A rustic and tranquil castle to offer nice views of the surrounding countryside and cherry blossoms.
Sasayama Castle Ruins are located in Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture. The castle was originally built by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Although it is not as grand or flamboyant as Osaka Castle or Himeji Castle, Sasayama Castle has its own distinctive charm. While it does not have a donjon (main keep), the Dai-shoin, a large wooden palace building, serves as the central structure of the castle.
The castle buildings were destroyed by fire in 1944. The current Dai-shoin was reconstructed in 2004 through donations from the citizens of Sasayama. The magnificent stone walls, however, remain original and well preserved.
Inside, visitors can admire fine paintings from the early Edo period. These artworks were originally created as byobu-e (paintings on folding screens), and today they are displayed on sliding doors and screens, recreating the elegant atmosphere of the past.
Sasayama Castle is rustic and tranquil, offering lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Located not far from Kobe or Osaka, it’s a perfect escape from the bustle of the big city. The castle ruins are also a famous cherry blossom spot, with about 1,000 cherry trees surrounding the moat, creating a stunning springtime scenery.
Sasayama Castle Ruins
Address : Japan, 〒669-2332 Hyōgo-ken, Sasayama-shi, Kitashinmachi, 2-3
Access : 17-minute bus ride from Sasayamaguchi station on the JR Fukuchiyama line to Nikai bus stop, then 5-minute walk
Hours : 10:00 to 16:00
Admission : 400 yen (the Dai-shoin)
Events
Tanba Sasayama Cherry Blossom Festival
Sasayama Castle Ruins are a famous cherry blossom spot, with impressive stone walls still standing. In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom around the castle’s moat, creating a breathtaking scene. During the cherry blossom season, the trees are illuminated in the evenings, allowing visitors to enjoy the striking contrast of pink blossoms against the tall stone walls and outer moat.