{"id":1265,"date":"2024-03-28T00:10:12","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T15:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/?p=1265"},"modified":"2024-03-28T11:21:38","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T02:21:38","slug":"sakai_07-09","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/audio-travel\/sakai_07-09\/","title":{"rendered":"4 -Following the footsteps of the great tea master, Sen No Rikyu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wpcon-guide__list\">\n    <li class=\"wpcon-guide__list__detail\">\n      <div class=\"wpcon-guide-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/460x0w.jpeg\" alt=\"\u4eca\u56de\u306e\u30ac\u30a4\u30c9\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"wpcon-guide-txt\">\n        <div class=\"wpcon-guide-txt__name\">ON THE TRIP<\/div>\n        <div class=\"wpcon-guide-txt__position\">An audio guide app to enhance your travel experience<\/div>\n        <div class=\"wpcon-guide-txt__read\">Just like an audio guide in a museum, ON THE TRIP provide on-the-spot audio guides at shrines, temples, spectacular views, and sightseeing spots in any travel destination. Download the app and your smartphone becomes your own personal travel guide!<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Audio Time Travel is an article that allows you to enjoy a trip to Osaka while listening to a guide. You can enjoy a part of the audio guide in this article. The full audio can be experienced on the ON THE TRIP app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/redirector.on-the-trip.com\/redirect?spot_id=626\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download &amp; experience now!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>INTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The port city of Sakai once saw \u201cgolden days\u201d of enormous fame and influence. But where are the traces of that era? You may not sense them upon arriving at Nankai Sakai Station. It makes sense, given that the station area is on land reclaimed from the sea. The coastline, as well as the port, were originally located further inland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this trip, we will uncover the story of Sakai\u2019s golden age: its unique luminaries and their sophisticated pastimes, which include the tea ceremony. We may also see the dark corners that were hidden from such glittering prosperity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>07| Sakai Plaza of Riky\u016b and Akiko<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/7-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/7-1.png 534w, https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/7-1-200x300.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cSakai Plaza of Riky\u016b and Akiko\u201d is located where the Sakai Shogunate is said to have existed. Here you can find the Sen-no-Riky\u016b Chanoyu Museum, where you can trace the tea master\u2019s footsteps as you uncover the history and culture of Chanoyu tea ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now we\u2019ll introduce a story about Sen-no-Riky\u016b. He had a friend named Hechikan, who was also a disciple of Riky\u016b\u2019s master. One day, Riky\u016b was invited to tea, and when he made for Hechikan\u2019s home, he found traces of what looked like a pitfall dug into the ground. Moreover, smoke seemed to be rising from the direction of the bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riky\u016b caught on to Hechikan\u2019s intent and, feigning ignorance, dropped into the pit. Hechikan looked as innocent as a dove when he said, \u201cBath\u2019s ready.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hechikan said with his actions that the tea drunk after a good bath is the tastiest, and Riky\u016b followed his logic. This comical, mutual contest of wits embodies the kind of sophisticated games the Chanoyu tea masters of Sakai encouraged and nurtured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/Sakai-07-Sakai-Plaza-of-Rikyu-and-Akiko-mp3cut.net_.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>08| Ruins of Sen-no-Riky\u016b\u2019s Mansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/8_small-682x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/8_small-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/8_small-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/8_small-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/8_small.jpeg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The ruins of Sen-no-Riky\u016b\u2019s mansion sit opposite the Sakai Plaza of Riky\u016b and Akiko. The roof over the well here uses wood from the main temple gate of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto, which is inseparable from Sen-no-Riky\u016b himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riky\u016b taught the way of the tea ceremony to Daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The pair were close, with Hideyoshi coming to him not only for matters of tea but also for political counsel. However, when Riky\u016b angered Hideyoshi, he committed suicide via seppuku. What could\u2019ve happened between them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many theories attempt to explain the reason. One such reason concerns Daitokuji Temple\u2019s main gate. Riky\u016b invested money in repairing the gate, and to show his gratitude, the chief priest carved and enshrined a wooden statue of Riky\u016b at the top of the gate. This made Hideyoshi furious, exclaiming to Riky\u016b, \u201cEvery time I pass through this gate is akin to being trampled under your feet.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, he was accused of corruption by mass-producing tea utensils without permission. Owning tea utensils, which were expensive due to their scarcity, was an honor for the samurai class. Despite that, Riky\u016b had a personal craftsman create original tea utensils. Hideyoshi feared that if Japan\u2019s top tea ceremony master entered the manufacturing game, his own collection would depreciate and lose its value as a reward for the samurai class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He had his reasons, but Hideyoshi ordered the one and only Sen-no-Riky\u016b to open his own belly in ritual suicide. Thus died a Chanoyu luminary, one who greatly influenced the powers that be. We invite you to take a moment and imagine what sort of person Sen-no-Riky\u016b was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/Sakai-08-Ruins-of-Sen-no-Rikyu_s-Mansion-mp3cut.net_.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">09 | Sakai Keshi-mochi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/9_small-682x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/9_small-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/9_small-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/9_small-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/9_small.jpeg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Near the Sakai Plaza of Riky\u016b and Akiko you will find a confectionary store that sells \u201cKeshi-mochi.\u201d Let\u2019s take a breather here and have a bite of something sweet. \u201cKeshi-mochi\u201d uses \u201ckeshi,\u201d or poppy seeds, and these were first brought to Japan on Nanban ships. It\u2019s said Sen-no-Riky\u016b loved keshi-mochi, which led to its popularity in the tea ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, poppy seeds contain a small amount of opium and were imported in Nanban ships as ingredients for morphine and other sedatives. It\u2019s only a trace amount, so they\u2019re perfectly safe to eat, of course. Their crunchy texture combined with the softness of the mochi makes for a truly delectable treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But why were poppy seeds in demand? The reason is deeply rooted in the Warring States Period. Poppy was used as a sedative for treating wounded soldiers and to relax combat-high warriors who had spent the day killing people. As a matter of fact, the caffeine found in tea was indispensable when storming castles. It was a convenient stimulant during nocturnal assaults and was also useful in heightening morale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it became a luxury item after the wars abated, and it\u2019s still enjoyed to this day. Gunpowder used in firearms was repurposed for fireworks, and poisonous chemicals became pesticides and other agrochemicals. New industries were born from the fires of war. Swordsmiths in Sakai turned to knifemaking to support Osakan gastronomy. This marked the end of Sakai\u2019s \u201cgolden days,\u201d but that is a story for another time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/Sakai-09-Sakai-Kenshi-mochi-mp3cut.net_.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*This guide was created based on documents and interviews and includes some interpretation done by us at ON THE TRIP. Theories differ between experts, so try to find out what really happened on your travels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Information presented here is current as of 2024. Please check the websites of the individual shops and facilities for up-to-date information on business hours.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ON THE TRIP An audio guide app to enhance your travel experience Just like an audio guide in a museum, ON THE TRIP provide on-the-spot audio guides at shrines, temples, spectacular views, and sightsee\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1227,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,9],"tags":[],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1265"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1265"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1265\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osaka-info.jp\/local_journey\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}