2026 Sandan Falls Observation Plaza and Hake-no-Tana Night View: A Full-Day Course

This is a day for the whole family to enjoy the scenery of the river, town, and mountains at Sandan Falls Observation Plaza and Hake-no-Tana (三段の滝展望広場・八景の棚), located atop a river terrace overlooking the Sagami River. Hake-no-Tana (八景の棚) is a famous viewpoint counted among the Eight Scenic Views of the Sagami River, and it's free to use. Below, the Sagami River flows leisurely, and beyond the townscape on the opposite bank rise the mountains of Tanzawa, with the silhouette of Mt. Fuji visible on a clear day. In the early afternoon, visit the Sagami River Fureai Science Center Aquarium Sagamihara (相模川ふれあい科学館 アクアリウムさがみはら) (9:30-16:30; adults ¥450, elementary/junior-high students ¥150, preschoolers free; closed Mondays). It's a local aquarium where you can enjoyably learn about the creatures living from the headwaters to the mouth of the Sagami River. In the evening, move to the observation plaza, where the highlight is the transition from sunset to the town's lights coming on. It gets cold on the bluff after sunset, so dress warmly. Watch your step on the way back once it's dark, and hold your child's hand.