Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Daisen Park is a vast urban park located in Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. The entire park area is part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, which is centered around the huge keyhole-shaped tumulus "Daisenryo Kofun (commonly known as the tomb of Emperor Nintoku)" from the Kofun period. In 2019, the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a place of great historical and cultural value.
Its distinctive features include a large grassy area, walking paths with many trees, and seasonal flowers (particularly famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot), making it a place of relaxation for local residents and a starting point for historical walks.The park is also home to cultural facilities such as the Sakai City Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of Sakai and the ancient tombs.
Highlights
- A distant view of Daisenryo Kofun (the tomb of Emperor Nintoku): You cannot enter the mound itself, but you can get a sense of its scale from the surrounding walking paths. It is also a popular photo spot.
- Cherry blossom trees and lawn area: In spring, the park is crowded with people who come to view the cherry blossoms. The spacious lawn is also a great place for picnics and children to play.
- Sakai City Museum: There are plenty of exhibits related to the history of the ancient tombs and Sakai. You can learn about ancient times through excavated items and dioramas (please check the exhibit contents and opening days in advance).
- Walking trails and wooded areas: A peaceful walkway where you can enjoy observing nature throughout the seasons. There are benches and rest areas scattered around.
- Sports and event facilities: The park has sports facilities such as a baseball field, where games and local events are sometimes held.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Mozu Station on the JR Hanwa Line, approximately 10-15 minutes on foot (depending on route and walking speed).
- Access from Nankai Electric Railway, Subway, etc.: Buses depart from Sakai city center and from Nankai and subway stations. Depending on your purpose and departure point, it is convenient to use Sakai city's local buses (Nankai Bus, etc.).
- By car: There may be paid parking lots around the park, but they are limited in number and tend to fill up easily, especially during cherry blossom viewing season and events. We recommend using public transportation whenever possible.
- Bicycles: The area around the park is easily accessible by bicycle, and many people visit as part of a cycling route. Please make use of the bicycle parking spaces.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short walk: 30 minutes to 1 hour (if you just want to view the mound from the outside)
- Museum + Walking: 2-3 hours (including a visit to Sakai City Museum)
- A leisurely picnic and stroll around the area: half a day to a full day (including seasonal viewing and visiting nearby spots)
Nearby spots
- Sakai City Museum(Inside or adjacent to the park): Exhibits related to excavated items and ancient tombs.
- Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (surrounding kofun groups): You can tour the surrounding ancient tombs on foot or by bicycle.
- Sakai city center (Sakai-Higashi and Sakai Station areas): You can experience the unique culture of Sakai, such as traditional cutlery, tea ceremony culture, and strolling through the shopping district.
- Sports facilities such as Daisen Park Baseball Stadium: On game days, you can also enjoy watching the games.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Entry to the burial mounds is prohibited: As a general rule, you cannot enter the mounds of ancient tombs such as Daisenryo Tomb. Please view them from the designated walking paths.
- congestion: The park is especially crowded with cherry blossom viewers during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April). During these times, it may be difficult to find a place to spread out a picnic blanket, and we ask that you please take your trash with you.
- Manners: This is a location related to the World Heritage Site. Noise, littering, graffiti, and other activities are strictly prohibited. Drone flying and contact with the ruins are also prohibited, so please follow the signs.
- Seasonal precautions: Take precautions against heatstroke in summer (hat, drink) and warm clothes in autumn and winter. In rainy weather, the ground may become muddy in some areas.
- Facility opening/closing times: Facilities such as Sakai City Museum may be closed temporarily due to exhibit changes or maintenance. Please check the opening status on the official website before visiting.
There may also be restrictions on photography, academic research, etc. When visiting, please follow on-site signs and instructions from staff, and be considerate in preserving historical assets for future generations.
