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SASAYAMA Castle

SASAYAMA Castle
The Entrance to the Oshoin. In springtime, it is dyed pink by cherry blossoms.

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.SASAYAMA Castle 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?

Sasayama Castle Oshoin

The Oshoin: Splendidly Reconstructed Within the Ruins of Sasayama Castle;
The Fruit of the Spirit of Modern Craftsmanship
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.
Sasayama Castle Oshoin

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)

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!
Aoyama History Museum
Aoyama History Museum

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)

Historical Artifacts Museum

Even the Building is a Work of Art!
An Art Museum in a Registered Building!
Historical Artifacts Museum

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)

Buke-yashiki Samurai House
Anma's Historical Museum

Experience Life in Edo period Japan for
yourself in a Samurai’s Home!
Buke-yashiki Samurai House Anma's Historical Museum

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)