By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
Qixi, due to the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, has become a romantic and beautiful holiday. Unlike in Taiwan, Japan
The lively and romantic Kappa Hashimoto Avenue is likened by locals to a "galaxy." (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
• Tokyo Shitamachi Tanabata Festival (Asakusa ~ Ueno)
Duration: July 6–11, 2016
Along the approximately 1.2-kilometer-long "Kappa Hashimoto Avenue," various exquisite Tanabata decorations and lanterns are hung, creating a spectacular view that the Japanese liken to a "galaxy." This is where Tokyo’s Tanabata festival takes place. Along the way, you can enjoy food from stalls and admire traditional Japanese craft displays, with parades and performances also held on-site—it's the liveliest and most festive time of the year for the shopping street.
Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is known for its luxurious and elaborate decorations. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
•Kanagawa Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival (Hiratsuka City)
Duration: July 8–10, 2016
Famous for its luxurious decorations, Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival celebrates its 66th anniversary, featuring over 10-meter-tall giant colorful decorations, popular characters, and animal-themed ornaments. Everywhere you look is a festive beauty that is very popular with visitors. In addition to the parade, there are also various cultural events to keep visitors entertained.
Visitors shouldn't miss the fireworks on the first day of the Ogawa Machi Tanabata Festival. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
•Saitama Prefecture Ogawa Machi Tanabata Festival (Ogawa Town)
Duration: July 23–24, 2016
With a history of 67 years, all decorations at the Ogawa Machi Tanabata Festival come from local shops in Ogawa. The two-day event includes dancing, fireworks, and more, with a colorful and romantic atmosphere lighting up the Tanabata night sky.
This year’s 61st Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival is famous for its textile industry. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
•Aichi Prefecture Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival (Ichinomiya City)
Duration: July 28–31, 2016
Legend has it that Ichinomiya City is blessed by the "God of Textiles," giving rise to a thriving textile industry. During the harvest-celebrating Tanabata season, the city holds a four-day "Textile Gratitude Festival," attracting about 1.3 million visitors annually, culminating in a splendid finale on the last Sunday of July.
The 66th Anjo Tanabata Festival will feature activities themed around the "circle." (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
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