Founded in 1734, Odagaki Shoten is a long-established specialty store in Tamba Sasayama, Hyogo, dedicated to premium black soybeans. With a deep commitment to Tamba black soybeans and Tamba Dainagon adzuki beans, the company has worked closely with local farmers to refine and preserve these heirloom varieties—cultivated in the region for over 300 years through generations of careful selection. Rooted in harmony with nature, Odagaki Shoten continues to promote and pass on Japan’s black soybean culture, contributing to the local community in collaboration with producers, partners, and residents.

• Exclusive use of four uniquely designed Japanese–Western style rooms ▶ Lounge (Western-style building): Welcomes you with a rich Taishō-era atmosphere. A complimentary mini-bar offers locally brewed craft beer, Japanese sake, and soft drinks. ▶ Second-floor Bedroom (Modern Japanese): Original ceiling beams remain intact, allowing you to feel as if you’ve slipped back in time as you gaze upward from the bed. ▶ Living Room (Japanese): Features an artwork by Hiroshi Sugimoto. ▶ Tea Room (adjacent to the guesthouse): Enjoy welcome sweets and breakfast here. (May vary by season and group size.) • Optional Experiences (reservation required) ▶ Noh Theatre Experience ▶ Tamba Black Soybean Miso Making ▶ Tamba Black Soybean Simmered Bean Making ▶ Tamba Ware Pottery Experience ▶ Zazen Meditation ▶ Town Walking Tour ▶ Celebration Gifts (champagne, mini bouquet, cake, original-label local sake) Some experiences are available only during specific seasons. Please refer to the official website for details.

■ Access About 1 hour by car from Osaka International Airport (Itami) or Kobe Airport About 1 hour by car from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe ■ Local Attractions & Cultural Highlights ▶ Kawaramachi Tsumairi Merchant Houses A historical street lined with Edo-period townhouses. The distinctive gabled tsumairi roofs preserve the traditional appearance of merchant homes from centuries past. ▶ Sasayama Castle Town An area centered around Sasayama Castle. Samurai residences, old merchant houses, cafés, and souvenir shops create a charming district perfect for strolling and exploring the atmosphere of a former castle town. ▶ Tamba Ware One of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. This traditional pottery from the Tamba-Sasayama region is known for its rustic, powerful texture and over 800 years of history. ▶ Ojiyama Ware A kiln with origins in the late Edo period, historically associated with the lords of Sasayama Castle. Compared to Tamba Ware, it features more colorful and elegant designs, reflecting its refined style as a feudal domain kiln. ▶ Local Specialties The region is rich in agricultural products such as Tamba black soybeans, Tamba edamame, Tamba chestnuts, matsutake mushrooms, and mountain yams. ■ Seasonal Highlights ▶ Spring Cherry Blossom Festival at Sasayama Castle Ruins Fresh tea picking (Tamba-Sasayama tea) Firefly viewing Tamba-Sasayama ABC Marathon ▶ Summer Dekansho Festival — one of the largest Bon dance festivals in western Japan ▶ Autumn Tamba edamame and chestnuts in season Autumn foliage Kasuga Shrine Grand Festival Art festivals and cultural events ▶ Winter Botan-nabe (a local hot pot featuring boar meat with miso broth) New-crop black soybeans