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!
The Tanabata festival at Kamishinmei-tenso Shrine is a smaller and more local-feeling festival, and they even light up the trees after 8PM when it gets dark (see their website for photos). Note: There are no food stalls here like some of the bigger festivals.
Where: 4 Chome-4-12 Futaba, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 142-0043
When: July 1st ~ July 7th
How much: Free
Website: https://hebikubo.jp/event/
As you will see in many shrines post-pandemic the chozuya (water basins to cleanse your hands before praying at the shrine) at this shrine is decorated with flowers and glass balls to prevent visitors from using it, and instead enjoy its beauty.
You can get a special shrine stamp (goshuin) for only 300 JPY.
everything is so pretty - great photos!