HyogoFood

Shop for black bean souvenirs and enjoy black bean soft serve ice cream at this restored Taisho-era former town office

About this spot

A tourist facility housed in the former Sasayama Town Office, built in 1923 (Taisho 12), its retro Western-style architecture exudes Taisho-era charm. Inside, a souvenir shop and café-restaurant offer Tamba Sasayama's specialties all under one roof, with an unmatched selection of black bean products—bread, tea, sweets, and more—throughout the town. In autumn, the region's prized black edamame also appear on shelves, providing seasonal variety. To cap off your day of exploration, try the signature black bean soft serve ice cream, where the gentle flavor of black beans harmonizes with the fragrant earthiness of kinako (roasted soybean powder), soothing your tired body after a day of walking. Located right near the Nikai-machi intersection, it's the ideal spot to relax before catching your bus—a fitting endpoint for your journey.

Tips

Located near the Nikai-machi intersection, about a 10-minute walk from the Kawahara-machi Tsumairi Merchant Houses. Admission is free, so you can pop in just to shop for souvenirs at your leisure. The black bean soft serve ice cream can be purchased to go, making it perfect for a photo with the retro exterior in the background. The "Nikai-machi" bus stop for buses heading to Sasayama-guchi Station is very close by; check the bus schedule beforehand to end your visit smoothly.

Best time to visit

Allow about 1 hour. It's ideal to consolidate your souvenir purchases here on the way back and refresh yourself with soft serve ice cream in the late afternoon.