Facilities at Daisen Park
Daisen Park is home to a wide range of cultural and recreational facilities. These include the Sakai City Museum, Sakai Municipal Central Library, the Sakai City tea houses Shinan and Obai-an, the Sakai City Urban Greenery Center, a Peace Tower, and a Japanese garden.
The park was once also home to a bicycle museum. In March 2022, the museum moved to a newly constructed building and reopened as the Shimano Bicycle Museum.
History of the Area
The southern part of present-day Daisen Park was originally developed as farmland in 1629, during the Edo period. The project was carried out by Takani Yuun, a local official of the Edo shogunate, and Kijiya Shozaemon, a wealthy merchant from Sakai.
The newly developed farmland was initially known as Bandai Shinden and later became known as Yuun-gai. In 1925, Osaka Prefectural Agricultural School, the predecessor of Osaka Prefectural University, moved to the area, where a large agricultural experimental station was established.
The Development of Daisen Park
Plans for Daisen Park were drawn up by Osaka Prefecture in 1947. However, construction did not begin until 1967, after the Faculty of Agriculture of Osaka Prefectural University moved elsewhere.
In 1971, the Sakai Municipal Central Library was relocated to the area, while a Peace Tower and chapel were also constructed. The Sakai City Museum opened in 1980 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Sakai becoming a city.
Major Historical Events
In 1986, Daisen Park hosted the 37th National Arbor Day Festival. Emperor Showa visited the event and planted a commemorative tree.
In 1989, the park hosted the Holland Festival “Dachland ‘89 Osaka”, held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sakai’s municipal government and the 380th anniversary of relations between Japan and the Netherlands.
In 2000, the World Ethnic Performing Arts Festival “Wasshoi 2000” was also held at the park.
Recognized as One of Japan’s Important Urban Parks
Daisen Park has received recognition for its beautiful landscape and efforts to preserve its natural environment. In 1989, it was selected as one of the 100 Best Urban Parks in Japan and one of the 100 Best Green Spaces in Osaka.
In 2014, it was also selected as one of the 100 Best Historical Parks in Japan.
A Popular Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot
Approximately 400 cherry trees are planted throughout Daisen Park. In spring, the trees burst into bloom, attracting many visitors and families for hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying cherry blossoms.
During the cherry blossom season, the spacious grounds become lively with people enjoying picnics beneath the flowers. It is an ideal place to experience the arrival of spring in Osaka.
Sakai City Tea Houses: Shinan and Obai-an
Shinan
Shinan is a traditional tea house built in 1929 by tea-house architect Ogaki Rodo. It was originally located in Shiba Park in Tokyo before being donated by Fukusuke and relocated to Daisen Park in 1980.
The building is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. A ryurei-style tea area, where guests can enjoy tea while seated on chairs, is located beside the entrance, allowing visitors to experience Japanese tea culture in a relaxed setting.
In 2007, Shinan also served as a venue for the Ryuo Chess Championship.
Obai-an
Obai-an is a traditional tea house that was originally located on the former estate of Imai Sōkyu, a famous tea master from Sakai, in what is now Imai-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture.
After World War II, the tea house was restored by Matsunaga Yasuzaemon, also known as Jian. It was later donated by his family and relocated to Daisen Park in 1980.
Like Shinan, Obai-an is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The interior is not generally open to the public.
Major Events at Daisen Park
Sakai City Marathon: Held every year on April 29, the marathon starts at Daisen Park and follows a course around Daisenryo Kofun.
Tour of Japan Sakai Stage: A cycling race held in May.
Sakai Two-Day March: A large-scale walking event held in June, attracting participants from across Japan.
Sakai Festival – Grand Tea Ceremony: Held in October, this event features outdoor tea ceremonies and sencha tea ceremonies.
Access to Daisen Park
By Train
Daisen Park is approximately a 5-minute walk west from Mozu Station on the JR West Hanwa Line.
By Bus
Get off at the Sakai City Museum-mae bus stop operated by Nankai Bus. From Sakai-Higashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line, buses bound for Fukai Station or Amidaike take approximately 10 minutes. From Fukai Station on the Semboku Rapid Railway, buses bound for Sakai-Higashi Station take approximately 20 minutes.
A Park Where Ancient History and Everyday Life Meet
Daisen Park offers a unique combination of ancient burial mounds, traditional Japanese culture, museums, gardens, seasonal scenery, and recreational spaces. Located between major kofun associated with ancient Japanese history, it is an appealing destination for travelers who want to experience both the historical heritage and the relaxed atmosphere of Sakai.
その他の施設
大仙公園には他にも多くの見どころがあります。
- 堺市博物館 - 堺市の歴史や文化を学べる施設。
- 堺市立中央図書館 - 豊富な蔵書を誇り、地元の利用者に親しまれています。
- 平和塔 - 1971年（昭和46年）に建立された高さ60mの塔で、堺大空襲などの犠牲者の鎮魂のために建設されました。
- 日本庭園 - 中根金作が作庭した林泉廻遊式庭園で、庭園内には築山などが設けられています。
- 風車 - かつての風車を再現したものが設置されています。