Construction of the government building for the Ako Salt Affairs Bureau of the former Ministry of Finance began along with the establishment of the Salt Monopoly Law in Meiji 38 (1905), and it was completed in Meiji 41 (1908). The Salt Affairs Bureau was a regional agency established under the government monopoly that carried out office work related to the storage and sale of salt. This distinctive building has a stylish exterior with features such as a tower, German clapboard walls, and vertical sliding windows. It is also valuable for being the first authentic western-style building constructed in Ako. It is the oldest of the former Ministry of Finance’s Salt Affairs Bureau buildings still in existence, and it has been almost completely preserved in its original form. As heritage that represents a piece of the history of our country’s modern salt policy, it is extremely valuable, and it was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture in Showa 61 (1986). Currently, the building is open to the public as the Ako Folk Culture Museum, and visitors can tour the inside of the building.