Sakata, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Sakata, Japan? If you're planning to go to Sakata, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Sakata, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Sakata, Japan, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Sakata, Japan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sakata, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Sakata, Japan by month

January

If you visit Sakata during January, you might notice that it can be very chilly, extremely snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in this region can be very chilly, very snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time and snows most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

In March, Sakata is brisk, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Sakata, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you are traveling to Sakata in April, you will notice that it is crisp and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Sakata is crisp and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary type. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you are traveling to Sakata in June, you will notice that it is balmy and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

Traveling to Sakata in July, you will notice that it is warm and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

Traveling to Sakata in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you vacation in Sakata during September, you might see that it is warm and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

In October, Sakata is relatively cool and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) and regularly jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Sakata, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Sakata is brisk and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Sakata, with most of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in this region can be very chilly, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains most days and snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Sakata. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Kaiko-ji Temple, wear:

If you go to the Domon Ken Photography Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Sakata, Japan

Sakata, a beautiful city in Yamagata Prefecture in Japan, is well known for its unique character that’s rooted in traditional culture, but it still manages to bring a fresh vibe that matches the modern era. The city itself is situated in the western region of the Tohoku region and boasts several tourist attractions. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Sakata, Japan.

1. Sankyo Soko

Sankyo Soko is a remarkably well-preserved rice granary dating back to the Edo Period. It’s known for being one of the largest wooden granaries in Japan, measuring 180 meters in length and 15 meters in height. The granary houses several exhibitions showcasing various agricultural wares from the past, such as tools used for farming, textile production, and even horse-drawn carts. Visitors can enjoy traditional performances and events year-round, as well.

2. Mogami Gorge

Mogami Gorge, located in the central part of Yamagata Prefecture, is a magnificent stretch of river canyon that is beyond beautiful. The river runs through towering cliffs, and on the shore, visitors can find several natural hot springs, hiking trails, kayaking, and even camping sites. The autumn foliage at the gorge is incredibly picturesque, and during the spring and summer months, you can take a boat ride along the river for a serene view of the gorge.

3. Kyu-Kitamaebune Sakaba (Old Kitamaebune Sakaba)

Kyu-Kitamaebune Sakaba is a historically designed building that was once a sake brewery during the Edo period. It has now been renovated and transformed into a Japanese pub, where visitors can enjoy local food, drinks such as sake and shochu, and live music performances. The pub also functions as the Sakata Tourism Bureau where visitors can learn more about the city and its surrounding regions.

4. Honma Yosegi Museum

Honma Yosegi Museum is a classy little museum showcasing traditional and intricately designed wooden crafts known as Yosegi-Zaiku. Many of the pieces available for viewing have been created by accomplished artisans who have been designated as “Sakata Traditional Craftsman.” Visitors can marvel at the incredible craftsmanship and even learn a few tricks of the trade from the demonstration area within the museum.

5. Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum

Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum is a museum dedicated to the memory of the famous feudal lord, Yoshiaki Mogami. The museum exhibits various types of ancient weaponry, armors, and clothing that depict the life and times of the former ruler. Visitors can also see a replica of the lord's former residence, which is surrounded by an exquisite Japanese garden.

Sakata is a relaxing and charming city that genuinely reflects on traditional Japanese culture. The city’s rich history and contemporary flair is an ideal destination for travelers who seek a bit of everything. Tourists can enjoy wandering through the streets, admiring the sights and sounds of a bygone era, and appreciate the city's beautiful spiritual spots, delicious dining experiences, and cultural activities.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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