Tanabata Festivals

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!