Ancient Tombs and Master Craftsmanship: Exploring the Spirit of Sakai from Shin-Osaka

Course Highlights

Echoes of Eternity and the Spirit of the Blade

Experience the profound history of Sakai, a city shaped by its grand ancient tombs and world-renowned craftsmanship. Just about a 35-minute trip from Shin-Osaka Station, witness the awe-inspiring scale of the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun. Immerse yourself in the birthplace of Japan's tea ceremony and discover the home of traditional blade-smithing. This course offers an authentic cultural soul of Osaka.

Course Overview

  • Duration: Approx. 8 hours
  • Target: History Buffs, Culture Seekers, & Craftsmanship Enthusiasts
  • Start: Shin-Osaka Station
  • Finish: Sakai Station / Sakai-higashi Station

Highlights

  • Stand before the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun, one of the three largest burial mounds in the world.
  • Learn about the mystery of the 5th-century kofun cluster at the modern Visitor Center.
  • Master the art of the tea ceremony in the city where Sen no Rikyu was born.
  • Witness professional knife-sharpening and explore Sakai's historic incense traditions.

Morning: Encountering the Giant Tombs and Seasonal Nature

Travel south to the city of the dead, where massive green forests reveal themselves as the sacred final resting places of Japan's ancient emperors.

10:00 - Arrival at Daisen Park via Shin-Osaka

From Shin-Osaka, take the JR Hanwa Line to reach the Mozu area. Begin your stroll at Daisen Park, a lush urban oasis located between the major kofuns. Enjoy the seasonal flora before heading to the Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center to grasp the scale of this UNESCO World Heritage site through immersive digital exhibits.

11:00 - Nintoku-Tenno-Ryo Tumulus

Walk to the prayer point of the Nintoku-Tenno-Ryo Tumulus. Although the massive keyhole shape is best seen from above, standing at the gate gives you a sense of the immense silence and spiritual power of this 5th-century masterpiece.

Midday: The Art of Tea and Samurai Gastronomy

Transition from ancient history to the refined world of Sen no Rikyu. Savor a meal in a traditional merchant house followed by a ritual tea experience.

12:30 - Machiya Lunch & Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko

Enjoy a lunch that reflects Sakai's rich history in a converted merchant house. Afterward, visit Sakai Risho no Michi to explore the lives of Sen no Rikyu and the poet Akiko Yosano. Join a tea ceremony session to learn the core principles of "Omotenashi" in an authentic tea room.

Afternoon: Blades, Incense, and Local Sweets

Discover why Sakai’s knives are highly regarded among chefs worldwide and treat your palate to the city's nostalgic local delicacies.

15:00 - Sakai Denshokan

The Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum showcases a wide range of Sakai’s traditional industries in one facility. Visitors can purchase Sakai’s traditional products and explore the craftsmen’s techniques and the charm of these traditions through the numerous exhibits related to them.

16:30 - Local Wagashi Tour & Finish

Conclude your day by visiting historic confectionery shops like "Kanbukuro." Taste "Kurumi-mochi," a signature Sakai sweet with a secret green bean sauce. After soaking in the local atmosphere, head back to Sakai Station for your return journey.

Tour maps