Somaro
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Dating back over 200 years to the Edo Period, Somaro is a maiko teahouse and museum in the northern port city of Sakata. It is one of the very few places outside of Kyoto where geisha culture can be enjoyed. Originally called Soma-ya, Somaro's geisha culture was brought up to Northern Japan through the thriving trade ties that once existed between Kyoto and Sakata. During that time, Somaro served as an entertainment destination and exquisite restaurant for the many merchants and shipping agents who shuffled through this city. Beautifully restored in 2000, Somaro is a museum and maiko dance house that preserves and showcases the splendor of Sakata's geisha culture.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
70 reviews
Excellent
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12
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Daschmitz
Lithgow, Australia39 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
hubby and I caught the Kira Kira Uetsu train from Niigata to Sakata for fun. It's a lovely windy scenic journey.
Anyways, Somaro.
Hubby suggested to me on a whim to visit 'this geisha place cos we didn't see geishas in Kyoto'. We caught a taxi from Sakata train station to the Geiko/Maiko house.
This is the first and only (so far) time I have been to one of these places. It is exquisite. I loved all the different entertaining rooms, how they were differently themed, yet each theme flowed into the next. I loved the merchant history of the area reflected in some of the artworks and the little art museum inside the main hall downstairs.
All throughout the place was the smell of Camphor. The creak of old wood under my feet. The stillness. It didn't matter which way I turned or looked, there was always a beautiful scene. A lot of the rooms faced little manicured-to-an-inch-of-its-life gardens. Old, old gardens of waterfeatures, moss and rock.
No photography was allowed in these rooms. Only in certain places and designated times. I have to say, is a pretty standard request in Japan.. you know, when in Rome.. :)
Unfortunately we missed the main part of a geisha performance. What I did see, I really liked. I've only seen them on the telly, to see them in real life before me was amazing. Their composure and dedication to their art wasn't lost on this little aussie ;)
We were fortunate enough to happen to come across two lovely sightseers (Mum and daughter) who wanted to speak in english. The daughter explained to us all a lot of meanings of things in the house and why things were so.
I wish I had more time there. I would love to experience a private function performance in one of the lovely rooms. Maybe next time..
Anyways, Somaro.
Hubby suggested to me on a whim to visit 'this geisha place cos we didn't see geishas in Kyoto'. We caught a taxi from Sakata train station to the Geiko/Maiko house.
This is the first and only (so far) time I have been to one of these places. It is exquisite. I loved all the different entertaining rooms, how they were differently themed, yet each theme flowed into the next. I loved the merchant history of the area reflected in some of the artworks and the little art museum inside the main hall downstairs.
All throughout the place was the smell of Camphor. The creak of old wood under my feet. The stillness. It didn't matter which way I turned or looked, there was always a beautiful scene. A lot of the rooms faced little manicured-to-an-inch-of-its-life gardens. Old, old gardens of waterfeatures, moss and rock.
No photography was allowed in these rooms. Only in certain places and designated times. I have to say, is a pretty standard request in Japan.. you know, when in Rome.. :)
Unfortunately we missed the main part of a geisha performance. What I did see, I really liked. I've only seen them on the telly, to see them in real life before me was amazing. Their composure and dedication to their art wasn't lost on this little aussie ;)
We were fortunate enough to happen to come across two lovely sightseers (Mum and daughter) who wanted to speak in english. The daughter explained to us all a lot of meanings of things in the house and why things were so.
I wish I had more time there. I would love to experience a private function performance in one of the lovely rooms. Maybe next time..
Written March 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew C
Dublin, Ireland2 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
After living for a year and a half in Sakata city, I finally managed to find the time to visit Somaro last Sunday. After spending a few hours there, I can safely say that I wish I visited sooner!
One of the distinguishing aspects of Sakata city, compared to other cities in Tohoku, is the greater influence of Kansai culture in its history. As a port town, Sakata became an important trade town during the Edo Period, and so several aspects of Kansai culture took root here. In particular, the custom of maiko dancing became popular, with many merchants and dignitaries observing traditional performances while being entertained in tea-houses. Somaro, built in the Edo Period and restored in 2000, is a chance to experience this history first-hand, with almost daily kyomai dances and shamisen performances available to all!
When I arrived with friends at Somaro, the staff showed us to a traditional tatami room and served us a traditional bento lunch. (1) The bento, filled with local seasonal foods, was delicious, and the presentation was a sight to behold. After we had finished eating, we were invited to watch the maiko performance, with one playing a shamisen and the other two focused on an exquisite dance. After the end of the dance and the photo shoot, (2) we moved downstairs to explore more of the teahouse. As the weather was still pretty chilly in March, we didn’t get a chance to really appreciate the gardens. Still, it was very interesting to see all the rooms and art pieces in the tea house, especially all of the incredibly old and detailed Hina Matsuri dolls that were on display around the building. Afterwards, I was able to buy a lovely piece of Furoshiki cloth from the gift store, which was full of beautiful souvenirs and local snacks.
My visit to Somaro was a genuinely interesting event, presenting a nice, relaxed way to experience Japanese culture while enjoying delicious cultural delicacies. Be sure to give this place a visit if ever you come to Shonai!
(1) When booking tickets, so you must decide as a group what bentos you will eat, rather than making individual choices. If you have dietary restrictions, please let the staff know ahead of time, and they will be happy to accommodate your needs.
(2) Pictures are forbidden during the dance, but you get a chance to take a picture with the maiko after the performance.
One of the distinguishing aspects of Sakata city, compared to other cities in Tohoku, is the greater influence of Kansai culture in its history. As a port town, Sakata became an important trade town during the Edo Period, and so several aspects of Kansai culture took root here. In particular, the custom of maiko dancing became popular, with many merchants and dignitaries observing traditional performances while being entertained in tea-houses. Somaro, built in the Edo Period and restored in 2000, is a chance to experience this history first-hand, with almost daily kyomai dances and shamisen performances available to all!
When I arrived with friends at Somaro, the staff showed us to a traditional tatami room and served us a traditional bento lunch. (1) The bento, filled with local seasonal foods, was delicious, and the presentation was a sight to behold. After we had finished eating, we were invited to watch the maiko performance, with one playing a shamisen and the other two focused on an exquisite dance. After the end of the dance and the photo shoot, (2) we moved downstairs to explore more of the teahouse. As the weather was still pretty chilly in March, we didn’t get a chance to really appreciate the gardens. Still, it was very interesting to see all the rooms and art pieces in the tea house, especially all of the incredibly old and detailed Hina Matsuri dolls that were on display around the building. Afterwards, I was able to buy a lovely piece of Furoshiki cloth from the gift store, which was full of beautiful souvenirs and local snacks.
My visit to Somaro was a genuinely interesting event, presenting a nice, relaxed way to experience Japanese culture while enjoying delicious cultural delicacies. Be sure to give this place a visit if ever you come to Shonai!
(1) When booking tickets, so you must decide as a group what bentos you will eat, rather than making individual choices. If you have dietary restrictions, please let the staff know ahead of time, and they will be happy to accommodate your needs.
(2) Pictures are forbidden during the dance, but you get a chance to take a picture with the maiko after the performance.
Written March 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a great review!!
Written March 7, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kd2226
NSW Australia276 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
We went to Sakata as one of our cruise ports, and organised lunch at Somaro. We are a family of 4 and it was about $30USD to get a taxi from the ship to Somaro (each way).
There is a geisha type house that you can explore, a gift shop, and then an authentic Japanese lunch and an entertaining geisha performance.
While you're not allowed to take photos in the house, you are allowed to take pictures with the costumed performers at the end.
If you have any extra time, there is also a beautiful temple about a 3 minute walk down the road.
There is a geisha type house that you can explore, a gift shop, and then an authentic Japanese lunch and an entertaining geisha performance.
While you're not allowed to take photos in the house, you are allowed to take pictures with the costumed performers at the end.
If you have any extra time, there is also a beautiful temple about a 3 minute walk down the road.
Written August 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brisbane41
Newcastle, Australia2,102 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
I visited here for a cruise ship visit and toured on my own. The Somaro was expecting a group but was still admitting guest for an inspection before the group. There is an entrance fee and a host dressed in full Geisha attire will give you a brief introduction and escort you to the first room and allow you to finish the tour on your own.
For people interested in photography there was a sign indicating no photography or video work inside. This may turn some people off, but for whatever reasons they had on the day it was still worthwhile visiting and having a look around.
For people interested in photography there was a sign indicating no photography or video work inside. This may turn some people off, but for whatever reasons they had on the day it was still worthwhile visiting and having a look around.
Written July 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Hidden Japan
3 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Somaro Maiko Teahouse dates back to the Edo Period to when Sakata City served as a key port in the domestic trade network of an isolationist Japan.
During this period the Shonai Region produced rice and safflower that was then shipped across the country.
In order to serve the many merchants and government officials who came to this port, this teahouse was established with hundreds of maiko (trainee geisha) who provided entertainment for the delegations who stayed in Sakata.
Somaro still continues to train maiko to this day and has two daily performances where you can see them.
Be sure to reserve in advance as they are prone to become fully booked if tour buses come.
Also be sure to tour the entirety of the home which is beautifully restored and is essentially a museum.
During this period the Shonai Region produced rice and safflower that was then shipped across the country.
In order to serve the many merchants and government officials who came to this port, this teahouse was established with hundreds of maiko (trainee geisha) who provided entertainment for the delegations who stayed in Sakata.
Somaro still continues to train maiko to this day and has two daily performances where you can see them.
Be sure to reserve in advance as they are prone to become fully booked if tour buses come.
Also be sure to tour the entirety of the home which is beautifully restored and is essentially a museum.
Written June 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krystal B
41 contributions
Apr 2018
We were so pleased we went here - it was only ¥1,000 to see a Maiko performance. If you have any interest in geisha culture, I'd highly recommend this place. You can even pose for a photo with them at the end. Very cool.
Written May 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hidden J
5 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Visited here on my day off to enjoy some traditional dancing and music by the maiko.
Somaro is also a museum and you can explore the many rooms of the teahouse. It even has art exhibits and galleries.
I finished off my visit with a traditional Japanese tea set next to the central garden.
It was prepared and served by a maiko too!
(ah and these photos were taken secretly since I wasnt allowed to snap any!)
Somaro is also a museum and you can explore the many rooms of the teahouse. It even has art exhibits and galleries.
I finished off my visit with a traditional Japanese tea set next to the central garden.
It was prepared and served by a maiko too!
(ah and these photos were taken secretly since I wasnt allowed to snap any!)
Written June 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
venturewithvi
Sakata, Japan14 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
I have been living in Sakata for about 8 months before I came to Somaro. I went with my friends for a private event, which included bento boxed lunches. The employees spoke English well and they were helpful to direct me during my time there. Lunch starts at noon and the performance begins later (12:30). This unique experience will cost you ¥3,500 ($30 USD). If you only want to see the performance, it will cost ¥300 extra on top of the general admission fee of ¥700 (¥1,000 in total). The bento boxed lunches were delicious and I highly recommend it. The whole museum is larger than it seems and it was fun to explore. I plan to come here again.
Written March 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks again for visiting and for the review Vi!!
Written March 7, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hbclee
Huntington Beach, CA3 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
It is so fortunate that this exquisite teahouse treasure was chosen to be renovated and preserved. It is a definite must-see experience. As you walk through the different rooms, you can feel the history of the past. The Maiko performance with accompanying shamisen is a genuine treat. The Maiko's kimonos, hair pieces and makeup are gorgeous! What a great keepsake to be able to take photos with them! Do not miss it!
Written December 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YoroNikki
Yamagata Prefecture, Japan39 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
Superb attraction. Really worth it. I took a party of 7 friends here for the lunch show. I pre-booked and cushions and low chairs were arranged for each guest with a stacked box of food. They even prepared crayons and paper for my 1 year old niece. I loved trying all of the different food and textures but other members of my party were not so adventurous and left much of the food untouched. We all enjoyed the very traditional show and then had our pictures taken with the maiko. There was an exhibition explaining the life of a maiko and as you would expect finely decorated rooms. We took lots of pics and no-one seemed to mind us all moving in and out of rooms finding and losing each other. There was a lot of red and laquer there. The little shop had cute stuff in it too.
Written February 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
evrgreen
Calgary37 contributions
Would like to book the Somaro Maiko Teahouse, but their web site says to email, not call and they do not list an email address.
Can anyone provide?
Audrey Chan
Shah Alam, Malaysia48 contributions
Reserve online on it's own website or on klook
alain2124
Orleans, France206 contributions
Possible d'assister au spectacle de danses sans réserver plusieurs jours à l'avance ?
THANK yes. Are you open on 19 th of November this year I would love to visit with my mum & husband thank you Mum is very interested.
Thank you are you open 19th November this year cruise ship with mum love to visit Somaro Musium. Thanks Vicki
甫の旅行
Ichikawa, Japan15 contributions
大阪市在住者です。民謡好きで機会があればアチコチ出かけますが、今回一泊二日で冬の酒田市の寒鱈祭りと相馬楼見学を予定しています。そこで
①相馬楼では伝統芸妓を十分楽しめますか？
②相馬楼内では一切写真ビデオ撮影が禁止とお聞きしていますが、有料でも受けてもらえませんか？
③表記のイベントに参加するには、市内で一番良い足場にある温泉宿があればご紹介くださいませんか？
以上お応えにくい箇所もあるとは存じますが、よろしくお願いいたします。
甫の旅行
Ichikawa, Japan15 contributions
大阪市在住者です。民謡好きで機会があればアチコチ出かけますが、今回一泊二日で冬の酒田市の寒鱈祭りと相馬楼見学を予定しています。そこで
①相馬楼では伝統芸妓を十分楽しめますか？
②相馬楼内では一切写真ビデオ撮影が禁止とお聞きしていますが、有料でも受けてもらえませんか？
③表記のイベントに参加するには、市内で一番良い足場にある温泉宿があればご紹介くださいませんか？
以上お応えにくい箇所もあるとは存じますが、よろしくお願いいたします。
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Claim your listingSomaro - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Somaro
- Somaro is open:
- Mon - Tue 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Thu - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Somaro:
- (0.16 mi) Mogamiya Ryokan
- (0.44 mi) Wakaba Ryokan
- (0.35 mi) Hiyoriyama Hotel
- (0.35 mi) Sakata Central Hotel
- (0.36 mi) Wakauraya Ryokan
- Restaurants near Somaro:
- (0.00 mi) Kutsurogidokoro Sabo
- (0.02 mi) Ryotei Kamezaki
- (0.02 mi) Kappo Jirobe
- (0.03 mi) Ramen Kobo Yumeji
- (0.03 mi) Rakushoku-Yatachikawa
Somaro Information
Excellent Reviews | 34 |
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Very Good Reviews | 23 |
Somaro Photos | 105 |