There’s Plenty to See in Sakai! Don’t Miss the Fun in Southern Osaka

Maido! Osaka Bob here!

Fortunately for Osaka it’s a top-ranked tourist destination in all sorts of international travel rankings. The number of travelers using Kansai International Airport has also been growing recently. So many travelers are certainly coming to Osaka by plane.

And this always gets me wondering, “Is everyone coming here just going straight from Kansai International Airport into the city without stopping anywhere in between?”

That’s really too bad! Because there are actually tons of great places to visit along the way. So I’d like to take this chance to introduce you to Sakai, a city neighboring Osaka. When I visited the ever popular Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko I stopped at the Sakai Station Tourist Information Center too, to find out what other kinds of experiences and services there are.

Discover Sen no Rikyu’s Tea Ceremony and Medieval Sakai: Welcome to the Sen no Rikyu Chanoyu Museum

Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko is a museum dedicated to two historical figures associated with Sakai: Sen no Rikyu and Yosano Akiko. Through their lives, you can experience the history and charm of Sakai.

The Sen no Rikyu Chanoyu Museum is located on the first floor, so let’s start there. But first, I want to share some Sen no Rikyu trivia:

• Sen no Rikyu (1522–1591) perfected the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Born into a merchant family in Sakai, he became familiar with tea culture from a young age.
• He served Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was called “the greatest master of tea.”
• He eventually fell out with Hideyoshi and was ordered to commit seppuku.
• His tea ceremony philosophy was passed down through schools such as Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushanokojisenke.

Anyone who has studied Japanese history has likely heard his name. And with that little bit of background, let’s step into the Sen no Rikyu Chanoyu Museum.

Inside, there’s a model of a Nanban ship surrounded by panels and exhibits about Rikyu. These displays explain that medieval Sakai was an autonomous city and a major international trading port thriving through trade with Ming China, the Ryukyu Kingdom, and Europe. Growing up in such an environment, Rikyu must have been exposed to many different cultures and influences.

In the “People Connected to Rikyu and Sakai” corner, contemporary historical figures are introduced with audio and visual images. The narration for Rikyu’s panel is done by Sakai-born Kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke. His voice is amazing, so be sure to listen!

Another exhibit shows two tea rooms: one from Rikyu’s youth and one built later in his life at Jurakudai in Kyoto. You might notice differences in the alcove size and the pillars used. Rikyu established the wabi-cha style—simple and spiritual—which is beautifully reflected in these displays.

There are also tea utensils used in Sakai, reproductions of dishes served at tea gatherings, and old maps. One map caught my eye—Hokkaido isn’t even on it yet! And Osaka is labeled “Sacay,” showing just how important Sakai was back then.

Before leaving, I found a Gozai-in stamp stand—similar to temple stamps.

Just like people collect pavilion stamps at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, you can collect one here too. It’s a stylish two-layer stamp design. Of course, I had to try it!

The stamp designs were so cool! They’re made to be stamped on top of each other. I had to give it a try!

Yosano Akiko’s Passion and Literature: Yosano Akiko Memorial Museum

Next, let’s head to the second floor. But first, a quick intro to Yosano Akiko:

• Yosano Akiko (1878–1942) was a poet active from the Meiji era to early Showa.
• She was a pioneer who advocated for women’s independence and peace.
• Known for works like Midaregami (Tangled Hair) and Kimi Shinitamou Koto Nakare (Thou Shalt Not Die).
• Published over 30,000 tanka poems in her lifetime.
• Helped spread classical literature through her translation of The Tale of Genji.
• She accomplished all this while raising twelve children!

The museum exhibits her works and book covers designed by top artists of the time—true works of art. You really have to see them in person.

The museum exhibits are centered around Akiko no Sōtei (a display of book designs from Akiko Yosano’s own publications). This exhibit traces the poet’s life, her creative works, and the spaces where her art was born.

At Akiko no Sōtei, you can see the covers, back covers, and frontispieces of her books up close. Many of Yosano’s book designs were created by leading artists of her time, giving them remarkable artistic value. (It’s something photos just can’t capture. You really have to come and see it for yourself!)

I visit bookstores pretty often, but I rarely come across book covers that feel like true works of art.
Maybe back then, people poured even more passion and craftsmanship into each book than we do today.

These are words once written by Akiko Yosano, beautifully gathered here as messages for us living in the present day.
Each phrase carries such power, but the one that stayed with me most was “Kimi shinitamou koto nakare” — “You must not die.”

She wrote this poem for her younger brother, who was sent to the front during the Russo-Japanese War, praying that he would survive and return home safely.
Although it was a heartfelt plea for her brother’s life, some interpreted it as a criticism of the war itself, sparking major debate at the time.

I wonder — which of her words speaks to your heart the most?

Inside the museum, there’s also a near life-size re-creation of Akiko Yosano’s childhood home, “Surugaya.”
Surugaya was apparently a well-known traditional Japanese sweets shop, and inside the reconstructed storefront you can see medals the shop received at the 1888 Barcelona Exposition and the 1889 Paris Exposition.
I couldn’t help but think—back then, Surugaya must have been like a “Michelin-featured” confectionery of its day!

As I wandered through the exhibit, I could almost picture a young Akiko Yosano, sitting behind the counter at Surugaya, reading literature in between serving customers.
Interestingly, Surugaya and Sen no Rikyū’s former residence are only about a ten-minute walk apart — neighbors across the centuries, so to speak.

Beyond the recreations, the museum also displays a wide range of valuable materials, offering insight not only into Yosano’s literary genius but also her forward-thinking ideas and passionate spirit.
She boldly challenged the traditional notion of how women “should” be, choosing instead to express her own feelings with honesty and freedom.
Truly, what an extraordinary woman she was!

【Trivia】Akiko Yosano gave each of her children the most incredible names!

On the other hand, there was also a display that made me smile — a rather heartwarming one.
It featured the names of Akiko Yosano’s children.
Together with her husband, the poet Tekkan Yosano, she had six sons and six daughters, and some of them were given truly unique names!

●Akiko Yosano’s children’s names:
First son: Hikaru (光/light)
Second son: Shigeru (秀/excellence)
First daughter: Yatsuo (八峰/eight peaks)
Second daughter: Nanase (七瀬/seven currents)
Third son: Rin (麟/mythical creature)
Third daughter: Sahoko (佐保子/graceful)
Fourth daughter: Uchiko (宇智子/universe & wisdom)
Fourth son: Auguste (アウギュスト/European)
Fifth daughter: Erenne (エレンヌ/European)
Fifth son: Ken (健/strong)
Sixth son: Son (寸/unusual)
Sixth daughter: Fujiko (藤子/wisteria)

What really catches your eye are the fourth son, Auguste, and the fifth daughter, Erenne. There’s actually a clear reason behind their names: they were inspired by artists and figures that Akiko and her husband Hiroshi encountered on their travels through Europe. Auguste, for example, was named after Auguste Rodin, famous for The Thinker.

Looking at the other children’s names, many of them feel like they could still be used today. Akiko was really ahead of her time when it came to creative, standout names!

This is a recreated image of Akiko Yosano’s study.
I can imagine her children often gathering nearby while she was hard at work writing!

Casual Tea Ceremony Experience for Everyone: Learn about Japanese Culture at a Ryurei Tea Ceremony

At Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko, you can even experience a traditional tea ceremony!
This time, I got a special chance to observe a ryurei-style tea ceremony.

A ryurei-style tea ceremony is a tea gathering conducted while sitting on chairs.
Normally, tea ceremonies are held on tatami mats where participants sit in the traditional seiza position, but with ryurei, tables and chairs are provided, making it easier for those who aren’t comfortable sitting on the floor—or for visitors from abroad—to enjoy the experience casually.

Under the guidance of the Urasenke school, traditional Japanese sweets from Maruichi Kashihō, a long-established confectionery in Sakai, were served when I visited.
Founded in 1895 (Meiji 28), Maruichi Kashihō has been making sweets inspired by Sen no Rikyū, the famous tea master. After savoring the delicate, gentle sweetness of the wagashi, guests enjoy the clean, refreshing bitterness of matcha. This is Japanese culture at its finest!

The teacher’s poised and elegant presence was truly impressive!

This room is called “Nankai-an.” What caught my eye in this tea room was the tokonoma (alcove). On the day of my visit, the hanging scroll featured the character 瀧 (taki waterfall), with the lower part of the strokes elegantly extended—clearly representing a flowing waterfall. In modern terms, you might call it a kind of “designed lettering.” I love how this playful creativity blends with the seasonal atmosphere, showing just how fascinating the world of tea can be!

Note: Hanging scrolls are changed monthly; the “瀧” scroll was displayed at the time of my visit.

Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko is also home to a spacious tea room complex consisting of Saikōken (Omotesenke), Fūroken (Urasenke), and Tokuchiken (Mushakōji-senke).
It’s said to be the only place in the world where the tea rooms of all three Sen schools stand side by side!

What’s more, visitors can enjoy a hands-on tea ceremony experience, learning to whisk matcha themselves under the guidance of instructors from the San-Senke schools.

Connecting Sakai’s Past and Present: Check out the Gosen-in Stamp Project

At Sakai Risho no Mori, you can experience the history, culture, and art of Sakai through the lives of Sen no Rikyū and Akiko Yosano — definitely a place worth visiting!
And if you’re thinking, “Since I’m here, I’d love to explore a few more spots around town,” then be sure to stop by the Tourist Information Center!

This is the Sakai Station Tourist Information Center, located on the first floor of Sakai Station on the Nankai Electric Railway Nankai Line.
As a JNTO-certified tourist information center for foreign visitors, it has staff on hand who can assist you in English.

The Sakai Station Tourist Information Center is filled with brochures on Sakai’s facilities and events—definitely the place to go if you want to gather information!

They also sell souvenirs, and on this day, items like kofun-shaped and haniwa-shaped clips, as well as tatami coasters, were popular. It seems that things that really capture the essence of Japan are always a hit! According to the staff, “Perishable items like wagashi aren’t sold here, so please visit the actual wagashi shops to buy them directly.”

At Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko, we experienced medieval to Meiji–Showa Sakai, but the city’s history goes even further back—to the Kofun period. The most famous example is the Nintoku-tennō-ryō Kofun, Japan’s largest burial mound, which is also part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To build this kofun group, many skilled blacksmiths were brought together, and their techniques were later passed down to firearms (matchlock guns) and Sakai knives. Interestingly, Sakai City is also home to the only remaining matchlock gun blacksmith’s workshop in Japan.

For more details:
▶ The Only Remaining Matchlock Gun Blacksmith Workshop in Japan is in Sakai! Experience the Lost Craft and History of Firearms
https://maido-bob.osaka/2024/03/05/gunsmiths-home/

In the old town area where the matchlock gun blacksmith workshop is located, there are traditional townhouses that survived air raids, including tourist spots like the Machiya History Museum Yamaguchi Residence and the Machiya History Museum Seigakuin. Heading toward the seaside, you can also visit the Old Sakai Lighthouse and imagine the city’s past as a bustling trade hub.

These spots are all within a 4 km radius. Walking around can be quite tiring, so it’s recommended to use the rental bicycle service available at the Sakai Station Tourist Information Center!

With a bicycle, you can zip around the city with ease—even electric bikes are available for rent.

Also, at the Sakai Station Tourist Information Center, I found this charming photo spot that’s perfect for capturing memories!

Meet Xavier! 💖
Francisco Xavier, the Jesuit missionary who came to Japan, was reportedly impressed by Sakai’s free‑spirited atmosphere and international trade, remarking that “Sakai is the most civilized city in Japan!” (okay, he probably didn’t say it quite like that 😅). Be sure to snap a commemorative photo with Xavier’s statue while you’re there.

According to the staff at the tourist information center, travelers often mention that “hotels in Sakai are more affordable than in Osaka city” and “it’s easy to get to Osaka city by train.” Staying in Sakai makes a perfect itinerary: explore Osaka city on day one, then enjoy Sakai city on day two!

While you’re at the tourist center, ask the staff for their local recommendations. On the day I visited, the staff member was a big fan of Sakai’s wagashi (Japanese sweets) — I’m sure they’ll share some amazing insider tips with you!

If you want, I can also combine all your Sakai blog sections into a smooth, continuous English travel post ready to publish. It’ll read like one engaging tour. Do you want me to do that?

Your Base for Exploring Sakai! Tips for Gathering Info and Using Rental Bicycles at Sakai Station Tourist Information Center

Currently, Sakai City is running a project called the “Gosen-in (Ship Seal) Tour.”
Gosen-in are original stamps issued by shipping companies and maritime museums across Japan, officially recognized by the Japan Passenger Ship Association.

In Sakai, they’ve created two special Gosen-in stamps that connect the city’s past and present: one celebrates Sakai’s role as a hub for trade with Europe and China during the medieval period, and the other highlights the modern-day connection to Yumeshima, the venue for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

There are two versions of the Gosen-in stamps: the “Sacay” version, inspired by medieval Sakai, and the “Sakai” version, representing the modern city. When placed side by side, they fit together like a traditional kangōfu seal!

You can pick them up for free at the Sakai Risho no Mori and the Sakai Station Tourist Information Center, both featured in this article. While exploring Sakai, why not collect these unique stamps as a fun memento of your visit?