Tamba-Sasayama


Tamba-Sasayama, formerly known as Sasayama, is a city in the central eastern part of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.
The modern city of Tamba-Sasayama was established on April 1, 1999, from the merger of the former town of Sasayama, absorbing the towns of Konda, Nishiki and Tannan.
As of April 30, 2017, the city had an estimated population of 42,395, with 17,161 households, and a population density of 110 persons per km². The total land area is 377.61 km².
On November 18, 2018, the city held a successful referendum on changing its name from Sasayama to Tamba-Sasayama in reference to the historical Tanba Province, which still has some influence on local branding and politics. The referendum about changing a municipality's name is the first of its kind in Japan, and the new name officially came into effect in May 2019.

Attractions

Tamba ware, or tamba-tachikui-yaki, is a traditional style of pottery that has been produced here since the 12th century.

Transportation

Tamba-Sasayama has five train stations, all on the JR West Fukuchiyama Line: Kusano Station - Furuichi Station - Minami-Yashiro Station - Sasayamaguchi Station - Tamba-Ōyama Station.

Festival

The Dekansho Festival, famous for "Bon" style dancing, is held annually, every August 15 through 16 since 1952.

Food

Tamba-Sasayama is well known in the Kansai region for its agriculture and food products, specifically kuromame or kuro daizu, mountain yam, Japanese chestnuts, azuki beans, matsutake, beef, wild boar and venison.

Sister cities