Just a few kilometers from Osaka, the city of Sakai offers a journey through time, in the heart of a Japan unknown but deeply marked by history, crafts and culture. Formerly a prosperous port city, today a guardian of centuries-old traditions, Sakai deserves a dedicated stage in any route in Kansai.
An independent shopping town at the gates of Kansai
Located on Osaka Bay, Sakai played a central role in Japan’s commercial history. In the 16th century, during the Sengoku era, it enjoyed the status of an autonomous city, led by a powerful and structured trading class. This model, rare in Japan, made Sakai a dynamic economic hub, compared by some columnists to the East Venice. Its port, active in trade with China, Korea and South-East Asia, made its reputation long before the centralization initiated by Hideyoshi Toyotomi returned to this free city in Osaka’s giron.
Even today, by strolling through its ancient neighborhoods, one can see this wealth in the temples, the quiet alleys and the old merchant residences.
The Daisenryo Kofun: an imperial mausoleum with colossal proportions
Sakai is home to one of Japan’s most impressive funeral sites: the Daisenryo Kofun, also called the tomb of Emperor Nintoku. Dating from the fifth century, this lockhole-shaped tumulus is considered the largest burial of the archipelago and one of the largest funeral monuments in the world. Its length reaches about 486 meters, surrounded by three concentric moats.
This sacred site is not directly accessible, but it can be admired from the 21st floor of Sakai Town Hall, which offers an ideal panoramic view to understand the magnitude of the monument. A four-kilometre walk also makes it possible to walk around, following the vegetation-lined moats.
The Kofun of Mozu and ancient memory of Japan
Daisenryo Kofun is not an isolated case. It is part of the group of the tombs of Mozu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This constellation of funerary terres, mostly visible in Sakai, shows the importance of the region in the early strata of Japanese imperial history.
Among the other notable kofun, the Nisanzai Kofun, 300 metres long, and the Hanzei-Tenno-Ryo are accessible for outdoor visits. They are often lined with quiet parks and trails, allowing a quiet and contemplative approach.
Sen no Rikyû and the legacy of the tea ceremony
Sakai is also known as the birthplace of Sen no Rikyû, the founding figure of the tea ceremony as it is practiced today. Philosopher, aesthetist and adviser to several 16th century warlords, Rikyû has profoundly influenced Japanese aesthetics and Zen thought through the ritual of the chanoyu.
Visitors can discover this heritage at Sakai Plaza of Rikyu & Akiko, a modern cultural centre located in the heart of the city. This place offers immersive exhibitions on the world of tea and the life of Sen no Rikyû, as well as a pavilion to participate in a tea ceremony, supervised by senior practitioners.
Not far away, the camellia well, remains of the house of Rikyû, can also be visited. It symbolizes the intimacy and sobriety of wabi-sabi, the fundamental aesthetic principle of Japanese culture.
Craftsmanship of excellence: knives, bicycles and incense
Craft know-how remains today a pillar of Sakai’s identity. The city is particularly famous for its kitchen knives, produced according to techniques inherited from the weapon blacksmiths of the feudal era. These blades, used by the greatest chefs in Japan and abroad, are still hand-made, with a high quality requirement.
The knife museum (Sakai Tohji Knife Museum) allows you to discover the manufacturing stages, from forging to polishing, as well as the history of the craftsmen who passed on these techniques. Demonstrations are sometimes offered, and some local shops can buy custom made models.
Moreover, Sakai has also preserved a tradition of making high quality bicycles, still little known to foreign travellers. Sakai Denshokan, a craft museum, exhibits a wide variety of handicrafts, including bicycles and other local specialities, such as incense produced by the Baieido house, which has been active for over 360 years.
A rich and accessible museum heritage
In addition to the Rikyû Museum, Sakai offers several other cultural establishments of interest. The Mihara Museum traces the industrial and artisanal history of the region. The Alphonse Mucha Museum, housed in the municipal cultural centre, exhibits works by Czech artist, in an original setting for art nouveau lovers.
Another landmark is the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu & Akiko, which also houses a permanent exhibition on poet Yosano Akiko, a pioneer of feminism and a major intellectual figure in modern Japan. This Sakai-born woman is known for creating the country’s first mixed school and for her innovative poetic writings.
Temples, gardens and streets full of history
Sakai is also full of small shrines and temples scattered throughout its residential areas. Sumiyoshi Taisha, even if it is more associated with Osaka, has an old settlement in Sakai linked to the protection of sailors and traders.
Francisco de Xavier Park, a former site of the residence of a wealthy merchant, offers a peaceful parenthesis in the heart of the city. Visitors can also explore the streets of the Kaino-chô district, with its small houses, traditional shops and traces of a business past today preserved.
Practical tips for visiting Sakai
Sakai is easily accessible by train from Osaka (about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the route). The city runs easily on foot or by bike, with several tours around the kofun and museums.
For a first discovery, it is advisable to start with the city centre and the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu & Akiko, before heading towards the kofun and ending with a visit to a knife workshop or a stop in a neighborhood café. A one-day itinerary is enough to explore the essentials, but those passionate about history or crafts can easily devote more time to it.
Due to the proximity of Kansai International Airport, Sakai is also an excellent option for a last stop before taking a flight, with quieter accommodation than Osaka, and a local atmosphere preserved.
Exploring Sakai means entering a city that retains a business soul, a deep respect for its historical roots and discreet artisanal excellence. Far from classical itineraries, it offers a rare and captivating glimpse of Japan, accessible in just a few minutes from Osaka.
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