Writer Icasiano Aurelio talks about how one of the oldest Japanese cities remains a timeless classic in a world of change

Sakai, a city in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, has been inhabited since the Stone Age. It has weathered through the changing hands of time and, in turn, proven itself to be a fascinatingly versatile city.
One thing that most people do not know about Sakai is that it is the fastest expanding territory in Japan. Despite its frenetic pace of development, however, the area keeps much of its history intact. Steeped in Japanese culture and heritage, Sakai currently holds a position of national prestige. In 2006, it was one of the Japanese government’s elected cities and was proudly declared as the country’s fastest-rising industrial city.
But securing a place of honor was not always easy. In earlier times, Sakai was known to have been burnt and destroyed at least three times. But its tenacity is seen in the fact that it has always managed to rise up and prosper. Despite all its past misfortunes, today it is recognized as one of the first trading ports between China and the Southeast Asian countries, having formed trading alliances with countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
 
Sakai, five ways
The main means of transport in Sakai is the bicycle. Even in the middle of the day, it is not uncommon to see people dressed in coats and ties riding to their offices on bikes. Some hotels even offer bicycle rentals for hotel guests at an estimated fee of around 300 yen per day. Most buildings offer parking spaces for bicycles, while some intersections even have elevators built for both cyclists and the elderly who want to cross the road.
That being said, Sakai isn’t completely traditional. Every great city knows how to keep up with the times while not compromising its values and culture. Sakai still offers its visitors a chance to experience ancient Japanese culture with a modern twist. Here are a few places you may want visit to enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere:

1. World-class blades
The blacksmiths of Sakai were known to be the world’s finest sword and knife makers. Samurais were known to make frequent visits here so that their blades could be made and sharpened by only the best craftsmen in the land. In the 5th century, the tradesmen of Sakai possessed tools that were extraordinary compared to the dull and ordinary ones of less skilled cities. It was their ability to construct beautiful weaponry that catalyzed Sakai’s fame and reputation.
During the middle of the 16th century, the demand for knives increased substantially and Sakai was the first to produce the kind of tobacco knife that users preferred. By the Edo period, the Sakaikiwame brand of knives was born. It possessed a unique quality that made it particularly popular with other countries. It set Japan apart and gave it a reputation as the place where only the best of blades could be found.
The Sakai Hamono Knife Museum offers visitors a glimpse of knife-making history. They also sell the best chef’s knives for those interested in the culinary arts.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Doors close at 4 p.m.)
Closed: Tuesdays
Admission: Free
Take the JR Hankai Line and get off at Myokokujimae stop.
Address: 1-1-30 Zaimoku-cho-Nishi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City

2. Through the keyhole
Sakai is home to the famous Mozu Tumulus cluster, one of the world’s cultural heritage sites. This cluster is said to house the burial mounds of emperors since the 5th century of Japan. It also includes the Nintoku-Ryo Tumulus, the largest keyhole-shaped burial mound amongst the 47 remaining tumulus in Sakai. One can visit the outer area of the Nintoku-Ryo Tumulus to pray or just absorb the air around one of Japan’s most historical sites. It has a promenade located around the area. The best time to visit is during April, when the cherry blossom trees lined up along the south side are in full bloom.

Take the JR Hanwa Line and get off at Mozu Station.
Address: Daisen-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City
 
3.  Pedal pushing
It is interesting to learn more about the Sakai natives’ favorite mode of transportation: the bicycle. Shimano, one of the most popular and trusted names in bicycle production, is headquartered in Sakai. That being said, you may want to drop by the Bicycle Museum Cycle Center. Built in 1992, there are over 300 bicycles exhibited in the building, including the world’s oldest bicycle and the bikes of athletes which were used in the Atlanta Olympics. Most of the exhibited bicycles were made in Japan, a large number constructed specifically in Sakai city itself.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Doors close at 4 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays, days following national holidays, New Year’s holidays
Admission: Adults ¥300; middle and high school students ¥200; elementary?school students, children age 3 and older, adults age 65 and older ¥100
Take the JR Hanwa Line and get off at Mozu Station.
Address: 165-6 Daisennaka-machi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City

 When in Sakai, do as the natives do: bike. Work your biking muscles out by visiting Sakai’s Bicycle Square. This is where replicas of bikes from the 1920s are rented out for people to use and enjoy.

Open during second and fourth Sundays of the month and on national holidays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: ¥300 for 20 minutes
 
4. The Sakai connection
To truly immerse in the city’s culture, there is no better place to go than the Sakai City Museum. Over 1,000 square meters of exhibit space feature the ancient and modern-day developments of the beloved city. They also offer historical tours in video form and can give special group tours. Here, one can discover Sakai’s connection to places like the Philippines as Sakai was one of the first trading ports between Southeast Asian countries and Japan.
 
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (Doors close at 4:30 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays and days following national holidays
Admission: ¥200 (Admission fee is subject to change for special exhibits.)
Take the JR Hanwa Line and get off at Mozu Station.
Address: 2 Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City
 
5. Walk in the park
Once you’ve exhausted yourself with biking, walking and sight-seeing, there is solace to be found at Daisen Park. With over 35 hectares of land, the park is surrounded by trees, grass and ponds near the stretch of Nintoku-ryu Tumulus. It is definitely a picturesque place where one can sit down and soak in the beauty of nature. Daisen Park is also home to one of Sakai’s symbols: the Peace Tower, which symbolizes Sakai’s fervent hope for world peace.
 
Take the JR Hanwa Line and get off at Mozu Station
Address: 2 Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City