house of the Diet of Japan. Economy Tamba-Sasayama has mostly a rural economy based on agriculture and forestry. Tamba-Sasayama is well known in the Kansai region for its agriculture and food products, specifically kuromame or kuro daizu (black soybeans), mountain yam, Japanese chestnuts, azuki beans, matsutake, beef, wild boar and venison. Tourism, including agritourism, is playing an increasing role in the local economy. Education Tamba-Sasayama has 14 public elementary schools and six public middle schools operated by the city government and three public high schools operated by the Hyōgo Prefectural Department of Education. Transportation Railway JR West – Fukuchiyama Line - - - - Highways Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway Sister city relations - Walla Walla, Washington, United States, since August 15, 1972 - Epidaurus, Greece, since May 26, 1988 Local attractions Yakami Castle ruins, National Historic Site Sasayama Castle ruins, National Historic Site Sasayama Traditional Buildings Preservation Area Fukuzumi Traditional Buildings Preservation Area Mount Mitake Mount Nishigatake Mount Yajuro Festivals The Dekansho Festival, famous for "Bon" style dancing, is held annually, every August 15 through 16 since 1952. Local products Tamba ware, or tamba-tachikui-yaki, is a traditional style of pottery that has been produced here since the 12th century. References External links Sasayama City official website Sasayama City official website Tamba-Sasayama City tourist information website(in English) Cities in Hyōgo Prefecture Tamba-Sasayama