Key points of Sakata Port
- The passenger ship will dock at Pier No. 1 of Furuminato Wharf. It takes about 10-15 minutes by taxi to JR Sakata Station, and a shuttle bus (for a fee) to the Nakamachi area may be available.
- The town retains traces of its past as a thriving port town thanks to the Kitamae-bune (northern trade ships), including the Sankyo Warehouse, a rice storage warehouse built in 1893, and the Soma-ro, a restaurant that preserves the culture of traditional Japanese restaurants.
- You can extend your trip to the Dewa Sanzan, which consists of Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono.
Last verified: September 29, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
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Visiting Japan on a cruise?
Landing permits, all-aboard time, cash and cards, getting around, tax-free shopping and what to do in an emergency: see our Port Day Guide for cruise passengers. Working on board? See the Crew Guide (shore leave, sign-on, shopping near the terminal).
Emergency: 110 police / 119 ambulance & fire / Japan Visitor Hotline +81-50-3816-2787 (24/7, English, Chinese, Korean)
What kind of port is Sakata Port?
Sakata Port is located at the mouth of the Mogami River and flourished as a port of call for Kitamae ships during the Edo period.
Docking location and access
| Main docking locations | Furuminato Wharf No. 1 Pier |
|---|---|
| JR Sakata Station | Approximately 10-15 minutes by car. A shuttle bus (for a fee) to the Nakamachi area may be available. |
| Shonai Airport | Approximately 30 minutes by car or bus. |
Useful information about the port (tourist information, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi)
This information provides helpful tips for getting around Sakata Port, specifically from Furuminato Wharf where cruise ships arrive, and for sightseeing (based on official information).
| Shuttle bus | It is scheduled to operate between the pier and the Nakamachi area (city center) (for Princess Cruises, a paid service). By taxi, it takes about 15 minutes to Sakata Station. |
|---|---|
| Tourist Information Center | Sakata Station Tourist Information Center (1-10-1 Saiwai-cho, Sakata City, inside "Miraini" in front of the station, 1 minute walk from Sakata Station). 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. TEL 0234-24-2454 |
| Bicycle rental and luggage | Free bicycle rentals are available at the Sakata Station Tourist Information Center. Coin lockers are also available. |
If you want to withdraw Japanese yen using a card issued overseas,Seven Bank ATM(Seven-Eleven, etc.)Japan Post Bank ATMIt's convenient. You can find ATMs on the map below.
Docking locations, shuttle bus services, and facility operating hours may vary depending on the port call date and weather conditions. Please also check the information provided on board the ship. (Date of confirmation: September 30, 2026 Source:Princess Cruises "2026 Japan Departure/Arrival Cruise Port and Shuttle Bus Information"、Sakata Tourism and Products Association: "Please use the tourist information center in front of Sakata Station.")
Recommended ways to spend your time depending on the length of your port call
half day
- Sankyo Warehouse: A rice storage warehouse built in 1893 (Meiji 26). The row of zelkova trees is beautiful.
- Soma-ro: A facility that preserves the restaurant culture of the Edo period.
Day 1
- Dewa Sanzan: A collective term for Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono.
Port town cuisine
- Fruits from Shonai: The taste of Yamagata, the kingdom of fruit, including cherries and La France pears.
You can post reviews of places you've actually visited by clicking "Write a review" at the bottom of this page.
Map of shops around the port
These are seafood restaurants around Sakata Port. Clicking on a restaurant on the map will allow you to check its opening hours and customer reviews (Google Maps). Please check in advance whether the restaurant is open on the day of the port call.
Upcoming cruise ship calls (next 30 days)
- Wed, Oct 7 This weekWesterdamArr. 08:00 / Dep. 19:00
- Sat, Oct 10MSC BellissimaArr. 08:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Mon, Oct 19MSC BellissimaArr. 08:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Tue, Oct 20WesterdamArr. 10:00 / Dep. 18:00
- Mon, Oct 26MITSUI OCEAN SAKURAArr. — / Dep. 12:00
- Wed, Oct 28MSC BellissimaArr. 08:30 / Dep. 17:00
- Thu, Oct 29MITSUI OCEAN SAKURAArr. 09:00 / Dep. —
See all arrivals in Japan Source: WEB CRUISE arrival calendar (Japanese). Schedules may change due to weather. Most piers are restricted areas; please watch ships from public parks and observation spots.
Major passenger ships that call at this port
- MSC Bellissima3 calls
- Westerdam2 calls
- MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA2 calls
- SH Minerva1 call
- ASUKA II1 call
- Azamara Pursuit1 call
The number of port calls was compiled based on scheduled arrivals from July 2026 to October 2026 (as of September 29, 2026). You can view the ship's introduction page by clicking on the ship name link. Source:WEB CRUISE "Cruise Ship Port Arrival Calendar"Please note that schedules are subject to change, so check the port's official website for the latest information.
From July to October, typhoons can cause skipped port calls or changed port times. See our typhoon and cruise guide for refunds and how to prepare.
FAQ
Q1How do I get from Furuminato Wharf to the city center?
It's about a 10-15 minute taxi ride. A shuttle bus (for a fee) to the Nakamachi area may also be available.
Q2How do I get from Sakata Port to the city center?
A shuttle bus (for a fee) is scheduled to operate between the pier and the Nakamachi area (in the case of Princess Cruises). By taxi, it takes about 15 minutes to Sakata Station.
Q3Is there a tourist information center in Sakata?
The Sakata Station Tourist Information Center is located inside "Miraini" in front of Sakata Station (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM). Free bicycle rentals are also available.
Source/Reference Information
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ports and Harbors Bureau, "Ports Nationwide"
- Japan Tourism Agency / Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "CRUISE PORT GUIDE OF JAPAN"
- Princess Cruises "2026 Japan Departure/Arrival Cruise Port and Shuttle Bus Information"
Last updated: September 29, 2026. Information is subject to change. Please let us know of any inaccuracies or issues you notice through reviews or inquiries.

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