Discover the Unique Charm of Sakai

Immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences in Sakai,
a city where deep history and masterful craftsmanship live on.
Enjoy special hands-on activities that bring you closer to traditional Japanese culture.

Tatami &
Traditional Japanese House Experience

Knife
Workshop Experience

Kimono & Tea Experience

Helium Balloon Experience

Incense-Making Experience

Samurai Spirit Experience

Tatami & Traditional Japanese House Experience

Learn about the craft of tatami mat making with skilled artisans, and experience Japanese house culture in a calm, traditional setting.

Knife Workshop Experience

Participate in the forging process of Sakai’s world-renowned cutlery alongside a craftsman. Feel the heat of the forge, hear the sounds of metal at work, and gain insight into the traditional craft.

Kimono & Tea Experience

Dressed in kimono, enjoy Japanese tea in a beautiful garden setting. Seasonal scenery enhances the serene atmosphere, and support is provided for non-Japanese speakers. 。

Helium Balloon Experience

Take to the sky in a tethered hot air balloon and view Sakai’s landscapes, ancient burial mounds, and greenery from above. Each time of day offers a different, breathtaking vista.

Incense-Making Experience

Create your own traditional incense in a historic setting. Take your handmade incense home and enjoy its gentle scent using traditional methods.

Introduction to Japanese Swords — Samurai Spirit Experience

In Sakai, a place deeply connected to blade making, discover the beauty and cultural significance of Japanese swords, and feel the spirit of Bushidō through this immersive experience.

Sample Tour — Model Course

Combine multiple experiences into a full-day itinerary showcasing Sakai’s cultural depth:

13:00〜14:30

Enjoy a special lunch at a historic restaurant with seasonal dishes prepared in a traditional style.

At the long-established "Maruman Honke Sakai Branch," which has been in business for over 160 years, we offer a special lunch where you can enjoy seasonal dishes and the famous fish sukiyaki. In a calm Japanese-style space, meals featuring carefully prepared seasonal ingredients are served as a course so you can enjoy them leisurely. Please enjoy a meal that is structured so you can casually enjoy authentic flavors even during lunchtime.

14:45〜15:30

Visit to Knife Workshop:Explanations of the Craftsmanship and Process Up Close

Sakai is a "city of cutlery" with a history of over 600 years. In this plan, you will have the opportunity to visit craftsmen's workshops, which are usually not open to the public, with explanations of the process from the craftsmen themselves. At the shops, you can also view cutlery products such as knives and accessories, and purchase any items you like. This is the prologue of your journey to understanding "why Sakai's culture is renowned worldwide."

15:45〜17:30

Tea Ceremony/Kimono Dressing Experience (Shinan): Savor the "Elegance of Sakai" in Silence

We change into kimono and enjoy tea and sweets at Shin'an. Sakai is a place where the culture of tea ceremony is rooted. You can experience the “art of Japanese etiquette,” which you rarely have the chance to encounter, such as how to make matcha, stories about tea utensils, and the history associated with Sakai. Sitting down on the tatami and taking a deep breath offers a quiet moment that can be described as a highlight of the trip, providing a calming experience. 4

18:00〜18:30

Night Balloon: "15 Minutes of Extraordinary Experience" Floating Over Sakai's Nightscape

The view from the night balloon shows a completely different expression from the daytime. Boarding a tethered balloon and experiencing the lights of Sakai and the illumination around the Japanese garden from above takes you into a special time of "extraordinary" in just a few minutes. The balloon, illuminated by light, is perfect for photography. Under safe management, the moment of ascending while feeling the gentle breeze is so moving that both children and adults can't help but express their amazement.

運営会社 : 公益社団法人堺観光コンベンション協会  所在地 : 〒590-0950 大阪府堺市堺区甲斐町西1丁1−35

© 公益社団法人堺観光コンベンション協会 / All rights reserved.