Tanabata
七夕
The Star Festival celebrating the once-yearly meeting of the Weaver and Cowherd stars.
- This year
- Jul 7 (Tue)
- July 7 (many regions; some festivals in August)
History
七夕 blends the Chinese Qixi legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi with Japanese bamboo and wish customs. Wishes written on tanzaku paper strips hang from bamboo. Sendai, Hiratsuka, and other cities host huge July or August street festivals — some shifted to August to avoid the rainy season and match the lunar timing more closely.
How it is observed
Schools and shopping arcades decorate with colorful streamers. Major matsuri feature nighttime lights, food stalls, and parades.
Travel tips
Not a national holiday. For Sendai Tanabata (early August) book lodging months ahead. July 7 itself is quieter outside festival cities — still a lovely day to write a wish at a local shrine.
Related shrines & temples
Places often visited around this day — open a shrine page or search the directory.