Itineraries
Experiences, Events, and Spots
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Experiences, Events, and Spots
Sakai Leisurely Cruise (Sakai Moat Cruise)
This is a sightseeing boat tour around the moat that was built when Sakai was a free city in the Middle Ages. During the tour, the guide will introduce the charms and highlights of Sakai.
Basic information
★DC Special: Cruise participants will receive a ribbon on which they can write their wishes.
If you tie it on both sides, your wish may come true.
■Operating route
Depart from Sakai Station (pier) on the Nankai Main Line, go to Eisho Elementary School, go to Tsukishima Junior High School, go to Sakai Station, go to Otohime Statue, go to the lighthouse, and disembark at Sakai Station (pier).
*The course may be changed or cancelled depending on the weather, tide levels, and sea conditions on the day of operation.
| Event period and date | Saturdays and Sundays from the end of March to the end of November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Business hours and holidays | 10:00-16:00 *There may be days off depending on the tide level. |
| Price | Adults: 1,500 yen Elementary school students and younger: 500 yen |
| How to make a reservation | Reservation site |
| Contact Us | 堺観光コンベンション協会 072-233-6601 公益社団法人堺観光コンベンション協会 072-233-6601 |
| Reservation site | https://kc-sakai.com/ |
| Address | (Meeting place) Sakaebashigai 1-chome, Sakai-ku, Sakai City (pier near the east exit of Sakai Station) *Routes may be changed or cancelled depending on weather, tide levels, and sea conditions. |
| Access |
Directly south of Nankai Sakai Station |
Related experience events
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“Sakai Risho no Mori”
Sakai CitySakai Rikyu no Mori is a cultural tourism facility themed around two figures with ties to Sakai, Sen no Rikyu and Yosano Akiko, and aims to widely promote Sakai's distinctive historical culture. In addition to the exhibitions, visitors can enjoy a standing tea ceremony where they can savour matcha green tea and Japanese sweets in a chair, as well as a tea ceremony experience where they can prepare tea under the guidance of one of the three Sen schools of tea ceremony. Furthermore, a new experiential content added in 2021, the VR experience "Time Trip Sakai," allows visitors to wear VR goggles and enjoy the streets of Sakai, a medieval moated city, from any angle.
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A Cup of Tea ~An authentic tea ceremony experience in the hometown of Sen no Rikyu~
Sakai CitySavor the flavors of Sakai's famous tea shops in a tea room named after the head of one of the three Sen schools, located on the site of Sen no Rikyu's residence. After the meal, you'll enjoy thick and thin tea prepared right before your eyes by a Sen school tea master. If your group is five people or less, you can also experience tea in Muichian, a four-and-a-half-tatami tea room associated with Sen no Rikyu, via the nijiri-guchi entrance through the tea garden. (Optional, only available on clear days.) In addition to a tea fan and kaishi (paper casing), you will also receive a special original furoshiki (wrapping cloth).
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Sakai Risho no Mori Tea Ceremony
Sakai CityThis is a tea ceremony experience in a tea room (standing tea ceremony) named after the master of Nanshuji Temple, the Zen temple in Sakai where Sen no Rikyu trained. Even first-timers can enjoy it. At the standing tea ceremony, you can enjoy Sakai matcha and Japanese sweets (fresh confections) while seated in a chair, accompanied by a tea ceremony from the Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakojisenke schools.
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Sakai Risho no Mori Tea Ceremony Room Experience
Sakai CityThis is a tea ceremony experience in an authentic tea room named after the head of the Sansen school. Even first-timers can enjoy it. Under the guidance of the Sansen school of tea ceremony, you will not only experience the etiquette of the tea ceremony, such as nijiri, seiza, admiring the floor, and how to enjoy sweets and tea, but you will also be able to actually make tea yourself. *Reservations must be completed at least one month in advance as a general rule.
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Tour of Sakai Tai-an in Sakai Risho no Mori
Sakai CitySakai Tai-an is a restoration of the original appearance of the National Treasure Tai-an, the only surviving tea room created by Sen no Rikyu. Based on research findings from historical documents, modern artisans have restored the interior of Sakai Tai-an in Sakai, and visitors can enter the tea room to experience the space. You can also see Muichi-an, a restoration of Rikyu's four-and-a-half-tatami-mat tea room from the Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony.
Itineraries
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"Everything begins in Sakai" - Enjoy experiencing Sakai culture
Sakai City Osaka CitySince the Middle Ages, Sakai has prospered through trade with the continent and the Nanban region, and has developed into Japan's most culturally advanced city. As the birthplace of various technologies and cultures in Japan, it has even been called "Sakai is the birthplace of everything." The best way to experience Sakai's culture is to experience it rather than just learn about it. Have fun and experience the depth of Sakai culture.
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Experience the scent of Sakai's long history
Sakai City Osaka CitySakai 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.
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A Made-in-Osaka masterpiece that boasts national, no, world-class quality
Sakai City Osaka CityOsakans are skilled at communication, have a strong sense of obligation and humanity, and are full of vitality. This temperament is also evident in their manufacturing and business, and has led to the creation of numerous masterpieces and famous gourmet foods. The best way to understand their capabilities and appeal is to visit the area. Experience with all five senses the world-renowned Made in Osaka masterpieces.
