Best Tanabata Events around Tokyo 2025
Tanabata (Star Festival) Celebration: Large Decorations, Colorful Lanterns
One of the best event that take place throughout Japan in July is the Tanabata, a cultural and historical event that is celebrated annually on the 7th of July. It’s a traditional festival that features large decorations of paper streamers and colorful lanterns. It is celebrated differently depending on the area, but in general, it is about wishing in colorful strips of paper and hanging them on the bamboo branches.
Let’s take a brief look at the Tanabata in Japan and the story of the Tanabata.
What is Tanabata in Japan?
Tanabata or also known as the Star Festival like a mention above it is annually celebrated on the 7th of July or August, depending on the area that follows the lunar calendar. It is a romantic story originating in China about the two lovers, Orihime, the princess, and Hikoboshi, the cowherd. They fell deeply in love with each other and neglected their duties, which reason why the King (the princess’s Father) got mad and his anger, he separated the two lovers. However, as a father, seeing his daughter’s loneliness also breaks his heart, so he decided to let them meet once a year on the 7th day of July.
Read more about Tanabata: Tanabata: Japanese Summer Star Festival
In Japan, the Tanabata is celebrated by writing wishes on colorful paper strips and hanging them on bamboo branches, which are often seen in malls, parks, and some establishment events. However, some places in Japan celebrate the Tanabata differently and make it an annual festival or traditional celebration of Tanabata.
Here are some popular events of Tanabata in Tokyo and some related celebrations of Tanabata.
Best Tanabata Events in and around Tokyo
1. Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival
The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is one of the three largest Tanabata festivals in the Kanto area. Featuring more than 100 large Tanabata decorations along with the performances, the Tanabata Odori Parade, and plenty of shops, food to enjoy in the shopping arcade.
Event Period: July 4 to 6, 2025
Location: Hiratsuka City, Hiratsuka Station
Website: http://www.tanabata-hiratsuka.com/
2. Zojoji Tanabata Festival
The Zojoji Tanabata Festival is one of the unique celebrations of Tanabata, featuring a candle line that illuminates and decorates like the Milky Way, providing a lovely view alongside the Tokyo Tower.
Event Period: July 7, 2025
Location: Zojoji Temple, Tokyo
Website: https://www.zojoji.or.jp/news/239.html
3. Shitamachi Tanabata Festival
The Shitamachi Tanabata Festival is one of the well-known Tanabata celebrations in Tokyo, which is annually held in the Asakusa area and Kappabashi Hondori. The streets are filled with colorful decorations of Tanabata, such as large streamers and ribbons along the streets. Full of activities to enjoy, like performances, parades, and the traditional way of celebration, Tanabata, like writing wishes.
Event Period: July 5-6, 2025
Location: Asakusa area, Kappabashi Hondori (Showa-dori to Kokusai dori)
Website: https://shitamachi-tanabata.com/
*This content was originally published on Japan Web Magazine (https://jw-webmagazine.com/tanabata-events-tokyo/) on June 24, 2025 and is republished here for our newsletter readers.
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