Recommended Routes

Touring around the city of ancient tombs and merchant culture (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture)

The largest tomb in the world is in Sakai City. The Daisen Park surrounds the Nintokuryo Tumulus. The tomb is not open to the public, but you can enjoy cycling around it. It’s also very nice to enjoy a tea ceremony in the tearoom at Daisen Park. Sakai City Museum is in the park.
Sakai is a city of business-minded people that saw merchants imposing self-rule in the 15th century during Japan’s years of war. As testimony to its past are attractions such as Daian-ji Temple associated with the merchant Sukezaemon Naya, and Xavier Park where a monument is found commemorating Francis Xavier’s visit to Sakai as the first time that Christianity was brought to Japan.

Video

Tabinohoshi “Rikyu's Hometown - Sakai”

Access

How to get there - By train
Take the Nankai Main Line (Express Service) from Namba Station to Sakai Station … Approx. 9 min.
From Kansai International Airport
Take the Nankai Line (Limited Express Service) from Kansaikuko Station to Sakai Station … Approx. 24 min.

How to get there - By car
From Osaka
Approx. 4 min from the Sakai Exit of the Hanshin Expressway (Rt. 15)

Route

  1. Nankai koya line Sakaihigashi Stationon foot
  2. Sakai City Hall (21st Floor Observation Deck)on foot
  3. Nintoku Ryo Tumuluson foot
  4. Sakai Teahouseson foot
  5. Sakai City Museumon foot
  6. Nanshu-ji Templeon foot
  7. Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akikoon foot
  8. Site of Sennorikyu Residenceon foot
  9. Nankai railway Sakai station

Highlights

  • Sakai City Hall (21st Floor Observation Deck)

    On the top floor of the 80m tall tower of the Sakai City Hall is a rotating observation deck with panoramic views of the city in all directions. Visitors can view the city with its hidden history such as the Nintoku Ryo Tumulus. Off in the distance can be spotted Mt. Rokko, Kansai International Airport, Mt. Ikoma and Kongo, Osaka Castle and more.

  • Nintoku Ryo Tumulus

    This is one of the three largest burial mounds in the world. Built in the mid 5th century, it is the largest keyhole-shaped burial mound in Japan.

  • Sakai Teahouses

    Adjacent to the Sakai City Museum are the Obai-an and Shin-an Teahouses.

  • Sakai City Museum

    Located in Daisen Park, this museum introduces the history of Sakai. This history from the primal to modern times is presented via artifacts, works of art, replicas, models and videos.
    Open: 9:30am - 5:15pm (Doors closed at 16:30)
    Admission fee: 200yen
    ※ Separate price for special exhibits.
    Closed: Mondays (Open on holidays), day after holidays (Open on Saturdays and Sundays), New Year’s holiday

  • Nanshu-ji Temple

    This temple founded in 1557 by Soto Dairin, and at the behest of Nagayoshi Miyoshi in order to hold a memorial service for his father. This temple is associated with Sennorikyu.

  • Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko

    Here you will find the “Sen no Rikyu Tea Hall,” revealing the history and culture of Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591) and the tea ceremony, the “Akiko Yosano Memorial Hall” where you can touch upon the works of the poet Akiko Yosano (1878-1942) and her life, and the “Sightseeing Guide Exhibition” that acts as a base for sightseeing in Sakai.
    Admission fee:300yen

  • Site of Sennorikyu Residence

    Here stood the home of Sennorikyu, the architect of the tea ceremony that came to symbolize Japanese culture.

Side Trips

  • Shimano Bicycle Museum

    With the theme of “The Beginning, The Expansion, and The Future” of bicycles, this is the only museum of bicycles in Japan filled with the charm of bicycles that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
    Admission fee:500Yen
    Working hours:10:00 - 16:30

  • Sakai Hamono Museum

    Looking on the outside like a merchant’s house from long ago, this museum introduces the traditional cutlery industry of Sakai. Visitors get to taste the skills and creativity of craftsmen via tours of the knife making process and hands-on lessons in blade sharpening and polishing.
    Open: 10:00am - 5:00pm (Doors closed at 4:00pm)
    Admission fee: Free
    Closed: Tuesdays, New Year’s holiday, Obon holiday