Just south of Osaka City is the Sakai/Semboku area. Both Sakai and Izumi City have a history of being the hub for trading with European countries and China. This area is famous for its ancient remains and burial mounds. It is said that great personages of the past, such as Emperor Nintoku, Oda Nobunaga, Sen no Rikyu, Francisco Xavier and Yosano Akiko visited this area and enjoyed the great view of the sea.
Historical Sites in Sakai
Ever since the Kamakura period Sakai City has been the core of Japan's trading. Guns, crafts, food and other various products from Portugal and Ming made its way into Japan from its port. The free spirit of the people welcomed anything new and that lead to the development of its diverse culture. At the "Nanshuji Temple" where Sen no Rikyu was buried, is the "Jissouan Teahouse" in memory of him. Accomplishments of Yosano Akiko, a romanticism poet, are exhibited at the "Sakai City Cultural Hall". The "Old Gunsmith's House" and "Xavier Park" are both interesting historical sites as well.
Is this a shop? Yes, but it's also a museum!
Are you aware that Sakai has a line-up of museums to visit? Such as the "Sakai HAMONO Museum" where you can study about Sakai's traditional industry, how cutleries are made and even purchase some local products. If you are looking for some ‘real' experience, visit one of the "Machikado Museums". They are 20 shops or small factories within the city that are designated as a museum, where you can actually observe and even try it yourself (advance reservations required). Among them are cutlery, kobu (kelp), incense, wazarashi (bleached cotton textile)/yukata, Gogatsu Koinobori, hand-woven dantsu (rugs) and bicycles. If you like candy, you should check out the "Confeito petit Museum" that has recently opened.
Japan's largest tumulus and ancient ruins
The "Nintoku-ryo" tumulus that is 464,123 square meters lies in the middle of the city of Sakai. You can see how large it is from the "Observation deck at the Sakai City Hall". Japan's largest village remains from the Yayoi period was excavated at the "Ikegamisone Historical Site Park" and next to it is the "Osaka Prefectural Museum of Yayoi Culture". You can see what life in the Yayoi period was like from the reproduced pit houses of ancient times and pottery that have been excavated from the site and exhibited in the museum.
Enjoy the bayside
From Osaka city, it would be exciting to visit the "Hamadera Park" on a street car. And once you arrive, there are lots for your whole family to enjoy! For example, a beautiful forest of 5,500 pine trees that has been chosen as one of Japan's 100 Best Pine Trees, a beach, a pool and rose gardens. Join the Japanese old-fashioned style fish market or other events at the "Sakai Grand Evening Fish Market" which is held every year on July 31 at the "Ohama Park" that was built in the Meiji period. And if you get a chance to visit the former Sakai port, be sure to stop by at the "Former Sakai Lighthouse" that is Japan's oldest hexagonal-shaped-white lighthouse.
