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Discover Sakai: Ancient Tombs and Traditional Crafts
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Joined 2025
Step back in time and discover the rich heritage of Sakai, a historic city known for its ancient burial mounds, skilled artisans, and samurai-era traditions. This guided tour takes you through the impressive Mozu Kofun Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), traditional neighborhoods, and local workshops famous for Sakai knives and incense. Learn about the city's unique role in Japanese history while exploring its peaceful streets and cultural treasures.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Meet at Sakai Station (Nankai Line, East Exit)
- Welcome and brief introduction by your guide. Begin with a short walk to the first site.
Visit Mozu Kofun Tomb (Viewpoint or Museum)
Explore the area around the Daisen Kofun, one of the world’s largest ancient tombs. Learn about Japan’s kofun period and royal burial traditions. Stop by the Sakai City Museum for context (optional indoor visit).
Stroll Through Traditional Neighborhood Streets
Walk through quiet backstreets lined with old merchant homes and local shops. Enjoy stories of Sakai’s role as a key port and center of trade during the samurai era.
Visit Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum / Knife Workshop
Discover Sakai’s reputation for high-quality knife making. Watch a demo or visit a shop where artisans still make hand-forged knives. Option to shop or take photos.
Tea Break or Incense Shop Visit
Stop by a local café or incense shop, where you can experience another side of Sakai’s cultural heritage.
Return to Sakai Station
Your guide will offer recommendations for lunch or onward sightseeing in the area.
Ending Point
Sakai station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
English-speaking local guide
A knowledgeable guide who will lead you through Sakai’s historical sites and share stories about its cultural heritage.
Guided visit to Mozu Kofun area
Includes explanations of the kofun burial mounds and nearby viewing points or museum area.
Visit to Sakai Traditional Craft Center or Knife Shop
Learn about Sakai’s artisan history and view handcrafted items up close.
Cultural guidance and local tips
Your guide will offer insights into the area’s history, customs, and recommend food or shopping spots.
Assistance with local transport or directions if needed
Help with navigating buses or trains before or after the tour.
Transportation to and from the meeting point (Sakai Station)
Public transportation fares during the tour, if used (please bring approx. 500–800 JPY / 4–6 USD per person)
Entrance fees to optional attractions or museum exhibits, if not specified in the tour plan
Meals, drinks, or snacks (unless otherwise mentioned in your booking)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs (e.g., knives, incense, or local crafts)
Tips for the guide (optional, but appreciated)
Tour Important Information
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Important message from the supplier
Please send me a message for a 100% customized tour plan for you.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Karim A.
Hello and welcome! My name is Karim, and I'm your local guide for unforgettable tours across Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara — three of Japan’s most iconic and culturally rich cities.
With a deep passion for Japanese history, food, and culture, I specialize in creating fun, informative, and personalized experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you want to explore ancient temples in Kyoto, vibrant street food in Osaka, or the peaceful charm of Nara’s deer parks and shrines, I’m here to help you experience it all like a local.
Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, I’ll make sure your visit is filled with authentic stories, local insights, and great memories. Let’s discover Japan together — one step, one bite, and one beautiful view at a time!
Looking forward to meeting you,
Karim
$255/ per group
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Nara Cultural Discovery: Deer Encounters and Spiritual Sites
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(Highlights) The present castle building looks beautiful, powerful and in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. However, it was the venue of hegemony, bloody conflicts and natural disasters for many centuries. Once you visit the castle, you will be amazed at the magnificent structures, huge moats and the beautiful natural environment. The view from the top of the eight-storied donjon is splendid. You can reach there either by going up the steep stairways or taking an elevator ride. The castle is in the heart and the landmark of Osaka city, where many modern buildings stand. (How to enjoy) You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the one-kilometer road leading to the castle after you get off the train and, once inside the precincts, you cannot spare even a moment without marveling at the sight of an ancient technology and human wisdom, as well as the huge rocks building up the protection walls. Not only seeing the buildings, you can also sit on the grass and enjoy having lunch with your family members or friends. (Others) The entrance fee is 600 yen per person and the JR Osaka Loop Line train fare is 300 yen for the ride from Osaka to Osaka-jo-koen station. The fare for the ride between Kyoto and Osaka, meanwhile, is 510 yen.
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