A historic lighthouse at the old harbor, a reconstructed teahouse and a large park between two kofun reveal different sides of Sakai. When planning a stay, you can focus on the harbor’s history, tea and culture, or the city’s green spaces. Each place offers its own way to experience Sakai, without requiring a fixed itinerary.
Green Spaces Between the Kofun
Daisen Park covers 35.6 hectares and lies between the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun and the Richu-tenno-ryo Kofun. Trees surround the grounds, while expansive lawns, ponds and a variety of tree species shape the landscape. The park thus provides a natural counterpoint to Sakai’s historic sites and cultural facilities. Travelers looking to include some time outdoors will find a landscaped park here rather than exhibition rooms or harbor structures.
Old Harbor and Historic Lighthouse
Old Sakai Harbor preserves historic monuments, including the Old Sakai Lighthouse and Sakai Fort. The harbor area also includes a waterfront promenade used for relaxation and recreation. The harbor and lighthouse can therefore be considered together as related themes: one conveys the broader historical context, while the other makes it tangible through a single structure.
The Old Sakai Lighthouse was built in 1877 on the south pier of the old harbor. It is 11.3 meters tall and has a hexagonal, spindle-shaped form. After land reclamation along the coast ended its function as a lighthouse, the structure remained as a symbol of Sakai. Today, it is designated a national historic site and is considered Japan’s oldest surviving wooden lighthouse. Its construction date, unusual shape and transition from working lighthouse to historic monument give a visit to the harbor a clear historical focus.
Tea Ceremony and Culture at Sakai Plaza
Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko brings together several themes in one facility. The Sen no Rikyu Tea Hall explores the history and culture of Sen no Rikyu (1522–1591). The Akiko Yosano Memorial Hall covers the life and work of poet Akiko Yosano (1878–1942), and there is also an exhibition to help visitors orient themselves as tourists in Sakai. Tea and literary history are thus presented alongside information about the city.
The plaza also includes Sakai Taian, a reconstruction of the Taian tea room. The original is designated a National Treasure and is considered the only surviving tea room created by Sen no Rikyu. Visitors can also view the interior of the reconstruction. At the Tea Ceremony Experience Facility, tea and Japanese sweets from the three Senke schools—Omotesenke, Urasenke and Mushanokojisenke—are served. Visitors can also pour tea themselves under the guidance of tea ceremony practitioners. This cultural focus therefore encompasses both the history of a significant tea room and a guided, hands-on experience.
By Small Boat Through the Moats
The Sakai Kango Cruise is a seven-kilometer small-boat ride through part of Sakai’s preserved moats. It starts in front of Sakai Station, passes through residential areas and along the lushly landscaped Xavier Park, then heads toward the old harbor. The route passes 16 distinctive bridges and the Ryujo statue in the old harbor. This makes the cruise quite different from exploring on land: its points of interest lie along the water route, while the waterfront promenade at the harbor is used for relaxation and recreation.
The cruise offers a close-up look at Sakai’s preserved moats, while the historic harbor landscape can also be explored through its structures and waterfront promenade. When planning their time in Sakai, visitors can choose between a clearly defined boat trip, the cultural and historical themes at the plaza, and the expansive Daisen Park.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: ĹŚsakasayama, Kanan, Kaizuka, Hannan, IzumiĹŤtsu, Shijonawate, Takatsuki, Hirakata.
For the main travel overview: Osaka Prefecture.
