PM
UNION JACK COLLECTOR, 1 Chome-6-9 Hiyoshicho, Sakata, Yamagata 998-0037, Japan

7 extraction issues

collection "A Day in Sakata: Cycling, Pizza, and Local Encounters": member in a shape the assembler does not write: {"meId":1,"meRef":"ing_1GhoXzK8F1I_me_0"}
collection "A Day in Sakata: Cycling, Pizza, and Local Encounters": member in a shape the assembler does not write: {"meId":2,"meRef":"ing_1GhoXzK8F1I_me_1"}
collection "A Day in Sakata: Cycling, Pizza, and Local Encounters": member in a shape the assembler does not write: {"meId":3,"meRef":"ing_1GhoXzK8F1I_me_2"}
collection "Yamagata Countryside Escape: Hike, Sunset, and Nightlife": member in a shape the assembler does not write: {"meId":4,"meRef":"ing_1GhoXzK8F1I_me_3"}
collection "Yamagata Countryside Escape: Hike, Sunset, and Nightlife": member in a shape the assembler does not write: {"meId":5,"meRef":"ing_1GhoXzK8F1I_me_4"}
collection "Yamagata Countryside Escape: Hike, Sunset, and Nightlife": member in a shape the assembler does not write: {"meId":6,"meRef":"ing_1GhoXzK8F1I_me_5"}
collection "Yamagata Countryside Escape: Hike, Sunset, and Nightlife": member in a shape the assembler does not write: {"meId":7,"meRef":"ing_1GhoXzK8F1I_me_6"}