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!
Tanashi Shrine is located in Nishi Tokyo, and hosts many different events over the year throughout each season. During rainy season they install a "Teru Teru Bozu Tunnel" where you can buy a teru teru bozu, and write a wish on the paper attached to it for Tanabata.
Teru teru bozu are small handmade dolls that resemble ghosts (unintentionally), and are made of cloth or paper that are hung outside in various places to bring good weather and prevent rainy days. It is said that they were first created by Japanese farmers, and then became popular amongst urban dwellers during the Edo period.
Where: Tanashi Shrine 3 Chome-7-4 Tanashicho, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 188-0011, Japan
When: Late June ~ Early July
How much: Free
Website (Japanese): http://tanashijinja.or.jp/
A child attaching their teru teru bozu to the tunnel after writing a wish!
Sometimes teru teru bozu's have faces!
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