Sakai City

Train Lines

A total of 3 trains  (Nankai Train Main Line, Nankai Train Koya Line, and JR Train Hanwa Line) and 1 tram (Hankai Tram) run toward the center of Sakai. Additionally, the Metro Train Midosuji Line goes all the way to "Nakamozu” (hiragana: なかもず) Station, near the "Mozu Kofun" (kanji: 百舌鳥古墳; hiragana: もずこふん) imperial burial grounds. 

If you want to visit the seaside area and view some old lighthouses, Sakai Station (Nankai Train Main Line) offers easy access. On the other hand, if you want to see the Yamaguchi Residence, or an area dotted with temples and shrines, you should get off at Sakai-Higashi Station (Nankai Train Koya Line) or Sakai-Shi Station (JR Train, Hanwa Line). A shuttle bus connects Sakai Station (Nankai Train, Main Line) and Sakai-Higashi Station (Nankai Train, Koya Line).  
 
Tourists can use the free website "Japan Transit planner" to search for the best routes, times, fees, transfer stations, and other information. It is extremely helpful! 

Hankai Tram

 The Hankai Tram is a useful way to go to many sightseeing spots! The “Omotenashi Ticket” is a nice 1-day pass that is available for the Hankai Tram and Nankai Bus. A discount coupon book is also included with the “Omotenashi Ticket.”
 

Bicycles

 Sakai City has nearly 700 bicycles available for rent. Tourists can borrow a bicycle (bicycles are one of Sakai City’s representative products) at cycling ports near train stations, as well as at the sightseeing spot "Sakai Rishonomori." The bike rental fee is 300 yen per day. 

Sakai Traditional Craft Museum

 (Kanji: 堺伝統産業会館; hiragana: さかいでんとうさんぎょうかいかん) 

This museum offers a comprehensive look at the industries and culture of Sakai. The exhibition room also displays a variety of ”Hōchō (knives)” used by professional chefs. Workshops that offer an experience of the industries of Sakai are often held at the museum. 

Sakai Rishonomori 

(kanji: さかい利晶の杜; hiragana:さかいりしょうのもり) 

This museum shows the innovation of Japanese tea culture by the historical Japanese figure Sen No Rikyu (kanji: 千利休; hiragana: せんのりきゅう), as well as literature from the famous Japanese writer Yosano Akiko (kanji:与謝野晶子; hiragana: よさのあきこ).  

Lessons Sado (kanji: 茶道; hiragana: さどう), tea ceremony, can also be experienced here. Get event information beforehand! 

Yamaguchi Residence 

(kanji: 山口邸; hiragana:やまぐちてい) 

It is said that most of Sakai City was burned to the ground by the famous military commander Ono Harutane (kanji: 大野治胤; hiragana: おおのはるたね) on May 25, 1615, during the summer portion of the war described as "Osaka Natsunojin" (kanji: 大坂夏の陣; hiragana: おおさかなつのじん) (or, “the siege of Osaka”). The Yamaguchi Residence was built soon after the war. Accordingly, as a residence with a 400-year history (since Japan’s early Edo era), it is a very rare structure. The Yamaguchi Residence has been registered by the Japanese government as a National Important Culture Property. 

Mozu Kofun

 (kanji: 百舌古墳; hiragana:もずこふん) 

Recently, a group of ancient tombs called "Mozu Kofun" was registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. These Mozu Kofu are best looked at from from the top of Sakai City Hall, because they are too big in size to comprehend their overall shape at ground level. Of course, tourists also go to see these Mozu Kofun up close, and feel the spiritual atmosphere of the ancient people of Japan. 

Hocho 

(kanji: 包丁; hiragana:ほうちょう) 

Cooking knives called “Hocho" made in Sakai are beloved all over the world. It is said that 90% of Japanese chefs use Hocho made in Sakai. In order to protect the metal in the knives from rust, Hocho must be sharpened with a special stone called a "Toishi" (kanji: 砥石; hiragana: といし), and then dried with fabric. This is key maintenance to keep Hocho from Sakai in a great condition for a long time. Many Japanese chefs do this sharpening-and-drying maintenance by themselves. 

Tenugui 

(kanji: 手拭い; hiragana:てぬぐい) 

Tenugui is cotton cloth dyed by a traditional dyeing method called “Chusen” (kanji: 注染; hiragana: ちゅうせん). It is beloved throughout Japan. Tenugui is used in a variety of ways. It can serve not only as a hand towel, but also as a wrapping cloth, place mat, pillow cover, interior art, neck warmer, sewing material, etc. We hope you’ll be able to find beautifully designed Tenugui! 

Wagashi 

(kanji:和菓子; hiragana: わがし) 

Wagashi (or traditional Japanese sweets) are a necessary part of "Sado (Tea Ceremony)" (kanji: 茶道; hiragana: さどう), in that they are eaten in order to enhance the flavor of Matcha (or green tea). Although there are many types of Wagashi to be found in Sakai, our top 3 recommendations are: 

No.1  Keshimochi (rice cake with poppy seeds) (kanji芥子餅; hiragana: けしもち) 

No. 2  Kurumimochi (rice cake with ground walnuts) (kanji: くるみ餅; hiragana: くるみもち) 

No. 3  Nikkimochi (cinnamon-flavored rice cake) (kanji: 肉桂餅; hiragana: にっきもち) 

Tororo-kobu 

(kanji:とろろ昆布; hiragana:とろろこぶ) 

Tororo-kobu is finely sliced dried kelp. It is eaten as a topping on Udon noodles and Onigiri rice balls.