Celebrate Tanabata!
In Japan, Tanabata (meaning “Evening of the Seventh”) is a colorful festival celebrating the reunion of two star-crossed lovers known as Orihime and Hikoboshi, represented by the stars Vega and Altair.
According to legend, which originates during the Nara Period (710-794 AD) from the Chinese folktale known as kikkoden, the lovers fell so madly in love that they neglected their duties and were ultimately separated by the great divide of the Milky Way. It was only through begging, that they persuaded the Sky King to agree to let them meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month.
While most of Japan observes Tanabata on July 7th, following the modern Gregorian calendar, regions like Sendai and some parts of Kansai (where Kyoto and Osaka are located) celebrate on the lunar calendar date, which typically falls on August 7th, tying it to Obon season in some regions.
During July and August, areas of Japan are covered in beautiful displays of streamers and bamboo trees covered in handwritten notes full of wishes, known as tanzaku.
Apart from tanzaku, other traditional Tanabata decorations contribute to the festive ambiance. Among these are origami paper cranes, often strung together and hung alongside strips of paper on bamboo branches.
Tanabata Festivals Across Japan
The great Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (festival), for instance, follows the lunar calendar, and holds festivities from August 6-8th. Streets in this metro area glow with over 3,000 three to five meter long streamers hung from towering bamboo poles. There’s even a fireworks display that lights up the night sky the evening before the festival weekend.
In Tokyo, the Shitamachi Tanabata Festival is held along Kappabashi Hondori. This bustling festival features vibrant streamers, bamboo decorations, and traditional Awa Odori dance performances. Parades, taiko drumming, and tanzaku-writing booths fill the weekend with energy and local charm. The celebration draws over 400,000 visitors annually, capturing the spirit of old Tokyo.
The Asagaya Tanabata Festival transforms a local shopping arcade into a whimsical gallery of giant papier-mâché floats—often shaped like anime characters and pop-culture icons. The handmade decorations hang above the crowds, bringing together artistry and playfulness. It’s a lighthearted and creative take on the Star Festival tradition.
Around the Minato Ward in Tokyo, “Washi Candle Night" is a tranquil evening event that lights the grounds of Zojoji Temple with thousands of handmade washi paper candles arranged along bamboo walkways. The soft illumination reflects the Milky Way and the quiet beauty of the Tanabata story. Nearby stalls offer seasonal treats in a peaceful, reflective setting beneath Tokyo Tower.
Kyoto’s Tanabata celebrations feature magical nighttime illuminations along the Horikawa and Kamogawa rivers, with glowing bamboo paths, wind chimes, and riverside tanzaku displays. Cultural performances, traditional crafts, and maiko dances bring a refined elegance to the festivities. It’s one of the most poetic interpretations of Tanabata in Japan.
Osaka hosts smaller but spirited Tanabata events at the ATC Hall, blending folk dance, bunraku puppetry, and Kansai-style Bon Odori. Visitors can enjoy sake tasting zones, local performances, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a casual, but festive way to experience summer traditions in the city.
Make a Wish for Tanabata
Aside from offering the best sweeping views of the Milky Way (if you can escape the city lights), Tanabata reminds millions of Japanese to turn their gaze to the heavens, reflect, and hope that their wishes will be answered.
Celebrating at home is easy. Simply close your eyes and write a wish on a strip of paper (called tanzaku). Hang your tanzaku from your favorite tree or, more traditionally, a piece of bamboo, and hope that they come true.
Happy Tanabata!