Nanshu-ji Temple, a temple remembered in connection with Sen-no Rikyu This is well known as a Zen temple where Takeno Jo-ou and his disciple Sen-no Rikyu studied the philosophy of the tea ceremony. There are tombstones of Jo-ou and Sen-no Rikyu as well as their families at the location. Also a dry Japanese garden, tea ceremony room, and a temple for Zen study are located in the large site. The Dragon on the ceiling of the Buddhist sanctum was drawn by Kano Nobumasa. Since the dragon's eyes appear to be glaring at you wherever you are in the room, the drawing is called A Dragon Glaring from All Directions. Admission fee 400 yen/ Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m./ 072-232-1654 10 min. walk from Hankai Denki Hankai line Goryo-mae Station

The Old Sakai Port Lighthouse, a watchdog in the port This oldest wooden lighthouse in Japan was built in the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). Until 1968, it had played an active part in piloting the boats operating in the port. Currently it is quietly standing as a national historic site at the south end of the breakwater in old Sakai Port. Unfortunately, the interior is not open to the public, though it might be a nice shot as a symbol of Sakai port town. 15 min. walk from Nankai Honsen Sakai Station

Mozu Tumulus, which is known as a tomb of Emperor Nintoku There were about 100 tombs built during the fifth and sixth century. Among those forty-six, which have survived as Mozu Tumulus, the one of Emperor Nintoku (a 486 meters long, keyhole shaped tomb) is well known as the biggest tomb in the world. This Imperial tomb, covered with thick wood, is surrounded by triple moats with a 40 minute walking path around it. Tourists are not allowed to enter, unfortunately, but it is a beautiful place to watch the leaves change color in autumn. 5 min. walk from JR Hanwa line Mozu Station

Aguchi-jinja Temple, or "Odera-san" of the Marine God It is said that this temple was built about 1700 years ago by command of Empress Jingu. As a guardian deity of Sakai Port, this ancient temple is deeply attached to the local people with a nickname "Odera-san". Twenty-one shrines including Ebisu (the deity of commerce), Daikoku (the god of wealth), Benten (the goddess of fortune), and Koshin are worshipped in the precincts of the shrine. The temple is famous for the power of answering the prayers for luck, good relationship, academic strength, childbirth, health, and others. 4 min. walk from Hankai Denki Hankai line Shukuin Station