Sakai Rishō no Mori (Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko) is a major cultural landmark in Sakai, Osaka. When people hear “the birthplace of the tea master Sen no Rikyu,” they often hesitate, thinking, “Do I need to know tea ceremony etiquette?” or “Will it be too formal and stressful?”
I felt exactly the same way. However, after visiting, I discovered that even with zero knowledge of tea and without taking any formal lessons, it is a place you can fully enjoy. Here is a guide for the “Stress-Free Traveler” on how to enjoy Sakai Rishō no Mori.
- 1. Enjoying the Exhibits is Enough! The Charm of the “Sen no Rikyu Chanoyu Museum”
- 2. Immerse Yourself in the World of Poet Akiko Yosano
- 3. Monster Hunter Collaboration: The Giant “Fox Katana” Blade
- 4. Pro Tip: Enjoy Tea Casually at the On-site Starbucks
- 5. A Casual Walk: The Site of Sen no Rikyu’s House
- 6. Visitor Information & Access
- Summary: Enjoy Sakai’s History Stress-Free!
1. Enjoying the Exhibits is Enough! The Charm of the “Sen no Rikyu Chanoyu Museum”
Even if you don’t participate in a formal “Tea Ceremony Experience,” the museum area alone is enough to make you feel the romance of history. It’s designed like an art museum, so you can walk through at your own pace.
Replicas of Rikyu’s Iconic Tea Rooms
The most impressive part of the museum was the life-sized reproduction of two different tea rooms.
First is the “Sakai Imaichi Residence.” Rikyu had a residence in Sakai and built this 4.5-mat room based on the design of his teacher, Takeno Jōō. It is said to be one of Rikyu’s early-style tea rooms.
Next is the “Kyoto Juraku Residence,” which represents Rikyu’s style in his later years. It is believed that he lived near the Jurakudai palace built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Kyoto. While you cannot enter these rooms, just looking at them from the outside provides a wonderful sense of traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Visually Engaging Displays
The museum isn’t just about difficult old documents. It uses many videos and touch-panel displays, making it intuitive even for those who aren’t history experts.
On this panel, you can hear explanations about people associated with Rikyu. Interestingly, the voice of Rikyu is performed by the famous Kabuki actor Ainosuke Kataoka. It’s definitely worth a listen!
2. Immerse Yourself in the World of Poet Akiko Yosano
The journey continues to the 2nd floor, where you’ll find the Akiko Yosano Memorial Museum. This area has a modern, literary atmosphere that contrasts with the world of “Tea Ceremony.”
The beautiful cover designs of her masterpiece Midaregami and the story of her life—from a Sakai merchant’s daughter to a representative poet of her era—are fascinating. This section alone is worth the 300 yen admission fee.
“Surugaya”: A Reconstruction of Akiko’s Birthplace
Akiko Yosano was born in 1878 as the third daughter of the Japanese confectionery merchant “Surugaya.” A wonderful reconstruction of this shop is on display! What’s clever is that this shop serves as the exit of the museum, so you can walk through it.
The shop interior has a beautiful antique feel. Small details, like an abacus on the desk and traditional wooden chests, really bring the Meiji era to life.
3. Monster Hunter Collaboration: The Giant “Fox Katana” Blade
In the 1st-floor free area, there is a life-sized replica of the “Kitsunegatana Kakarukunonaki” (Fox Katana) from the Monster Hunter series! Measuring 3.1 meters and weighing 150kg, it is an incredibly powerful piece of craftsmanship.
The display is available from Jan 21, 2026, to March 1, 2026. A must-see for gamers!
4. Pro Tip: Enjoy Tea Casually at the On-site Starbucks
If you want to enjoy tea without the pressure of a ceremony, I recommend the Starbucks on the premises. It features a “Wa-Modern” design that matches the museum’s aesthetic. You can enjoy a garden view from the large windows without worrying about etiquette.
5. A Casual Walk: The Site of Sen no Rikyu’s House
Just behind the museum is the Site of Sen no Rikyu’s House. It’s an outdoor historic site, so no reservation is needed. You can see the well that Rikyu is said to have used. Volunteers are often there to provide helpful explanations.
I noticed that the structure over the well was built using the “Nuki” method—a nail-less woodworking technique. This same traditional method is used for the “Grand Roof” of the 2025 Osaka Expo. It’s amazing to see how these ancient skills are still respected today!
6. Visitor Information & Access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Admission (Exhibits) | Adults: 300 JPY / Students: 100-200 JPY |
| Access | 1-min walk from “Shukuin” Stn (Hankai Tramway) / 10-min walk from “Sakai” Stn (Nankai Line) |
Summary: Enjoy Sakai’s History Stress-Free!
Sakai Rishō no Mori is a welcoming place where you can enjoy history and literature even if you don’t know tea ceremony rules. Don’t let the fear of “etiquette” stop you. Just visit with a casual mindset, and you’re sure to discover something new!
