Kawaramachi
Kawaramachi was built shortly after the construction of Sasayama Castle. It prospered as the commercial center of the castle town of Sasayama. Buildings from the Edo Period (1600 to 1868) still remain in Sasayama, and they are characterized a style called “Tsuma-iri.” These buildings were both merchant shops and the dwellings of the merchants, and they convey the appearance of the Sasayama castle town from the Edo Period.
“Kawaramachi” is derived from the history of the area, which was once part of a river and riverside area. (“Kawara” means riverside in Japanese.) The flow of the river was changed to the south to build Sasayama Castle, which created the land area that became Kawaramachi and prospered as the gateway to Sasayama from Kyoto.

Riku’s Recommended Course
JR Sasayamaguchi Station → Hon-Sasayama bus station → Kawaramachi Tsuma-iri Merchant House Street → Houou Kaikan → Hakutoya → Ojiyama “Makekirai” Inari Shine → Hon-Sasayama bus station → JR Sasayamaguchi Station

Riku Kinga (陸勤華)
My name is Riku, and I’m from the Jiangsu Province of China. I have lived in Japan for 15 years. I am the mother of three children and work as a native language support worker for primary school children from China. I also teach the Chinese language and help Tambasasayama City by providing advice to promote the city.

Riku’s Recommended Points
Tambasasayama is called “Little Kyoto.” It is a popular tourist site for those seeking quiet, uncrowded sightseeing spots. Recently, the number of overseas visitors from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe, the USA, and elsewhere is increasing.
The Kawaramachi area features buildings from the 17th century. You can still feel the atmosphere of the town even 400 years after it was first established.
I particularly like Kawaramachi at twilight. When the lights are dimmed and there are fewer people walking around, I feel as if the long history of this area has been brought back to life for us to enjoy.

Model Itinerary
1) Hon-Sasayama bus station
↓   Walk (2 minutes)
2) Houou Kaikan
↓   Walk (1 minute)
3) Hakutoya
↓   Walk (7 minutes)
4) Ojiyama Makekirai Inari Shine

Houou Kaikan
Houou Kaikan was built in 1879. The building was originally a bank and over the years served as a Nantan Bank, 137 Bank, and Kobe Bank. When you enter the building, you can try to imagine how banking services were conducted in those days. Currently, the building is the community center and is also used as an exhibition hall for various events.
The architectural style of this building is called Hira-ire, a rarity on this street where most of the buildings are in the Tsuma-iri style. In the Hira-iri style, the entrance to the building is constructed parallel to the ridge. In the Tsuma-iri style, the entrance is on the gable side.

Hakutoya
Hakutoya is a store that stands on a corner of the Kawaramachi street and blends in with the other historic buildings.
If you look at the things displayed at the entrance, you’ll see that the store sells household goods with an exotic taste. The store contains more than 10,000 pieces of pottery and antiques from Japan or imported from overseas. They are lined up from top to bottom within the store. You can explore them slowly while feeling the exotic atmosphere trying to find your favorite item.

Ojiyama “Makekirai” Inari Shrine and Ojiyama Park
Go to the long stone stairway covered by the red Torii gates that run up the hill like a tunnel. You will arrive at the Ojiyama Inari Shrine, as well as the Heizaemon Inari Shrine, which is build over a sumo wrestling ring.
The Ojiyama Inari Shrine is also called the Makekirai Shrine, or “Hate-to-lose” Shrine. The reason for this name lies in a story that has been handed down for generations about a ruler who hated to loose at Sumo wrestling.
At Ojiyama Park there are cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful maple trees in the autumn. You can enjoy different natural scenery depending on the season.
You can also enjoy an overview of Tambasasayama City from the top of the park.

More information about Ojiyama “Makekirai” Inari Shrine

Ojiyama Makekirai Inari Shrine

Public Transportation
Take the Takarazuka Line (also called the Fukuchiyama Line) to the Sasayamaguchi Station and get on the Wing Shinki bus to the Hon-Sasayama bus stop.

Time Schedule