Sakurai City is home to many historically significant shrines and temples, including Omiwa Shrine, considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and Hasedera Temple, the head temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism. Sakurai City is also a major producer of mandarin oranges, and there are many mandarin orange farms in the city's mountainous areas. Many of these farmers also have side jobs, a prime example being the production of the famous Miwa somen noodles. Part-time job openings are also common during somen-making season. Because the city is so mountainous, there are also several hiking trails and ancient roads, such as the Yamanobe no Michi and Hatsuse Kaido. There are also many festivals, including the Yamato Sakurai Manyo Festival and the Spring Omiwa Festival.