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!
Hiratsuka’s Tanabata is the biggest festival in the Kanto region, spanning over three days, and it attracts around 1.7 million visitors. The streets are lined with 500 Tanabata decorations, and food stalls for the many hungry visitors. In the evening, the decorations are illuminated, which is unique for this type of festival.
Where: Follow the crowd from Hiratsuka Station
When: Early July
How much: Free
Website: http://www.tanabata-hiratsuka.com/
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