Sakai has a dazzling history, functioning as the largest trading city in Japan 500 years ago and then going on to develop into a major commercial center.
The stage for all of this was the Old Town Area, spreading to the north and south of the line along which the so-called "Chin Chin Densha" currently runs. Even after being ravaged by the fires of war, a variety of buildings still remain today that tell of that period in Sakai's history. A range of traditional culture has also been passed down since that time, including everything from construction and traditional crafts to cuisine.
One of the best ways to discover the appeal of this area for yourself is to take a tour on a rented bicycle. Starting from the Kishu Road, Sakai offers wide and relaxed roadways that are perfect for cycling.

 

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Start！1. Sakai Station Tourist Information Center

Offers both rental bicycles and plenty of tourism information

 

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Spot Information

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Required Time: Approximately 1.1km, 7 minutes ->

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4. Honganji Sakai Betusuin

The main temple is the largest wooden structure in the city. The sliding screens are also gorgeous!

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The next stop is a temple of the Shinshu Honganjiha branch of Buddhism, founded in the 14th century. The main temple was rebuilt in 1825, and is famous as the largest wooden structure in Sakai. The bold interior features gold leaf and richly colored carvings, like a depiction of paradise itself. The sliding screens on the left and right depict trading with foreigners in Sakai during the middle ages, giving a clear picture of how the city flourished. As modernization proceeded, Sakai actually became a Prefecture for a brief period, and for the 10 years from 1871 this temple was also used as the Sakai Prefectural Office.

 

*The grounds can be viewed freely. If you wish to see the main temple, a prior reservation is required.

 

 

 

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Required Time: Approximately 1.1km, 7 minutes ->

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⑤SAKAINOMA cafe

An homely old café in a private house, which also serves as a place for local communication and interaction.

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An old private house that has stood for 60 years, now renovated into a cafe and lodging facility, it makes the perfect spot for lunch or to take an afternoon break.
The menu includes everything from meals, such as handmade bagel sandwiches using locally produced ingredients and chicken curry, to sweets featuring seasonal fruit and drinks.
As both locals and travelers gather here, it is also the perfect place for collecting information, and the blackboard in the corridor is always packed with the details of recommended spots and the latest hot news. The staff also all love Sakai, so be sure to ask for any tips they have on tucked-away spots that only locals are likely to know about.

 

 

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Required Time: Approximately 1km, 5 minutes ->

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6. Sakai-Tohji Knife Museum

Touch upon both the history and modern day circumstances of the world-renowned Sakai knives

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Making knives and blades is one of the traditional industries of Sakai, boasting an estimated history of around 600 years. The quality created by the skills of veteran craftspeople is the highest level found anywhere in Japan, and boasts a 98% share of the market of knives used by professional Japanese chefs. This museum allows you to learn in detail about the history and production methods of these Sakai knives, while taking in a rich selection of exhibited materials. It is operated by the long-standing knife store known as Sakai-Tohji, which was founded in 1805. Another appealing point is that knife craftspeople themselves will guide you, providing both rich detail and ease of understanding. You also can't miss the exhibit of the bayonets and matchlocks that formed the basis of the technology for cooking knife production. There is also a shop located next to the museum, where you can actually purchase professional knives.

 

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Required Time: Approximately 0.1km, 1 minute ->

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7. Saryo Tsuboichi Seicha Main Store

Revel in the perfect tea sweets at a long-standing tea house.

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After learning all about Sakai knives, take a break while enjoying some delicious Japanese tea. Sen no Rikyu, the tea master who did so much to promote the Tea Ceremony, was born in Sakai, and the city itself remains closely tied to this culture, meaning many places handling high quality tea can be found in the city. Tsuboichi Seicha is one such store, with a history of more than 160 years. The wide interior created by renovating a historic Machiya house contains both a tea room and shop.
Popular choices from the menu include the mellow and rich green tea, and the specialty green tea parfait loaded with intense green tea ice cream. The chestnut sweets limited to just fall and winter are delicious too, with warm and fluffy, sweet chestnuts filling your mouth.

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Required Time: Approximately 0.5km, 3 minutes ->

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8. Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum (SAKAI DENSHOKAN)

Take something handmade from Sakai home as a souvenir.

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The best possible end to a tour can only be choosing some souvenirs! The Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum is for exhibition, sales and experience of Sakai’s traditional industries. The first floor retail space named TAKUMI SHOP: Knives & Whetstones offers a varied range of knives for all sorts of uses, made from different materials with several types of handles. In the TAKUMI SHOP: Traditional Crafts & Sakai Specialties you can find not only staples such as chusen and wazarashi garments and incense, but also spices perfect for everyday use and expertly crafted items that also make wonderful gifts. In the second floor, there are Sakai Knife Museum named “CUT” and Sakai traditional industries’ exhibition space named TAKUMI EXHIBITION.

 

 

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Required Time: Approximately 1.1km, 7 minutes ->

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Goal! 9. Sakai Station Tourist Information Center

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