Tanabata (七夕) meaning "evening of the seventh" is a Japanese festival that originates from the Chinese Qixi Festival. It is in celebration of the meeting of the deities (and lovers) Orihime and Hikoboshi, and according to legend, they are only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. In Japan, it is celebrated by writing your wish on a piece of paper and attaching it to a bamboo tree. At Tanabata festivals, tons of intricate and flashy streamers are hung along large walkways, and you can play typical Japanese festival games, and try typical Japanese festival food such as kakigori, takoyaki, and candy fruits!
This is my personal favorite Tanabata Festival! Its held in the Asagaya Pearl Center, which is an outdoor shopping street right outside of Asagaya Station. The festival made its debut in 1954, and was set up by merchants seeking to increase their customers. Large and vibrant streamers are hung inside of the enclosed shopping street, and this festival is famous for its paper-mâché recreations of cartoon characters.
Where: Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Street 1 Chome-36-7 Asagayaminami, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0004
When: Early July
How much: Free
Website (Japanese): http://www.asagaya.or.jp/
This is the entrance of the shopping street that you can see right outside of the exit of Asagaya station.
The deities Orihime and Hikoboshi!
so creative and fun!