undefined Itinerary

Spend the morning exploring the charming neighborhoods of Sakai. Start with a visit to the Tsutenkaku Tower, a symbol of Osaka and a great spot for panoramic views of the city. Take a walk through the vibrant Shinsekai district, known for its retro atmosphere and delicious street food.

After lunch at a local ramen shop, make your way to the Sakai Traditional Industrial Hall, where you can learn about Sakai's traditional crafts such as knife making and tea ceremony utensils. Take a hands-on workshop and try your hand at crafting your own unique souvenir.

End the day with a visit to the Nanshu-ji Temple, a serene Buddhist temple surrounded by beautiful gardens. Take a moment to meditate and reflect, and then head to Torafugu Tei for a memorable dinner. This restaurant specializes in fugu, a delicacy that must be prepared by licensed chefs due to its potential toxicity if not handled properly.

Start the day with a visit to the Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko, a museum dedicated to the renowned tea master Sen no Rikyu and his wife. Learn about the art of tea ceremony and the influence of Sakai on this traditional Japanese practice.

After the museum, take a short trip to the nearby Sakai Handicraft Center, where you can browse and purchase a wide variety of locally made crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and lacquerware. Don't forget to pick up some matcha tea to enjoy at home.

For dinner, head to Irori Chaya, a cozy restaurant that specializes in traditional Japanese cuisine. Indulge in a kaiseki meal, a multi-course dining experience that showcases the seasonal flavors of Sakai. Be sure to try their signature dish, takoyaki, a popular street food in Osaka.

Embark on a day trip to the nearby city of Nara, which is known for its ancient temples and friendly deer population. Start your visit at Todai-ji Temple, home to the famous Great Buddha statue. Explore the temple grounds and admire the intricate wooden architecture.

After lunch at a local restaurant in Nara, make your way to Nara Park, where you can encounter the friendly deer that roam freely throughout the area. Feed them special deer crackers and take memorable photos with these gentle creatures.

On your way back to Sakai, stop by Yamato no Yu, a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) facility. Relax and unwind in the soothing waters, and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Start the day with a visit to the Sakai City Traditional Craft Museum, where you can learn about the city's traditional crafts and watch artisans at work. Admire the intricate details of Sakai's famous knives and other handmade products.

After the museum, explore the local shopping streets of Sakai. Visit the Sakai Fish Market and browse the fresh seafood stalls. Pick up some local ingredients for a cooking class later in the day.

End the day with a hands-on cooking experience at Sakai Kitchen Studio. Learn how to prepare traditional Japanese dishes using the ingredients you purchased at the fish market. Enjoy a delicious meal and take home new culinary skills.