By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Zhang Yingying, translated and reported

One of Japan’s important summer festivals, “Tanabata,” also known as the Summer Valentine’s Day, sees major attractions across the country hosting celebratory events. Tokyo Skytree also kicked off the “2014 Tokyo Skytree Town Tanabata Festival.” In addition to daily special illuminations, three large Tanabata decorations have been set up within Tokyo Skytree Mall, featuring 58 decorations that were actually used in the Sendai Tanabata Festival. A “Wishing Tree” has also been installed at the observation deck and rooftop plaza, where visitors can write their wishes and hang them, filling the area with the atmosphere of a quintessential summer tradition.

The series of events also include Tokyo Skytree’s mascot, which will be dressed in a yukata during specific times throughout the event period to interact with visitors, offering opportunities for commemorative photos. The special illuminations during the event period include the “Night Sky” lighting inspired by the imagery of shooting stars, as well as the “Tanabata” lighting themed around the Milky Way. On July 7th, Tanabata Day, the “Night Sky” illumination is first displayed, followed by a two-hour blackout from 8 PM to 10 PM in line with energy-saving activities, and then the “Tanabata” illumination is showcased from 10 PM to 11 PM.

As Tanabata is also known as the Summer Valentine’s Day, heart-shaped lover’s double seats (Lovers Bench) are displayed at the observation deck, and heart-shaped stickers adorn the glass walls to create a romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, many dessert shops within Tokyo Skytree Mall are also offering limited-edition cakes and sweets for the Tanabata event, allowing all visitors to experience the dreamy and sweet ambiance of Tanabata during the “2014 Tokyo Skytree Town Tanabata Festival.”

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