Sayo Nanko Sunflower Festival 2026

Why You Should Visit

In the Nanko district of Sayo, rice paddies are turned over to sunflowers, and each hamlet plants at a different time so the bloom rolls through the season. In 2026 the festival runs 16 days, from 18 July to 2 August. The Higashi-Tokuhisa fields peak in the first half and the Hayashizaki fields in the second, so which field is in flower depends on when you come. Paths cut through the plots let you photograph yourself surrounded by sunflowers taller than you are. Fireworks close the festival on the final evening.

Essentials

location

Around Nanko Sports Park

period

July 18, 2026 (Sat) - August 2, 2026 (Sun)

Time

8:30–17:00（予定）

cost

Admission: ¥300 for junior high school students and above, ¥100 for elementary school students, free for younger 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

About 5 min by car from Harima-Tokuhisa Station (JR Kishin Line)
By car, about 15 min from the Sayo IC on the Chugoku Expressway. Parking is available without reservation.

NOTE

Expected bloom by district

Higashi-Tokuhisa: Sat 18 July – Sat 25 July
Hayashizaki: Sun 26 July – Sun 2 August
Urushino: Fri 7 August – Thu 13 August

※The Urushino peak falls after the festival period.

Fireworks

Sun 2 August from 20:00, about 600 shells

※Bloom timing shifts with the weather. Check the Sayo Town page for the latest before you travel.

※On the final day, entry and exit times may be brought forward.

FAQ

When will the sunflowers actually be in bloom?

Each district blooms at a different time: Higashi-Tokuhisa through 25 July, then Hayashizaki from 26 July. The timing shifts with the weather, so check the bloom updates on the official page before setting out.

Do I need to reserve parking?

No reservation is needed. Several car parks are set up around the venue.

Are the fireworks at the same place?

Yes. About 600 shells are launched around Nanko Sports Park from 20:00 on 2 August, the festival's final day.

Calendar

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