Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA

Concept

Just one hour from Kyoto and Osaka, Tamba Sasayama is a picturesque castle town in Hyogo Prefecture, centered around the Edo-period Sasayama Castle. Samurai residences and merchant houses still line its streets, offering a timeless blend of nostalgia and discovery. Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA is Japan’s first dispersed hotel, restoring historic buildings while preserving their original charm. Stroll from your room to the restaurant or front desk and immerse yourself in the town’s traditions and culture. At our intimate auberge, enjoy French cuisine made with the finest local, seasonal ingredients—an authentic taste of Tamba Sasayama. Experience a journey where past and present meet, and discover the heart of this historic town.

History of Sasayama Castle Town

Sasayama is a castle town surrounded by mountains, where beautiful nature blends with the atmosphere of the Edo period. Samurai residences, merchant houses, white-walled storehouses, and the stone walls of Sasayama Castle still remain, offering a glimpse into its rich history.

In the town center, Kawaramachi Street features rows of traditional townhouses built from the Edo to Meiji periods. With no utility poles or power lines in sight, the preserved townscape offers an exceptionally picturesque view. Once a key crossroads to Kyoto, Sasayama has been selected as one of the “100 Beautiful Historical Towns of Japan,” showcasing a harmony of tradition and modern creativity.

Strolling through its streets, visiting local cafés and Tamba pottery shops, you can experience the unique charm of this castle town found nowhere else.

Expand Your Itinerary

Just an hour from Kyoto or Osaka, Tamba-Sasayama is a historic castle town full of charm. In summer, the Dekansho Festival brings the streets alive with traditional dances and songs. The town is also famous for Tamba-yaki, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, where you can shop for pottery or try making your own. Stroll historic streets, visit old samurai houses, and enjoy local specialties like Tamba black soybeans and chestnuts. Kawaramachi Street, with its traditional townhouses and no overhead wires, offers a timeless atmosphere perfect for exploration. Discover the culture, crafts, and flavors of Tamba-Sasayama—an authentic taste of Japan’s heritage.

Our Story

NIPPONIA Hotel Sasayama Castle Town” is Japan’s first decentralized hotel, and the very first in the NIPPONIA brand. The hotel renovates historic residences and merchant houses scattered throughout the town, preserving their original charm.

By walking from your room to the front desk or restaurant through the streets of Sasayama, you become part of the town, experiencing its customs and traditions firsthand.

Immerse yourself in Tamba-Sasayama, savor its unique culture, and enjoy a nostalgic journey where the past and present beautifully intersect.

Tangible History

ONAE：This building serves as the hotel’s main hub, housing the front desk, restaurant, and guest rooms. Originally built in the Meiji period as the residence of the 137 Bank president, it still retains much of its historic charm.

Each building in the hotel is named after a type of chrysanthemum once presented to the Tokugawa family, and the ONAE building takes its name from the “Onae-giku” variety.

SAWASIRO：The SAWASIRO building was renovated from a structure that served as a traditional tea shop selling tea by weight during the Edo period. Its long, continuous earthen-floored corridor evokes the atmosphere of that time.

Each building in the hotel is named after a type of chrysanthemum once presented to the Tokugawa family, and the SAWASIRO building takes its name from the “Sawasiro-giku” variety.

NOZI：The NOZI building is located a short distance from the center of the Kawaramachi Tsuma-iri merchant district. This late-Edo period townhouse preserves the traditional streetscape, offering an authentic historical atmosphere. With easy access to cafés and souvenir shops, it’s the perfect base for exploring the town.

Each building in the hotel is named after a type of chrysanthemum once presented to the Tokugawa family, and the NOZI building takes its name from the “Noji-giku” variety.

YOMENA：The YOMENA building is a fully private townhouse, formerly a merchant’s residence. The first floor features a dining area, a Japanese-style room, a cypress bathtub, and a terrace, while the second floor offers two bedrooms. Ideal for families or for couples seeking a luxurious stay, guests can fully enjoy the charm of this historic building.

Each building in the hotel is named after a type of chrysanthemum once presented to the Tokugawa family, and the YOMENA building takes its name from the “Yomena-giku” variety.

KAWARANO：The KAWARANO building is a guesthouse renovated from a traditional row-house. Its long corridor, leading to the rooms, showcases the unique architecture of such houses, offering an experience you won’t find in modern buildings. It’s the perfect base for exploring the town.

Each building in the hotel is named after a type of chrysanthemum once presented to the Tokugawa family, and the KAWARANO building takes its name from the “Kawarano-giku” variety.

YAMAZINO：The YAMAZINO building is a guesthouse renovated from a former residence, located in Kawaramachi, home to the historic Kawaramachi Tsuma-iri merchant district. The latticed doors facing the street evoke the charm of traditional architecture.

Each building in the hotel is named after a type of chrysanthemum once presented to the Tokugawa family, and the YAMAZINO building takes its name from the “Yamaji-giku” variety.

NOKON：The NOKON building is a residence built during the Taisho period, renovated into guest rooms where you can comfortably stay with your dog. It is located right in front of the Sasayama Castle Ruins, a popular walking route for locals and their pets, and in summer, you can enjoy views of lotus flowers blooming across the moat.

Each building in the hotel is named after a type of chrysanthemum once presented to the Tokugawa family, and the NOKON building takes its name from the “Nokon-giku” variety.

Rooms

Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA is a decentralized hotel that treats the entire town as part of your stay. Seven buildings with 19 guest rooms, along with the front desk and restaurant, are scattered throughout the town. As you walk along streets lined with traditional merchant houses and samurai residences, you can fully immerse yourself in Sasayama’s history and culture. Step inside and discover spaces with traditional earthen floors, old-style hearths, tea rooms, and verandas designed to welcome guests. From the moment you enter, you’ll notice subtle changes in atmosphere and intricate details that reflect the town’s heritage. Each room is uniquely designed, offering a one-of-a-kind stay that blends history, craftsmanship, and individuality.

Restaurants & Dining

Le Un: The hotel dining room is located on the first floor of the hundred-year-old ONAE building. Featuring mushiko-mado (plaster latticed windows) and latticed doors, the restaurant retains the splendor of the original building, creating a calm ambience for guests to appreciate the bounty of Tamba-Sasayama with all five senses. Nipponia Sasayama Castle Town Hotel’s Le Un serves French dishes using organic ingredients, such as matsutake mushrooms. Also appearing in its dishes are wild boar meat, Tamba beef, and other local specialties like Tamba black soybeans, Tamba chestnuts, and mountain potatoes.

We invite you to partake of the bounty of Tamba-Sasayama, a treasure trove of food products nurtured by clean air, clear water, and rich soil. But first build up your appetite to enhance your enjoyment of the culinary wonders of Le Un by strolling around Sasayama Castle and the castle town, taking in the nostalgia of this wondrous place.

Cultural Experience

Cycling Experience: Rent a bicycle and discover the hidden secrets of Tamba-Sasayama on a two-to-three-hour guided tour, guaranteed to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of big-city life. The tour can be customized to suit your preferences and can include visits to historic shrines and temples, if desired.

Dekansho Festival Participation: Become an honorary citizen of Tamba-Sasayama by participating in the city’s customs during the Dekansho Festival. Enjoy making a hand towel, visiting the Dekansho Museum, and joining in the traditional festival dance before ending the day with a dazzling display of fireworks.

Kasuga Shrine Autumn Festival Participation Experience: Designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Tamba-Sasayama with a history of 350 years, the Kasuga Shrine Autumn Festival is an impressive festival of the eponymous shrine, founded in 876. Learn about the history of the shrine and the celebration before thrilling to the sight of festival floats and portable shrines parading through Tamba-Sasayama to the sound of flutes and drums.

Our Difference

At NIPPONIA Sasayama Castle Town Hotel, every staff member is your local concierge. Deeply connected to the town and its history, our VMG Concierges are here to guide you—not only with sightseeing tips, but with ways to enjoy Ise that only this place and our hotel can offer. Whether you're planning your visit or already on your journey, feel free to reach out to us anytime. Our mission is to make your time in Sasayama Castle Town truly memorable. We’d love to hear your wishes and help shape a stay that’s uniquely yours.

Welcome

Our mission is to present our guests with the gift of time. Time that flows endlessly through the nature and culture of Japan. Time set aside to make lifelong memories with your loved ones. Time that you will one day reflect back on with a smile. We strive to give you these experiences through the art of Japanese hospitality, the distinctiveness of accommodations that tell rich stories from Japan’s great past, and the breaking of language barriers by our English-speaking staff. We hope to see you soon.

Number of rooms: 19
Capacity: 1–4 guests per room
Check-in: 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Checkout: until noon
Languages: Japanese & English
Tel: +81 (0)120-210-289