Sakai City

Genuine Cutlery

The history of ironworking technology that developed during the construction of ancient tombs approximately 1,600 years ago still lives on in the manufacture of Sakai cutlery today.

Sakai cutlery, individually handcrafted by artisans, is loved by professional chefs around the world for its sharpness and beauty. Visitors can observe and experience authentic kitchen knife making and take home the knives they have made.

Renowned Bicycle Industry

The history of iron processing technology cultivated in the construction of ancient tombs and the subsequent manufacture of guns and cutlery has contributed to the development of the modern bicycle industry.

Sakai is home to many bicycle-related companies with advanced technology, and the headquarters of Shimano Corporation, world-renowned in the bicycle industry, is also located in Sakai City.

At the Shimano Bicycle Museum, the only bicycle museum in Japan, visitors can learn about the history and appeal of bicycles, from classic bicycles to the latest road bikes, in an easy-to-understand and fun way through a variety of exhibits and videos.

Authentic Tea Ceremony: Chanoyu

Chanoyu is a tea ceremony in which equality is the rule regardless of status, and the spirit of mutual respect and hospitality is venerated. It has had a great influence on Japanese people today. Sen no Rikyu, the great master of Chanoyu, was born in Sakai and spent most of his life there.

At Sakai Risho no Mori, visitors can experience a genuine tea ceremony in Muichian, a recreation of the four-and-a-half-tatami-mat tea ceremony room used by Sen no Rikyu. Visitors wash their hands and mouth in the wash basin and enter through the traditional low entranceway.

Historical Townscape

In the 16th century, when the manufacturing method for guns was introduced to Japan, Sakai became the largest producer of guns in the country. The spread of guns had a major impact on the history of Japan, bringing about changes in warfare methods and castle construction. The gunsmith's mansion is the only existing Edo period workshop and residence of a gunsmith in Japan.

Sakai is also home to a number of other historical towns and buildings, including the Yamaguchi Residence, one of the few remaining town houses from the early Edo period in Japan, and Nanshuji Temple, which is associated with Sen no Rikyu, a Japanese master of tea ceremony.