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 celebrations. Tokyo Skytree also launched its “2014 Tokyo Solamachi Tanabata Festival” on June 23. In addition to daily special illuminations, three large-scale Tanabata decorations have been set up in the Tokyo Skytree Mall, featuring 58 decorations that were actually used in the Sendai Tanabata Festival. A “wish 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 ambiance of a quintessential summer tradition.
Tokyo Skytree features two types of special illuminations on the evening of Tanabata. (Image source: Tokyo Skytree)
The series of events also include Tokyo Skytree’s mascot, which dons a yukata during the event period and interacts with visitors at scheduled times, offering opportunities for commemorative photos. Special illuminations during the event include the “Night Sky” lighting inspired by the imagery of shooting stars, and the “Tanabata” lighting themed around the Milky Way. On July 7, Tanabata Day, the “Night Sky” illumination is displayed first, followed by a two-hour blackout from 8 PM to 10 PM in line with energy-saving activities, and then the “Tanabata” illumination from 10 PM to 11 PM.
Lover’s seats at the observation deck, 58 long Tanabata festival decorations, and Tokyo Skytree mascot dressed in a yukata. (Image source: Tokyo Skytree)
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 curtains, creating a romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, many dessert shops in the Tokyo Skytree Mall are also offering limited-edition cakes and sweets for the Tanabata event, allowing all visitors to enjoy the dreamy and sweet ambiance of Tanabata during the “2014 Tokyo Solamachi Tanabata Festival.”