🗺️ Tamba Sasayama City Museum of History and Art丹波篠山市立歴史美術館

The Tanba Sasayama City History Museum is located on the north side of the ruins of Sasayama Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, standing out prominently among the many restaurants and souvenir shops lining the street. The building was constructed in 1891 and served as the Sasayama District Court until 1981. It is the oldest wooden courthouse in Japan and a classic example of wooden government buildings from the Meiji period, making it quite valuable. Designated as a city cultural asset, the building itself has high visitation value. Inside the museum, numerous exhibits introduce the castle town of Sasayama, showcasing weapons, paintings, ceramics, and more. Notably, it features Tanba ware, which has a history of over 800 years and is listed as one of Japan's six ancient kilns, displaying precious artifacts from the early period unearthed during excavations. Additionally, visitors can see the dreamlike ceramics of "Oji-yama-yaki," which had been silent for over a century. Although Oji-yama-yaki flourished during the Edo period with the support of the domain, it fell into decline and was only revived in 1988. The building, renovated into a museum, has preserved part of the old courthouse in its original state for public viewing. Particularly popular among tourists is the "Judge Experience Zone," where visitors can wear Meiji-era judge costumes and take commemorative photos.

The building was originally the Sasayama District Court and is designated as a cultural property by the city. The precious remains of the old courtroom have been preserved in their original state. Inside the museum, there are displays of weapons, paintings, and other artworks that introduce the castle town of Sasayama. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the history of the early period of Tanba pottery. The dreamlike ceramics known as "Ochiyama-yaki" can also be seen.