The Top 6 Tours & Experiences In Sakai

Sakai, a city on Japan’s Honshu island, offers more than just its reputation for high-quality knives. It’s a place where traditional crafts, history, and unique experiences come together. Whether you’re interested in samurai stories, bike tours, or hands-on knife-making, Sakai has something to surprise everyone. We especially like the Sakai: Shōgun’s Story Samurai, Knives & Tea Ceremony for its immersive dive into samurai culture, and the Craft Your Own Knife in Sakai for those eager to get their hands dirty with craftsmanship. These experiences aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re about learning and participating in Japan’s timeless traditions.
If you’re curious about local history, the bike tour offers a lively way to see the city, with highlights like the Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku (a UNESCO World Heritage site). For a more relaxed, cultural experience, the tea ceremony and knife museum tours give quiet moments of reflection amid fascinating stories. With such variety, Sakai is a must-visit for travelers looking to go beyond the usual.

Quick Overview

This list features six top-rated tours in Sakai, ranging from historical explorations to craft workshops and adventure experiences. For those interested in Japanese swords and craftsmanship, the Craft Your Own Knife and Knife Sharpening Experience are ideal. If you prefer active sightseeing, try the Highlights Bike Tour for comprehensive city highlights. For a taste of tradition and local life, the Sakai: Highlights Bike Tour and Secret Sakai Knife Museum & Tea Ceremony Tour provide authentic insights. Finally, the Osaka Balloon Ride offers a spectacular perspective on Sakai’s ancient tombs from above. All of these tours promise a memorable, hands-on visit rooted in the city’s rich cultural fabric.

1. Sakai: Shōgun’s Story Samurai, Knives & Tea Ceremony

At number 1, this tour offers a deep dive into sakai’s samurai legacy, combined with a hands-on knife-making workshop and a traditional tea ceremony. Priced at $379 per person, it’s a full sensory experience that’s perfect for history lovers eager to understand Japan’s feudal past. The tour begins with a guided exploration of Sakai’s role as a global trade hub during the Edo period, illuminating how the city’s samurai culture influenced its craftsmanship. You’ll then move into a traditional workshop where you get to try making your own knife, a craft Sakai is famous for.
A local guide will share stories about samurai life and the importance of swords and knives in Japanese culture. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch followed by a tea ceremony, which offers a peaceful moment of reflection. This experience is especially valuable for those wanting an authentic, participatory journey through Sakai’s history and craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: This all-encompassing experience captures Sakai’s samurai spirit and cutlery mastery—a top choice for history buffs and those eager to create their own souvenir knife.

2. Sakai: Highlights Bike Tour

Number 2 on our list is the Sakai Highlights Bike Tour, priced at $202 per person. It’s a lively way to explore the city’s key sights while enjoying the outdoors. The tour covers Emperor Nintoku’s Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with Sakai’s museum and historic neighborhoods. The bike makes it easy to cover more ground than on foot, especially fitting when you want to see multiple highlights in a short time.
The trip includes a visit to a traditional Japanese house from the Edo period, giving insight into daily life centuries ago. You’ll also meet a blacksmith at a forge and learn about the long-standing tradition of knife-making—Sakai’s signature craft. The guide is knowledgeable about local history and craftsmanship, making the story of Sakai’s trade and culture come alive.
A highlight is the lunch at a Japanese restaurant, offering local specialties to fuel your ride. The tour also includes time at the Sakai City Museum for context on the city’s development.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a rundown of Sakai, combining history, culture, and local flavor on two wheels.

3. Craft Your Own Knife in Sakai: Handle-Making, Name Engraving

For about 2.5 hours, this hands-on knife-making workshop is perfect for those eager to create a lasting souvenir. You’ll learn about Japanese blade craftsmanship and watch a master engrave your name onto a personalized knife. The experience begins with a detailed explanation of Sakai’s knife history and the techniques used in traditional forging.
You’ll then participate in fitting handles and sharpening your own blade, gaining insight into the skill and patience involved in Japanese cutlery. The workshop includes a visit to a private knife museum, where you can see historical blades and watch a short film about the process.
Guests rave about leaving with a one-of-a-kind, personalized knife that’s safely packaged for travel. This experience is highly recommended for DIY enthusiasts and culinary travelers wanting a tangible craft to take home.
Bottom Line: A unique, participatory experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and personal creation—a true highlight for knife lovers.

4. Osaka: Private Hidden Sakai Balloon Ride and historical tour

This 3-hour adventure offers a bird’s-eye view of Sakai’s ancient tombs with a balloon ride—an experience you won’t forget. Starting from Osaka, the tour includes a balloon flight over the Daisen Kofun, one of the world’s largest keyhole-shaped tombs. The ride is suitable for those comfortable with heights, but the view of the tombs and surrounding landscape is spectacular.
Post-flight, you’ll explore Daisen Park’s Japanese gardens, perfect for a relaxed walk and picnic lunch amid natural beauty. The tour also includes shopping for high-quality Sakai knives and tasting traditional sweets, giving a taste of local culinary culture. The itinerary combines adventure with cultural discovery—truly a memorable way to see Sakai from above and learn about its history.
Bottom Line: Excellent for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts who want an unusual perspective on Sakai’s famous tombs combined with a peaceful park visit.

5. Osaka: Secret Sakai Knife Museum & Tea Ceremony Tour

This 2.5-hour tour is a quiet, cultural journey, ideal for lovers of craftsmanship and tradition. It includes a tea ceremony with wagashi sweets and matcha, along with an exploration of Sakai’s private knife museum. The tour starts at the Hankai Tramway, offering a nostalgic ride into Sakai’s everyday life.
Inside the museum, you’ll learn the differences between Japanese and Western knives, gaining insight into Sakai’s reputation for sword and knife craftsmanship. The visit provides a rare look at historic blades and a chance to shop at the Sakai Toji knife shop. Photography inside the museum is not allowed, but the experience leaves a lasting impression of Japanese culinary and sword-making traditions.
This tour is ideal for history and culture enthusiasts who appreciate slow, meaningful experiences. It’s a great way to combine local food, craftsmanship, and tradition in one compact journey.
Bottom Line: A refined, intimate tour perfect for those wanting to explore Sakai’s culinary and cutlery heritage.

6. Sakai: Japanese Knife Sharpening Experience

Last but not least, this 2-hour session offers a practical look at Japanese knife maintenance. You will learn how to sharpen knives using traditional whetstones and fit handles to blades, gaining skills that are useful long after your trip. Guests can experience the different whetstones if time allows, making this a hands-on, educational experience.
This tour is particularly valuable for knife owners or culinary enthusiasts interested in Japanese techniques. It provides a practical skillset combined with cultural insight into Japan’s reputation for sharp, durable cutlery. The focus on traditional sharpening methods makes it stand out from more tour-centric experiences.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to learn a useful craft and improve their own knives, especially if they’re planning to visit Sakai’s famous knife shops.

How to Choose Your Sakai Experience

When selecting the right tour, consider your interests and travel style. If you want a comprehensive look into Sakai’s samurai past and craftsmanship, the Sakai: Shōgun’s Story is ideal. For active explorers, the Bike Tour offers a dynamic way to see multiple sights, while those seeking a more tranquil culture should consider the Tea Ceremony or Knife Museum Tour.

Budget is another factor: tours like the Knife Sharpening Experience offer practical, budget-friendly options, whereas the Shōgun’s Story provides a full-day, all-inclusive experience. Check availability and timings—book early if you’re traveling during peak seasons. Remember, some tours involve walking or physical activity, so plan accordingly.

For a complete experience, you might combine a bike tour with a hands-on craft session, or enjoy a balloon ride if you’re after a spectacular view. Whichever you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these authentic, worthwhile experiences in Sakai.

Sakai offers a range of cultural, historical, and craft-focused tours that cater to diverse interests. Whether you’re eager to try making your own knife, soar over ancient tombs, or dive into tea ceremonies, you’ll find a memorable experience. Two standout options are the Sakai: Shōgun’s Story for an immersive history and craft adventure, and the Bike Tour for energetic sightseeing. For those with a curiosity for traditional techniques, the Knife Sharpening and Knife Museum tours round out the list.

Don’t wait too long—these experiences are popular and fill quickly. Pack your sense of curiosity and get ready for a deep dive into Sakai’s craftsmanship and history. Whether you prefer active exploration or quiet reflection, Sakai has something to offer. Happy planning!