One of Japan’s traditional events, Tanabata on July 7th, is said to be the night when the celestial weaver princess (Orihime) and the cowherd (Hikoboshi) can reunite just once a year. Celebrated by hanging colorful decorations and wishes written on strips of paper called tanzaku on bamboo branches, Tanabata festivals are still held across the country, becoming a symbol of Japan’s summer.
The Three Major Tanabata Festivals in Japan
1. Sendai Tanabata Festibal
Tanabata Festival: A Tradition Dating Back to the Era of Date Masamune, the Founder of the Sendai Domain. This summer festival in the Tohoku region is characterized by its elegant and luxurious decorations. Today, it attracts over 2 million visitors annually. In 2024, the festival will be held from August 6th to 8th.
The event takes place within Sendai City, making it convenient to explore on foot or by bus from JR Sendai Station. From Tokyo Station to Sendai Station, it takes approximately 90 minutes via the Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train).
2. Shonan-Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival
The Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival began as a celebration of recovery and prosperity following the devastation of the Great Air Raids during World War II. Today, it attracts over 3 million visitors. During the evenings, the festival is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the fantastical Tanabata decorations. In 2024, the festival will be held from July 5th to 7th.
The festival takes place throughout the city center, with the JR Hiratsuka Station North Exit Shopping District as its focal point, just a 2-minute walk from JR Hiratsuka Station. From Tokyo Station to Hiratsuka Station, it takes approximately 60 minutes via the JR Tokaido Main Line.
3. Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival
The Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival takes place in the town of Ichinomiya, known for its textile industry, with the aim of celebrating the prosperity of the textile business. In addition to Tanabata decorations, the festival features various events such as a cosplay parade and bon dance. It typically attracts over a million visitors annually, and in 2024, it is scheduled to be held from July 25th to 28th.
The festival is located in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture, and is easily accessible from JR Owari Ichinomiya Station or Meitetsu Ichinomiya Station. Both stations are just a short ride from Nagoya Station, taking approximately 9 and 14 minutes respectively on local trains.
In addition to the Tanabata festivals mentioned above, in Japan, on July 7th, families decorate bamboo branches with tanzaku, strips of paper on which they write their wishes, and enjoy eating somen noodles. As Tanabata approaches, you’ll see bamboo branches adorned with tanzaku all over town, so be sure to keep an eye out for them when visiting Japan during this time!
