Take a Deep Dive into Traditional Arts and Crafts in the Castle Towns of Setouchi

This four-day itinerary, which includes visits to the contrasting castles of Himeji and Okayama and the merchant district of Kurashiki, also invites you to delve into the world of samurai sword-making and ancient ceramics. After a relaxing stay at Kinosaki Onsen, this trip finishes in the hidden gem of Tamba Sasayama.

Travel: Kinosaki Onsen to Tamba Sasayama

・Take the Konotori Limited Express from Kinosaki Onsen Station to Sasayama-guchi Station (Approx 2 hours)

Tamba Sasayama, Hyogo's Hidden Gem

Although relatively close to Osaka and Kyoto, Tanba Sasayama is a true hidden gem. This captivating region was long a bustling transportation hub for travelers heading to Kyoto, leaving behind a fascinating cultural legacy that permeates its townscape and vibrant festivals. With its castle town, a history of providing services to travelers, and surrounding farming villages, Tanba Sasayama is a place where authentic landscapes of traditional Japan can still be seen.

Near the ruins of Sasayama Castle, built early in the Edo era (1603-1868) as part of the Tokugawa Shogun’s strategy to safeguard his dominance after the great battle of Sekigahara, and in the Kawawara-machi merchant district, Edo-era townscapes can be enjoyed and there are several museums where you can learn more about the history of this fascinating region.

While carefully maintaining the charming historic townscape, an increasing number of renovated old houses have been transformed into new stores. This unique fusion allows you to relish local cuisine (the area is particularly famous for its chestnuts, black soy beans and wild boar game meat) and shopping experiences while immersing yourself in the captivating local history.

URL: https://tourism.sasayama.jp

Accommodation: NIPPONIA Sasayama Castle Town Hotel

Hotel NIPPONIA makes the accommodation one of the highlights of a stay in Tamba Sasayama. The company that aims to restore and preserve traditional buildings, has renovated no less than five such buildings in the castle town of Sasayama Castle. While adding modern comforts, the original atmosphere of each building has been kept intact, ensuring that visitors can fully experience its character and unique history.

Meals, served in the main ONAE building, are a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine, prepared by highly skilled chefs to the highest standards, utilizing the abundant produce of the area including black soybeans, chestnuts, matsutake mushrooms and, of course, premium Tajima Wagyu Beef.

Here, you can immerse yourself in the local way of life, experience the vibrant culture, and witness the ever-changing seasons, all while indulging in luxurious moments.

URL: https://stay.nipponia.or.jp