The "Tambasasayama Machinami Art Festival" was first established in the autumn of 2009 (Heisei 21) as part of the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Sasayama Castle. The festival will celebrate its 9th edition in September 2024 (Reiwa 6).

Since the first edition, the festival has centered around the Kawaramachi Street (Hon-Sasayama area), a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The festival utilizes the unique spaces of traditional townhouses (shops and tatami rooms) to showcase and exhibit artworks (such as sculptures, paintings, and crafts) by artists connected to the area. These artists are either residing in or originally from Hyogo Prefecture, the Tambasasayama region (spanning Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures), or Tambasasayama itself. The festival is held biennially, organized and operated by a committee made up of various individuals from both inside and outside the city, who continue to provide their support and cooperation.

This festival is a unique art event where residents of traditional townhouses collaborate with artists to create something new—a format rarely seen anywhere else in the country. It is one of the most anticipated and high-profile events in Tambasasayama, a city that was honored by the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs for its achievements as a "Cultural and Artistic Creative City." In 2015 (Heisei 27), Tambasasayama was recognized as Japan’s first "Japan Heritage" site, and in 2016 (Heisei 28), the city became a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (in the Crafts and Folk Art category). These recognitions have further highlighted the rich culture, history, natural environment, and the lives of the people in this area.

Additionally, the activities of the festival's organizing committee were recognized with the "Hyogo Prefecture Art Encouragement Award" in 2016 (Heisei 28) and the "Excellence Award" in the Tokimeki category from the Tanba Citizens Bureau in 2018 (Heisei 30).

Furthermore, in 2019 (Heisei 31), we were honored to be featured in the "Unique Venue Handbook," published by the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Regional Culture Creation Office, which highlights the creative use of cultural properties.

We hope that this festival will continue as a long-lasting project that contributes to the "enrichment of the city" and we will continue to strive toward that goal. We sincerely ask for your continued support and cooperation.

Dates: September 14 (Sat), 15 (Sun), 16 (Mon, Holiday), 19 (Thu), 20 (Fri), 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun, Holiday), 23 (Mon, Substitute Holiday), 2024

Time: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Venue: "Kawaramachi Street" (Traditional Merchant Houses), Tambasasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture

Organizer: Tambasasayama Machinami Art Festival Executive Committee