10 Things to Do in Sakai City

10 Things to Do in Sakai City

Sakai (堺市) is a city in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Sakai City was originally a part of Nara Prefecture from 1876 to 1881. On April 1, 1889, it became a city under the modern municipal system, being among the inaugural 31 cities established in Japan. At present, the city is one of the largest and most important seaports in Japan. The kanji used for its name sakai (堺) has various meanings such as trade hub and border. 

For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Sakai City:

Sakai City manhole covers

1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Sakai City. So far, I have seen 3 unique manhole covers. They are common around the city, particularly around Daisen Park. 

Nanshuji

2. Visit the Nanshuji (南宗寺). This temple has a garden that is a Nationally Designated Place of Scenic Beauty. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you are collecting them. 

Hochigai Shrine

3. Visit Hochigai Shrine (方違神社). This shrine centuries-old pilgrimage site that has a deity that is believed to ward off evil. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you are collecting them.

Big Bang Sakai Municipal Children’s Museum

4. Bring your kid(s) to Big Bang Sakai Municipal Children’s Museum (堺市立ビッグバン) for a day of fun and learning. This museum has a unique-looking façade and houses a plethora of play equipment which will surely bring joy to any kid that visits.    

Sakai City Museum

5. Visit Sakai City Museum (堺市博物館) and learn about the history of the city. Inside the museum is a gallery with a large Sakai weaving loom, a diorama of the Mozu tombs & other local history exhibits.

Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko

6.  Check out the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko (さかい利晶の杜). It’s a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Sakai City. There is also a tea ceremony hall here that is worth checking. 

Ohama Park

7. Visit and explore Ohama Park (大浜公園). It is a spacious park with a children’s playground and different types of gardens. It is a nice place to relax and take a stroll.

Harvest Hill

8.  Try the fun activities in Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill or simply Harvest Hill (堺・緑のミュージアム ハーベストの丘). This scenic agricultural park offers plenty of fun activities for kids and adults alike. There is a tulip garden worth checking out here. There is also a petting zoo with a capybara being the main star.

Daisen Park

9. Visit and stroll around the vast Daisen Park (大仙公園). There is a Japanese garden here that is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t miss out on the tea house in the garden. 

Daisen-ryo Kofun

10. Visit the Daisen-ryo Kofun (仁徳天皇陵古墳). This keyhole-shaped tomb is said to be the tomb of Emperor Nontoku. Although there is nothing much to do here and visitors aren’t allowed to go to the burial mound, it’s still a must-visit destination in Sakai City as it is the city’s symbol. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Sakai City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this historic city in Osaka Prefecture.

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