Tanabata
SeasonalKanto(Tokyo)
Annual eventDates
Venue
Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival venue (Hiratsuka)
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Moderate crowd
Photos
Star Festival celebrating the annual meeting of celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Tanabata, the Star Festival, celebrates the annual meeting of the celestial lovers Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) on July 7th. People write wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches. The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is one of Japan's largest Tanabata celebrations, featuring elaborate streamers stretching across the city's shopping streets and attracting over 1.5 million visitors.
At a Glance
- Type
- Seasonal
- Dates
- 2026-07-07 – 2026-07-07
- Venue
- Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival venue (Hiratsuka)
- Status
- Ended
- Crowd Level
- Moderate crowd
- Admission
- Free
- Annual event
- Annual
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I confirm the official status of Tanabata?
Use the official source for the latest schedule, route changes, and cancellation updates: https://www.tanabata-hiratsuka.com/.
What is the current status of Tanabata?
The current listing status is ended. Last checked: 2026-03-10.
How crowded is Tanabata?
The typical crowd level is moderate.
What are the highlights of Tanabata?
Massive colorful tanabata streamers arching over shopping streets; Writing wishes on tanzaku paper strips and hanging them on bamboo; Evening illumination of decorations creating a magical atmosphere
Highlights
Massive colorful tanabata streamers arching over shopping streets; Writing wishes on tanzaku paper strips and hanging them on bamboo; Evening illumination of decorations creating a magical atmosphere
Access
2-minute walk from JR Hiratsuka Station (JR Tokaido Line, approximately 60 minutes from Tokyo Station).
Tips for Visitors
The Hiratsuka festival typically spans several days around July 7th — check exact dates. Evenings are best for the illuminated decorations. Write your wish on a tanzaku strip at any participating location. The festival area gets very crowded, so use public transport.
Location
📍 Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival venue (Hiratsuka)
