Osaka: Birthplace of the Tea Ceremony Guided Tour in Sakai

Sakai Risho no Mori honors Sen no Rikyu, the tea master who shaped the Way of Tea, and Akiko Yosano, a celebrated poet. Explore Rikyu’s legacy through exhibits on tea culture, visit Yosano’s memorial museum, and enjoy a Seated Tea Ceremony (Ritsurei Chakai), experiencing Japan’s refined tea traditions firsthand.

At Kurumi Mochi Kanbukuro, savor the unique Kurumi Mochi, a chewy rice cake covered in a rich, sweet soybean-based sauce. Enjoy it in the cozy shop, paired with their special shaved ice, perfect for a refreshing treat. A must-visit spot for traditional sweets in Sakai!

Nanshu-ji Temple is deeply connected to Sen no Rikyu, the grand master who perfected the Way of Tea. This Zen temple was where Rikyu trained in tea ceremony and aesthetics, shaping Japan’s tea culture. Its historic tea rooms and dry landscape garden, designed in the spirit of wabi-sabi, reflect the core philosophy of tea. Visitors can explore the harmony between Zen and tea, experiencing the serene atmosphere that inspired Rikyu’s teachings.