Sakai City Museum, Settsu Travel Guide

The Sakai City Museum, nestled within the expansive Daisen Park, serves as a portal to the past, inviting visitors to explore the captivating history and culture of the Sakai region. Opened in 1980 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Sakai's municipalization, the museum's location is significant, as it lies in the heart of the Mozu Kofun Group, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The museum's exhibits span from ancient times to the modern era, showcasing artifacts excavated from the Mozu Kofun Group, including replicas of Emperor Nintoku's sarcophagus and armor. These ancient burial mounds, including the massive keyhole-shaped Nintoku Tumulus, offer insights into Japan's early history and the development of its unique culture.Beyond its Kofun-era artifacts, the museum delves into Sakai's prosperous period as an autonomous trading city during the Middle Ages. Discover historical documents and goods that highlight the city's international connections and its role as a center for commerce and cultural exchange. The museum also features exhibits on prominent figures from Sakai's history, such as the tea master Sen no Rikyu and the poet Yosano Akiko.The museum's exhibition hall is divided into sections representing different periods: ancient times, the middle ages, early modern, and modern times. Special exhibits are held in the spring and fall, focusing on specific themes related to Sakai's history and culture. Visitors can also enjoy the Kofun Theater, which uses CG to bring the Kofun period to life.Shin'an tea house is another facility of the museum, where visitors can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremony.