Sanda Machi-haku 2026｜9/19〜10/25

Why You Should Visit

A five-week, city-wide expo in Sanda, Hyogo, made up of 44 bookable programs across five themes: history and culture, everyday life, nature, learning, and sports. The line-up reflects the city's mix of farmland, old town, and new town — a tour of the Maeda family house (a registered tangible cultural property), canoeing and SUP on Lake Senjoji, hot-air balloon flights over a cosmos field, and black edamame harvesting. Every program requires advance booking, open since September 1 on a first-come basis. Many are family-friendly, and it works well as a way to plan a day out in Sanda in autumn.

Essentials

location

Various venues across Sanda City (differs by program)

period

September 19, 2026 (Sat) - October 25, 2026 (Sun)

Time

Varies by program

cost

Varies by program (e.g. Maeda house tour ¥3,500; balloon flight ¥3,500 adults / ¥1,900 children; bus tour ¥5,000 adults / ¥4,000 children)

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

Sanda Station (JR Takarazuka Line / Kobe Electric Railway) is the hub. Venues differ by program; from the station use Shinki Bus, taxi, or rental bicycles (Sanda Tourist Information Center, online booking).

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

All programs require advance booking on a first-come basis; applications opened at 10:00 on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Booking methods and deadlines differ by program, and you apply directly to each program's host. Check availability on the official program list. The balloon flight has reached capacity and applications are paused.

NOTE

Program examples

Tour of the 100-year-old Maeda family house (registered tangible cultural property): Sun Sep 27, three sessions at 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00, 13 people each, ¥3,500
Canoe & SUP on Lake Senjoji: canoe on Sep 19, 23, Oct 4, 17; SUP on Sep 20, 26, Oct 10, 24. Canoe ¥3,500 adults / ¥2,800 children; SUP ¥3,500 adults
Hot-air balloon flight over the Hazukawa cosmos field: Sat Oct 17, 8:00–10:00 (backup Oct 18), 6 people per flight, 15 flights, ¥3,500 adults / ¥1,900 children
Make a sheep year plate (Sanda Togei no Mori pottery studio): Sep 19, 20, Oct 10, 11, 14:00–15:00, ¥3,300
All-Sanda Nature Bus Tour 2: Sat Sep 19, 9:30–17:30, meet at Sanda Station north exit, 36 people, ¥5,000 adults / ¥4,000 children

Pre-festival

"Akichi de Night × Machi-haku Pre-fes": Sun Sep 13, 15:00–20:00, Ekimae Akichi (in front of Sanda Station), free, no booking needed

Themes

44 programs across five themes: history & culture, everyday life, nature, learning, sports
Each program has its own host organization; inquiries go to that host

*Secretariat: Sanda City Brand & Tourism Division, 079-559-5012 (weekdays 9:00–17:15)

*Details and dates are subject to change.

FAQ

Can I join without booking?

Every program requires advance booking on a first-come basis. Applications opened September 1, and deadlines and contacts differ by program. Check availability on the official program list.

Are there programs for children?

Yes — many are designed for families, such as taiko drumming, telescope building, drone programming, edamame harvesting, and camping. The balloon flight accepts children from age 3 with a child fare. Check each program page for age limits.

What happens if it rains?

Rain policies for outdoor programs differ by host. The balloon flight has October 18 as a backup date. Each host contacts participants directly about cancellations, so check the information given when you book.

Calendar

Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.

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We hope it gives you a reason to head out together.

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