Sakai Things to Do

Osaka is one of the more Americanized places in Japan—where else can you find a place called Ame-mura (American Village). Or Abeno Soho, for that matter. This Soho is in some ways like its counterpart in New York: artsy and boh... more

A skyscraper complex with beautiful views and something to offer everyone. With a large variety of restaurants and watering holes, pick your pleasure from the food and drinks on display at the entrance at each location. A large... more

The Ginza is Japan's and perhaps Asia's most prestigious shopping area. Many up-market retail shops have their flagship stores here. Mitsukoshi, Matsuya and Matsuzakaya department stores are all located here, as are Yamaha Musi... more

The Kite Museum is an example of a businessman's hobby which has been rendered available for public perusal. There are works in progress by an on-site kite maker. Amid the miscellaneous Japanese and international kites and kite... more

Slip into the atmosphere of a working class neighborhood set in the pre 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake days. A mural on the landing between the first and second floors depicts peddlers, artisans and blue-collar workers going about... more

The museum offers an overview of Japanese crafts, many executed by famous artisans. The contemporary world of Japanese handicrafts is thriving as can be seen by viewing the collection which covers lacquer, metal and glass work,... more

This bar has been the Osaka specialty in bourbon for more than 30 years now. The long wooden counter is lined with 500 bottles of mostly bourbon, though selections of whisky and other fine liquors are on hand as well. Although... more

Visitors to the National Noh Theater can see Kyogen as well as Noh. There are performances on 15 or 16 days a month and the repertoire changes about four or five times. There is a one-page explanation of the story in English, b... more

Suntory Hall is one of Tokyo's best concert venues for classical music. It harbors two concert halls, The Main Hall with a capacity of 2006, The Blue Rose Hall with a capacity of 432. The larger hall mainly features orchestral... more

Scattered across Tokyo are a number of parks and gardens distinguished by their blossoms, as is the Sumida Park in in Taito. Overlooking the Sumida river, this park is known for its lines of cherry blossoms. Come March and Apri... more