2025 NO.37
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Strolling Japan
A Merchant Town Open to the World
Sakai
Sakai cutlery is produced by the city’s master ironworkers, who carry on these globally renowned techniques. (Photo: Sakai Film Office)
The Tour of Japan, an intense road cycle race
This foreign trade also led to the production of matchlock guns in the city, with an increasing number of craftsmen skilled in iron manufacturing and processing. These techniques have been handed down to the present day and are seen in the production of Sakai cutlery, the high-quality kitchen knives cherished by professional chefs. Ironworking techniques have also been utilized in new industries, such as the manufacture of bicycle parts that are highly valued around the world. Sakai has also made a name for itself in recent years as the host city of the Tour of Japan international cycling road race.
Produced by Shimano, headquartered in Sakai. The company enjoys the lion’s share of the sports bike gear and brake system market. (Photos: SHIMANO SALES CORPORATION)
Sen no Rikyu, the tea master who laid the foundation for Japan’s chanoyu tea ceremony (Photo: Sakai City Museum)
A matcha parfait served at the tea shop Tea Tsuboichi the Tea House opened over 175 years ago.
The development of commerce brought with it a blossoming of culture, as well. Sen no Rikyu, the tea master who laid the foundation for Japan’s world-class tea ceremony, was also an active figure in Sakai in the 16th century. The chanoyu tea ceremony culture spread through his influence, and the town is still dotted with many historical shops selling the confections served at the Japanese tea ceremony. Sakai is a beautiful place to stroll through the streets, tasting the unique confections for which the city is known.
Perched along the ocean that connects it with the rest of the world, the city has grown to what it is today by welcoming many different cultures. Experience first-hand the extraordinary enterprising spirit of Sakai.
Kojimaya, a historical Japanese confectionary established during the Edo period (1603-1868). The shop’s keshi mochi is covered with a generous coating of fragrant poppy seeds, offering both refined sweetness and textural interest.
Sakai Area Map
①Old Sakai Lighthouse②Hochigai Shrine③Daisenryo Kofun (Tumulus of Emperor Nintoku)④Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko⑤Kojimaya⑥Tea Tsuboichi the Tea House
●Access
It takes about 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Sakai Station via the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line or Nankai Line.
●Contact information
Sakai Tourism & Convention Bureau official website
https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/en/