Travel to Japan in August!Pay homage to the three major Tanabata festivals and share the love

Tripbaa Fun!Asia’s Free Travel Expert

When it comes to summer in Japan, besides the beautiful fireworks, the most anticipated event is definitely the lively festivals!Among the various local festivals, the Tanabata Festival is naturally a grand celebration that many won’t want to miss!

Strolling along streets adorned with dazzling Tanabata decorations and lights, surrounded by the aroma of Japanese street food and a festive atmosphere, do you also want to experience a unique Japanese Tanabata event?Let us introduce three must-see Japanese Tanabata festivals for you~

“Tanabata” was introduced to Japan as early as the Nara period. Although it’s called Tanabata, unlike in Taiwan, except in Sendai and a few other regions, most Tanabata festivals in Japan are held on July 7th of the Gregorian calendar.

This is because after the Meiji Restoration, Japan abolished the lunar calendar, so all traditional festivals were moved to the same date on the Gregorian calendar. The historic Sendai Tanabata Festival, in order to align with the Gregorian calendar and maintain the seasonal feel of the Tanabata event, compromised by setting the festival one month after July 7th — which is now from August 6th to 8th.

When Tanabata was first introduced to Japan, it was mainly a court festival. In addition to conducting heaven-worshiping ceremonies, nobles would also gather on this day to compose poetry and enjoy entertainment. It wasn’t until the Edo period that Tanabata gradually spread among the common people. In Taiwan, Tanabata is regarded as a “Valentine’s Day,” but it also has another custom known as “Qiqiao,” where most women would prepare needles and thread to pray to the Weaving Maid for improved craftsmanship.

In Japan, however, this day became a day for “making wishes.” People write their wishes on long, thin strips of paper and tie them to small bamboo branches, believing that the upward-growing bamboo can convey their wishes to the heavens. Different traditional ornaments also carry different meanings, such as “streamers” for wishing to improve weaving skills; “net-shaped paper strips” for praying for a bountiful fishing harvest; “wallets” representing wealth accumulation; and paper cranes symbolizing longevity.

Japanese Tanabata Event - Sendai Tanabata Festival. (Photo / Sendai City Tourism Section)

Known as the most beautiful Tanabata celebration in Japan and one of the three major festivals in Tohoku, the Sendai Tanabata Festival is a traditional event that started during the era of the feudal lord Date Masamune and continues to this day. With its elegant presentation of the Japanese star festival and luxurious, gorgeous decorations, it is a nationally renowned celebration in Japan.

Held annually from August 6th to 8th, during these three days, the city of Sendai is covered with extravagant and colorful Tanabata washi paper decorations and vibrant lights. Every year, it attracts over 2 million tourists to join in this Japanese Tanabata celebration!

"Time: August 6th~7th／10:00~22:00 (scheduled); August 8th (Friday)／10:00~21:00 (scheduled)
"Location: Downtown Sendai and surrounding shopping streets (the Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival is held near Sendai Nishiki Park)
"Official Website: https://www.sendaitanabata.com/

Preliminary Festival: If you’re someone who wants to enjoy beautiful fireworks, don’t miss the “Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival” at the preliminary festival (August 5th) held around Sendai Nishiki Park. The nearly two-hour fireworks display will definitely captivate you.

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Main Festival: During the three-day main festival from August 6th to 8th, in addition to the Tanabata parade, you can also see mikoshi (portable shrine) processions, floats, and taiko drum and flute performances, among other traditional festival rituals. Around the area, you can enjoy Sendai cuisine, participate in Tanabata ornament making experiences, and admire the dreamy Galaxy Light Festival. (Venue: Kotodai Park Civic Plaza)

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Approaching its 68th edition, the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival was originally established to revitalize the post-war economy, and thus, the first Tanabata Festival was held in 1951. The most spectacular sight of the Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is its luxurious Tanabata decorations.

Here, you can see oversized decorations over 10 meters tall, including many designed in the shapes of famous figures, animals, and various characters. In addition to parades, there are also various cultural and artistic events, making it a truly lively Japanese Tanabata event.

"Time: July 6th~8th
"Location: JR Hiratsuka North Exit Shopping Street and surrounding areas throughout the city
"Official Website: Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival

Already in its 65th edition, the Anjo Tanabata Festival this year takes “Smiles” as its theme. A key feature of the Anjo Tanabata Festival is being recognized as the festival with “the most wish strips in Japan” and “the longest bamboo decoration street in Japan.”

Therefore, you can admire the continuous bamboo decorations lining the streets, all handmade by local residents — definitely worth seeing. The festival also has an official mascot named “Kibo,” which means “spirit of wishes.” Try entrusting your wishes to Anjo!

Additionally, five Anjo Tanabata Friendship Ambassadors are selected each year. Dressed in elaborate kimonos, they liven up the atmosphere of the Tanabata event during the three-day celebration.

"Date: August 3rd to 5th
"Location: 1-1, Yukihoncho, Anjo City (downtown area around JR Anjo Station)
"Official Website: Anjo Tanabata Festival

A Japanese Tanabata festival that blends tradition with modernity—perfect for anyone wanting to experience a unique take on Japan’s Tanabata celebrations. Whether you're a couple or a general traveler, you can enjoy the romantic summer atmosphere of this traditional festival.

Authorized reprint from [Tripbaa] | Original article: [Japanese Tanabata Festivals Are So Romantic: A Midsummer Night Journey to 3 Major Japanese Tanabata Events]

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