Experience the scent of Sakai's long history

Itineraries

1. A leisurely stroll around the ancient tombs

Sakai City Osaka City

Sakai is home to numerous historical heritage sites, including the Mozu Tombs, a World Heritage Site that includes the world's largest tomb, the Emperor Nintoku Tomb, as well as historic shrines and temples and one of the world's largest moats. Even now, as a designated city second only to Osaka in terms of population and area, you can still feel the scent of history that remains in every corner of the city.

INDEX
1. 1
  A leisurely stroll around the ancient tombs
2. 2
  Lunch in Sakai
3. 3
  Sakai leisurely cruise
4. 4
  Sakai Rikyu no Mori Historical Moat VR "Time Trip Sakai" (takes about 10 minutes)
5. 5
  Emperor Nintoku Tomb VR Tour (20 minutes)
6. 6
  Dinner around Tennoji Station
1-day tour plan
1. 1 Around 9:00
  Around 12:50 Mozu Station
  - Walking around the ancient tombs
2. JR Hanwa Line: Approx. 2 minutes
  
  Around 13:15 Mikunigaoka Station
3. Nankai Bus Mikunigaoka Station (Sakai Station South Exit) Approx. 15 minutes
  
  2 Around 1:30 PM Sakai Station
  - Lunch around Sakai Station
4. Walking
  
  3 Around 15:00
  - Sakai leisurely cruise
5. Walking
  
  4 Around 16:10
  - “Sakai Risho no Mori”
6. 5 Around 16:30
  - Emperor Nintoku Tomb VR Tour (20 minutes)
7. Walking
  
  Around 17:10 Shukuin Station
8. Hankai Electric Railway: Approx. 37 minutes
  
  6 Around 18:00
  Around 20:00 Tennoji Station
  - Dinner around Tennoji Station

1. A leisurely stroll around the ancient tombs

Tour the Mozu Tombs with a volunteer guide

Visit the Mozu Kofun Group Visitor Center, which conveys the charms of the Mozu Kofun Group through videos and other means, and the Sakai City Museum (separate admission fee required). With a guide, you will tour the surrounding area's ancient tombs, including the Emperor Nintoku Mausoleum Worship Site, Kofun in Daisen Park, and Itasuke Kofun.

*The photo is for illustrative purposes only.

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2. Lunch in Sakai

Enjoy lunchtime in a city full of gourmet spots, including the popular Shichido area where new restaurants continue to open, Sakai Old Town where new and old gourmet spots gather, and Sakai-Higashi, a lively area where daytime drinking is welcome!

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3. Sakai Leisurely Cruise

Enjoy learning about Sakai's history while sightseeing around the moat

This approximately 50-minute tour takes you on a cruise around the moat that was built to surround the city during the Middle Ages when Sakai flourished as a trading city. A tourist guide will provide an easy-to-understand introduction to the history, charm, and highlights of Sakai.

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4. Sakai Rikyu no Mori Historical Moat VR "Time Trip Sakai" (Approx. 10 minutes)

Put on the latest VR goggles and travel back in time to medieval Sakai

Wearing the latest VR goggles, you can enjoy a holographic video of the medieval moated city of Sakai, recreated in 3D. You can enjoy the video from any angle, whether you're peering into it or looking at it from the side. There's also a huge digital signage screen that displays seasonal scenery.

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5. Emperor Nintoku Tomb VR Tour (20 minutes)

View the tumulus from its original construction to its current appearance through VR goggles

Visitors can use VR goggles to enjoy realistic footage of the Emperor Nintoku Tomb, which is normally not available to the public, as well as CG footage of the interior of the stone chamber and the surrounding tombs. You can also see how the tomb was originally constructed.

*The photo on the left is for illustrative purposes only.

6. Dinner around Tennoji Station

In recent years, the area known as "Ura-Tennoji," centered around the Hanwa Shopping Arcade on the north side of the station, has been attracting particular attention in the Tennoji area. It is dotted with everything from traditional izakayas to trendy gourmet spots.

Other suggested itineraries

Osaka National Treasure Three Kannon Temples Pilgrimage (only on April 17th and 18th, 2026)
Kawachi
Minamikawachi is one of the areas in Japan with the largest concentration of national treasures, and is home to three temples, Katsuragi-ji Temple, Domyo-ji Temple, and Kanshin-ji Temple, which enshrines the national treasure Kannon Bodhisattva as their principal image.
In 2026, in addition to the usual date of April 18th, the principal images of all three temples will be opened to the public on the day before, April 17th, and this will mark the creation of the "Osaka National Treasure Three Kannon Pilgrimage."
By touring the three temples, you will be able to experience the rich history and culture of Minami Kawachi.
Thoroughly learn about industry and academia originating from Hokusetsu
Hokusetsu
Starting from Minoo Falls, Osaka's most famous waterfall, this course takes you around the Hokusetsu area, taking in everything from its natural beauty to its industrial and cultural aspects.
There are also experiences such as making cup noodles, so you can enjoy it with your children as if they were on a school field trip.
Visit shrines and temples with miraculous powers that have been revered since ancient times
Kawachi, Osaka City
Osaka, a city with a long history, is home to many ancient shrines and temples. Since ancient times, they have attracted deep reverence from the people, and even today they continue to be affectionately referred to as "Mr. X". The history and benefits of each shrine vary, but if you visit and pray quietly, you will be able to feel the miraculous power of their presence.
Visit Osaka in the medieval and early modern period, when the Toyotomi and Tokugawa families competed for authority
Osaka City
Osaka Castle is a well-known symbol of Osaka. A vast park spreads out around the castle. By touring the castle tower, gardens, and turrets, you can get a real feel for this famous castle where the Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans competed for power. After lunch near the castle tower, you can explore the surrounding castle town and Minami, and experience Kamigata culture such as Noh and Ukiyo-e.