What to Do in Sasayama

Makekirai Shrine

Be sure to pay a visit to the stunning Makekirai Shrine when travelling through the Sasayama area as it’s one of the town’s most impressive and iconic sites. Famous for its stunning autumn leaves during koyo (autumn leaves) season, the backdrop of the fiery red trees are matched by the Inari shrine making for some incredible photographs. Once you traverse through the hilly paths that climb the small mountainside you’ll come to the shrine entrance.

Sasayama Castle

After exploring all the beauty that Makekirai Shrine has to offer, it’s time to pay a visit to the impressive Sasayama Castle. Built in 1609 under the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, this imposing structure was completed in less than six months. One fun fact about this castle is that it was so well designed that Ieyasu commanded that the tenshu, also known as the castle keep, not be constructed because he was nervous that it could be used as a base against him.

Sasayama Castle

The site was originally destroyed by fire in 1944, but has since been reconstructed. After employing the help and assistance of local scholars and expert and craftsmen, the site was re-created to into an almost distinguishable replica. From the exterior walls all the way down to the ancient building techniques and meticulously crafted decorations, the design of every inch of the building has been considered. Transforming with the changing seasons, from soft pink blossoms to fiery red koyo leaves, this castle is just as stunning as it was during its former glory days of the 17th century.

Take a trip to the Samurai Residence Anma Family Historical Archive Hall

When in Sasayama, you have to take a trip back in time by visiting the Samurai Residence Anma Family Historical Archive Hall. Originally built after the first year of Tempo (1830), the site was completely rebuilt between October 1994 to March 1995 to match the original structure. Here you can explore what daily life was like for local samurai by wandering through the houses and visiting the local exhibits. Entry is only 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for high school and university age children.

Visit the Sasayama Historical Art Museum

Time to soak up some more history and art at the Sasayama Historical Art Museum. Located in an old court building, which dates back to 1891, it’s home to a number of fascinating artifacts including photographs and detailed information on the area’s history and Edo period Japan.

Eat Tanba Kuri (chestnuts)

Sasayama’s temperate climate is perfect for chestnut growing, and as a result the area has gained a reputation for producing some of the nation's best chestnuts, also known as Tanba Chestnuts or 'kuri'. The Tanba Sasayama Aji Matsuri (Tanba Sasayama Food Festival) which is held each year in October coincides with the peak season of Tanba chestnut harvesting from mid-September until mid-October. There are a number of ways to try this local favourite including steamed chestnut rice known as 'kurigohan', boiled chestnuts 'yudeguri', baked chestnuts 'yakiguri' and candied chestnuts 'kurikanroni'.

Decant Maturi

Hyougo Pref. Sasayamashi Kitashinmachi

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Ojiyama Makekirai Inari Shrine

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Sasayama Castle Ruins

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Anma Family Samurai Residence and History Museum

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