Just outside central Osaka, Sakai is a city full of history and culture. In 2019, its ancient burial mounds were registered as Osaka’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing attention to this lesser-known destination. Its also conveniently located nearby to both Namba and Kansai International Airport, making it easy to visit.

Read on for three Sakai attractions you’ll wanna check out on your next trip!

The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group in Sakai is Osaka’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient burial mounds were built as tombs for Japan’s early rulers, with the most famous being the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun (the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku). Shaped like a giant keyhole, it ranks among the world’s three largest burial sites, alongside Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza and China’s Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang.

Sakai is full of traditional streets and buildings that reflect its long history. Some highlights include the Teppou Yashiki (Gunsmith House), the last surviving Edo-period gunsmith workshop and residence in Japan, along with the old Yamaguchi Residence, which offers a glimpse into life in an early Edo townhouse.

Sakai is also the birthplace of Sen no Rikyu, a tea master who laid the foundations for the Japanese tea ceremony. It’s also known for its high-quality Sakai knives. As such, Sakai offers a casual way for visitors to experience tea ceremonies or purchase handcrafted knives made by skilled artisans. It’s a great way to experience Japanese culture firsthand.

Sakai once flourished as a port town thanks to its trade with Ming China and European countries. At Old Sakai Port, a former hub for foreign trade, you’ll find lots of historic landmarks like the Old Sakai Lighthouse, Japan’s oldest existing wooden Western-style lighthouse.

There’s also a waterfront walking path known as the Shinsui Promenade, where you can catch peaceful ocean views and beautiful sunsets.

Opened in March 2025, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai sits right in front of Old Sakai Port and its stunning harbor views. With 11 floors and 321 total rooms, it’s the largest hotel in the Sakai area.

This property marks the first Japan branch of the Hong Kong-based Dorsett hotel brand, operated by Agora, which currently manages nine hotels across Japan. The hotel’s charm lies in its natural interior design inspired by the history and nature of Sakai, as well as the breathtaking harbor views from the restaurant and some guest rooms. It’s also conveniently located just five minutes on foot from the nearest station, making it an ideal base for sightseeing, as well.

The hotel has entrances on both the first and second floors, with the 2F entrance connecting to the seaside promenade for a casual stroll.

The 1F entrance faces the main Sakai-Hannan Road between the port and the street, so it easily accessible whether you arrive by train or car. It’s also close to the parking lot, with the front desk just inside the 1F entrance.

Check-in is in the front lobby, a simple yet spacious area with a warm, inviting atmosphere accented by wood and earthy tones. The hotel’s concept is all about sharing the local history and culture with its guests, which is reflected in the staff’s friendly and welcoming service.

Front desk support is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese. You can also get basic sightseeing information here.

Guest amenities are available at the dedicated corner near the front desk. Of course, bath items, towels, and nightwear are already provided in the rooms, but everything else is self-serve.

Guests can take whatever they need from the 14 types of amenities, including skincare products, toothbrushes, razors, and cotton swabs. There are also six drink options like green tea, roasted tea, drip coffee, and sugar, plus disposable cutlery including spoons, forks, and chopsticks.

All these items are made with biomass materials (renewable organic resources from plants and animals), making them environmentally friendly, too!

Be sure to stop by the lobby lounge before or after check-in. Unlike most hotels that simply have sofas, this lounge features chairs, small tables, and books and brochures for your perusal. It feels just like a cozy little cafe with a library corner!

Welcome drinks are served in the lounge between 3 PM and 9 PM, perfect for meetups or breaks. You’ll find organic herbal teas, including 20 varieties of black tea from Osaka-based brand TEARTH, and coffee.

There’s also a cute candy wagon with little bags of treats like mini biscuits and candies that kids will love!

(Note: Selections may vary)

Rooms are available in five types: Standard, Family, Superior, Deluxe, and Suite. Each one features large windows, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the scenery. Guests can choose between harbor views or city views.

For this visit, we stayed in a Superior Twin Room with a city view. Both Standard and Superior rooms are about 22 square meters, with identical furnishings and a choice of either a king or twin beds. The main difference is the location: Standard Rooms are on floors 2–5, while Superiors are on floors 6–11.

Rooms are equipped with a TV, mini-fridge, air purifier, electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi. There are also standard power outlets, along with Type-A and Type-C USB ports. Bath amenities are from the plant-based series, Hajimari.

One thing guests love about the rooms at Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai is the natural light that fills the space, and its simple, warm interior. The design draws inspiration from the "greenery, earth, and sea" of Sakai, a reference to the Kofun Burial Mounds, and the historic port that once flourished by the sea.

With the exception of the suites, room floors are covered with a soft green carpet reminiscent of moss, inspired by the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun World Heritage Site.

Wooden motifs are also seen throughout the designs, including in the key cards and furnishings, adding a natural warmth to the space.Touches of bright blue, a signature color used throughout the hotel inspired by the sea, also appear on the cups and nightwear.

Even from inside your room, traces of Sakai’s deep history can be felt in every detail.

While we stayed in a City View room for this trip, there’s also the Harbor View Room, which offers incredible views of the historic Old Sakai Port. The Sakai sunsets are especially beautiful.

During this stay, we also had the chance to check out some of the other rooms. The Triple Harbor View Family Room has a sofa bed and accommodates up to three guests. It measures about 22 square meters, and comes with the same amenities as the Standard and Superior rooms. All rooms of this type face the harbor, offering gorgeous views of the port.

Deluxe Rooms are designed with universal accessibility in mind, with only four rooms available. Each is about 27 square meters in size, with twin beds, spacious layouts, and sliding doors. Both the room itself and the bathroom are designed to accommodate wheelchairs or strollers comfortably.

There are eight suites in total: six Dorsett Suites and two Waterfront Premier Suites. These vary slightly in amenities compared to the other rooms, with main difference being their location and view.

Dorsett Suites are on the second floor and feature city views. They’re also close to the entrance and restaurant, ideal for those seeking extra convenience. The Waterfront Premier Suites sit on the top 11th floor, with panoramic views stretching from Old Sakai Port to Osaka Bay.

Both suite types are about 44 square meters in size and are complete with an automatic coffee maker, complimentary mineral water, and a spacious living area. It’s everything you need for a more comfortable, laid-back stay.

Bathrooms are spacious and equipped with rain showers. The bath, toilet, and sink are all separate, making it easy for multiple guests to use comfortably. Suites are fully stocked with bath amenities, including those available at the front desk, but you’ll also find extras like bath salts, body towels, and organic soap by Thai spa brand, Panpuri.

Breakfast is served at the 2F restaurant. Designed as a space that connects the sea and the hotel, the restaurant leads right out to the seaside terrace, with tall floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views of the sea and harbor.

Meals are buffet-style with over 50 Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. Some dishes vary daily, keeping the selection fresh for guests staying several nights.

Price:
・Adults (13+): 2,500 yen
・Children: (6-12): 1,200 yen / (3-5): 600 yen

Step out from the hotel’s 2F entrance and you’ll find Old Sakai Port’s boarding dock right before you. From here, the Expo Cruise Ferry departs directly for Yumeshima Pier, home of the Kansai Expo venue.

The boat, named Myakumyaku 200 after the official Expo mascot, is a two-story high-speed vessel with a 200-passenger capacity. The ride is about 30 minutes, with five departures daily in both directions. With no transfers or crowds to worry about, it’s a simple, direct way to reach the Expo.

Departure Times:
・Outbound: 9 AM / 10:30 AM / 4 PM
・Return: 5 PM / 8:30 PM

Fare:
・Adults: 3,800 yen / Children (ages 3–12): 1,900 yen

The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group is a cluster of 44 total burial mounds, some of which are partially damaged. Several facilities near the hotel offer opportunities to learn more about these ancient sites.

Namba is one of Osaka’s most popular areas, loved for its energetic vibe and local food scene. It’s just 10-minutes from the hotel via the Nankai Line Limited Express Southern.

Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai offers a memorable stay in a historic port town, with easy access to Osaka’s only World Heritage Site, and direct connections to Namba and Kansai International Airport. It’s a great choice for anyone interested in Japanese history, traditional craftsmanship, and tea ceremony culture. The harbor views overlooking Old Sakai Port are also well worth experiencing.

For a peaceful getaway surrounded by the beautiful sea and the rich history of Sakai, consider a stay at Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai.

(*Information as of May 2025. Please see official website for the latest updates and information.)