ABOUT MAMEYA
A secluded villa surrounded by ten national treasures and an illuminated stone garden.
The ten buildings of Odagaki Shoten, constructed over a period spanning the late Edo period (1603–1868) to the early Taisho era (1912–1926), were officially designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan in 2007. In 2018, with the aim of preserving the black soybean culture and contributing to the community, a comprehensive renovation project began, led by the world-renowned Shinsozai Kenkyujo, or the New Material Research Laboratory. By spring 2025, the restoration was complete, with two of the historic buildings thoughtfully transformed into Mameya, a private villa for exclusive use. Reviving traditional cultural architecture for the modern era, the space evokes a sense of stillness and mystery, with a black-stone path inspired by black soybeans, a serene landscape featuring a ring of stones encircling an ancient stone pillar,
and a Japanese stone garden that blends dry landscape design with moss-covered elements. The lounge preserves the original architectural design, thoughtfully reimagined with a modern sensibility while a striking calligraphy of the character "Moon" by Hiroshi Sugimoto gently adorns the living room. In the bedroom, custom-patterned karakami paper sliding doors (fusuma) harmonize beautifully with the room’s ethereal light. From the window, you can enjoy a stunning daytime view of tiled-roof houses designated Cultural Heritage, and by night, a mystical stone garden bathed in wonderous illuminations. We invite you to enjoy a soothing stay at "Mameya," a special place where the rich history, culture and art of Tamba-Sasayama reverberate in unison.
“mame de, tassha ni”
(Healthy and Fit)
Mameya is located in Tamba-Sasayama, where black beans have been cultivated for years upon years.
Its legacy was made possible not only by the climate of Sasayama and its drastic temperature changes that make it perfect for growing black beans, but also the mame mentality that exists among the black bean producers that work there. The word mame means “bean,” but it also holds the meanings of "diligent,” “sincere,” and “skillful.” In addition to black bean cultivation, Tamba-Sasayama is also home to the cultivation of mountain yams, Tamba chestnuts, Tamba-Sasayama tea, and Tamba cotton production, as well as the craft of Tamba-yaki, a style of pottery originating from Tamba, known as one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan. We offer hands-on activities that allow a first-hand experience of these fascinating aspects. We hope to see guests immersing themselves in Tamba-Sasayama’s rich cultural heritage during their stay, and that the mame lifestyle has a lasting impression that will stay with them long after their trip here is finished.
About Odagaki Shoten
Founded in 1734 in Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture, Odagaki Shoten is a business with a long history of specializing in black soybean products. Our establishment has always remained particular about our use of Tamba black soybeans and Tamba Dainagon azuki beans. Through the painstaking efforts of our predecessors and a rich history of carefully selecting and cultivating these black soybeans and azuki beans over the course of many years, we have succeeded in producing the large, delicious Tamba black soybeans and Tamba Dainagon azuki beans that we proudly offer today. As we move forward, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with producers to further develop sustainable agriculture and deliver safe, delicious, high-quality products to our customers.
