In 1609, Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the construction of a castle on a hill called Sasayama as the base for his offensive against rebels in Osaka Castle. Sasayama Castle was completed in just 9 months. Sasayama Castle fulfilled its purpose, as the rebels in Osaka Castle were vanquished, and with the castle as its focal point, the castle town of Sasayama came to flourish as the main city of the Tanba region.Even today, the much of the 
historical townscape is preserved and communicates the atmosphere
of the castle town to the present day. Part of the town has been designated an Important National Architectural Heritage Site. Why not take a walk through this atmospheric town and enjoy a sense of the passage of time and the affection of the people for their old castle town?
The Entrance to the Oshoin. In springtime,
it is dyed pink by cherry blossoms
Sasayama Castle Oshoin
The Oshoin: Splendidly Reconstructed Within the Ruins of Sasayama Castle;
The Fruit of the Spirit of Modern Craftsmanship
Address: 2-3 Kita-shin-machi, Sasayama
Tel.: 81-79-552-4500
Entrance Fee: Adults 400 yen, High School / University Students 200yen,
children aged 6-15 100yen
Closed: Mondays (Tuesday, if Monday is a National Holiday); NewYear
Opening Hours: 9am─5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
The Oshoin was the second enclosure of Sasayama Castle for 335 years until it was destroyed by fire in 1944. It has now been reconstructed, the product of much scholarly research and craftsmanship, and recreated down to the ancient building techniques and exquisite decoration.
For example, two different but elegant techniques have been used in constructing the roof of the Museum, and the beautiful sloping roof that is the symbol of the Oshoin. About 4 years were spent on completing the Oshoin, and if you look closely you can see that every detail has been given consideration.
The sight of the elegant form of the Oshoin during cherry blossom season in spring, summer fireworks, red leaves in fall and snow in winter brings to mind the former glories of the castle in her heyday in the 17th century and across the ages.
Aoyama History Museum
A Wealth of Information about the Lifestyle, Culture and Politics of the Past!
If you want to know more about Japan’s past,Sasayama can’t be beaten!
The entrance gate to this museum is a Nagaya or Longhouse entrance gate from the Edo period (1603-1867), and other exhibits include rare wooden printing blocks used in publishing Chinese texts, a rare copy of Nezumi Soushi (a scroll of Buddhist teachings personified by mice) and other historical artifacts and information about the history and culture of the Edo period.
Address: 48 Kita-shin-machi, Sasayama
Tel.: 81-79-552-0056
Closed: Mondays (Tuesday, if Monday is a National Holiday); New Year
Entrance fee: Adults 300yen, High School / University Students 200yen, children aged 6-15 100yen
Opening Hours: 9am─5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Buke-yashiki Samurai House
Anma’s Historical Museum
Experience Life in Edo period Japan for
yourself in a Samurai’s Home!
Anma was a vassal of Aoyama, the Daimyo or feudal lord of Sasayama, and his house is representative of the houses of samurai of his station. Inside, you can see the furniture and cooking utensils that were used by the Anma family and get a glimpse of how people lived at the time.
Address: 95 Nishi-shin-machi, Sasayama
Tel.: 81-79-552-6933
Closed: Mondays (Tuesday, if Monday is a National Holiday); New Year
Entrance fee: Adults 200yen, High School / University Students 100yen,
children aged 6-15 50yen
Opening Hours: 9am─5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Historical Artifacts Museum
Even the Building is a Work of Art!
An Art Museum in a Registered Building!
This museum is housed in the renovated building of Japan’s oldest wooden courthouse, which dates from 1891. Inside, you can see numerous examples of the fine artworks for which Sasayama has been famous since ancient times.
Address: 53 Gofuku-machi, Sasayama
Tel.: 81-79-552-0601
Closed: Mondays (Tuesday, if Monday is a National Holiday); New Year
Entrance fee: Adults 300yen, High School / University Students 200yen,
children aged 6-15 100yen
Opening Hours: 9am─5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
