4 Must-Visit Tourist Spots Packed with the Charms of Sakai City, Osaka!

Sakai City has thrived as a "merchant town," prospering through trade since ancient times. It's an area rich in natural beauty and historical buildings, making it a perfect destination for sightseeing. You can enjoy both the charm of the mountains and the sea, and even experience an outdoor vibe close to the city center. Here are some recommended tourist spots that are packed with the appeal of Sakai City!

1. Enjoy Nature at "Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill"

Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill is a popular tourist spot where visitors can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Sakai City. It boasts a vast area filled with seasonal flowers that bloom vibrantly, making it perfect for couples and families visiting for sightseeing.

In spring, you can enjoy colorful tulips, dreamy nemophila, hydrangeas shining under the rain, and bright red roses creating a beautiful contrast with the fresh greenery—it's like a living calendar showing the seasons through flowers. In August, the sunflower field turns a brilliant yellow under the blue sky and sun, creating a picturesque, painting-like scene that captivates tourists.

With a variety of attractions and beautiful natural scenery, you can enjoy a full day at "Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill."

For active travelers who want more than sightseeing around Sakai, there are fun activities like mini-golf, archery, and grass sliding. You can also relax while enjoying the view of flowers and greenery from the Ferris wheel or a boat ride.

2. A Convenient Oasis with an Elevator Ride: "Sakai Nature Interaction Forest"

Sakai Nature Interaction Forest is a popular spot where tourists can easily enjoy Sakai's rich natural surroundings. The vast area is filled with nature and has various facilities.

At the "Forest Hall," you can get plenty of information about the forest, nature, and facilities—making it easy and convenient, even for first-time visitors to Sakai City.

Take the elevator up to the forest entrance and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere as if you're already forest bathing. From the observation square, you can see a stunning view of the cityscape and distant mountains—without having to venture deep into the mountains for a nature experience.

There are various hands-on programs like craft classes led by volunteers, farming experiences, and nature observation sessions, making it a recommended spot where visitors of all ages can fully connect with nature.

3. Tsutsuji Azaleas in Full Bloom: "Houun Zen Temple"

In Sakai City, where many old streets and historical buildings remain, "Houun Zen Temple" is a recommended stop for those interested in visiting temples and shrines. Its spacious grounds are rich in nature and feature highlights like the Tenno Hall, the main hall, and the bell tower. Admission and parking are free, adding to its appeal.

There are two main reasons to visit Houun Zen Temple:
First, it's a hidden gem for azalea (tsutsuji) viewing. Over 1,000 azalea bushes are planted on the grounds, and in spring, they bloom in vibrant red, white, and pink colors, attracting many tourists. The three-dimensional layers of azaleas take advantage of the natural terrain and appear like a beautiful 3D painting.

Second, during Obon, the temple holds a lantern festival (Mantoue). Visitors light candles in lanterns to pray for health and peace. With over a thousand lanterns swaying gently in the quiet temple grounds, the scene becomes beautifully mystical. Houun Zen Temple is a great spot to experience the changing seasons in Sakai.

4. A Relaxing Outdoor Spot by the Sea: "Umi to Furai Hiroba"

Located at the western tip of Sakaihama, "Umi to Fureai Hiroba" is a waterfront area where you can enjoy the sea during your Sakai sightseeing. With vast lawns and green spaces, it's a relaxing place popular among tourists.

The park has playground equipment like slides, making it perfect for kids to play safely. There are barbecue areas and fishing terraces where you can cook local Sakai ingredients and enjoy fishing while gazing at the sea, providing a full outdoor experience.

There's also a dog park, making it a favorite spot for visitors with pets. You can enjoy views of not only Sakai City and Osaka Bay but also the distant Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. It's a great place to relax, feeling the sea breeze after sightseeing and driving around Sakai.

◎Summary

Sakai City, where old townscapes coexist with modern architecture, offers a fun experience for sightseeing and strolling through the streets. Additionally, not far from the city center, you can enjoy the rich natural scenery of the sea and mountains, as well as attractive tourist spots that make the most of nature, including historic temples. There's something for everyone to enjoy in Sakai.

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4 Must-Visit Tourist Spots Packed with the Charms of Sakai City, Osaka!