Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a Japanese celebration traditionally held on the seventh day of the seventh month. In 2026, the main Tanabata date falls on Tuesday, July 7, although some major festivals take place in August.
According to Japanese folklore, Tanabata is the only day of the year when the two stars Altair and Vega can meet. The festival is associated with the story of Hikoboshi and Orihime, two lovers separated by the Milky Way.
At this time of the year, it is tradition to write Tanabata wishes, known as tanzaku, on colorful strips of paper and hang them from bamboo branches. People also decorate their houses, shopping streets, temples, shrines, and public spaces.
Tanabata is one of Japan’s five traditional festivals, known as ‘gosekku’, and it is an interesting time to visit the country. However, the Tanabata dates vary between regions, so travelers should check the dates for the city or festival they plan to visit.
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When is Tanabata in 2026?
In most of Japan, Tanabata is celebrated on July 7. In 2026, this falls on Tuesday, July 7.
Some regions celebrate Tanabata later, especially in August, to reflect the timing of the older lunar calendar. The best-known example is the Sendai Tanabata Festival, which is held every year from August 6 to 8.
For 2026, this means travelers can experience Tanabata celebrations in early July in many parts of Japan, then attend Sendai Tanabata from August 6 to 8 if they are visiting the Tohoku region.
What is the Tanabata festival?
Huge Tanabata festivals are held throughout Japan, usually in July or August depending on the region. The most famous is the Sendai Tanabata Festival, which is held every year from August 6 to 8.
Traveling to Sendai is easy using your JR Pass. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the train service.
Another major event is the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo. In 2026, it is scheduled to take place from July 3 to 5 around Hiratsuka Station, with large decorations on display in the city center.
Tokyo also has several Tanabata events rather than one single citywide festival. Popular examples include Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri in Suginami and Shitamachi Tanabata Festival near Kappabashi and Ueno, although dates and event details should be checked before traveling.
The style of the festivals varies from place to place, though most involve colorful Tanabata decorations, writing wishes on tanzaku and festive activities. The atmosphere is lively, and larger festivals often include food stalls, shopping-street displays, parades, or evening illuminations.
In some places, decorated bamboo branches are later floated on water, placed in the sea, or burned as an offering. However, customs vary by region and event, so visitors should not expect the same schedule everywhere.
The tradition dates back to the early 17th century, though its popularity dipped after the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and almost disappeared during the economic depression following World War I. However, after World War II, the festivals once again became an important date on the Japanese calendar.
The Tanabata story
The tradition of Tanabata is based around the romantic story of Orihime and Hikoboshi, represented by the stars Vega and Altair. According to the legend, they can meet only once a year, and only if the skies are clear.
The story originates from the Chinese Qixi legend, which was brought to Japan in the 8th century. It tells of two lovers: Princess Orihime, a beautiful seamstress, and Hikoboshi, a cow herder. They lived on different sides of the heavenly river, represented by the Milky Way After the two fell in love, they reglected their duties because of their devotion to each other.
Orihime’s father, the god of the heavens, became angry and forbade them from seeing each other. However, Orihime pleaded with him, and as a concession, he allowed them to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month.
Tanabata decorations and wishes
One of the most recognizable Tanabata traditions is writing wishes on colorful strips of paper. These wishes are then tied to bamboo branches, which are displayed in public spaces.
Traditional Tanabata decorations can also include paper cranes, streamers, nets, purses, and kimono-shaped ornaments. Each decoration has a symbolic meaning, such as good fortune, long life, improved skills, or prosperity.
At larger Tanabata festivals, streets and shopping arcades are decorated with large hanging streamers and colorful paper displays. These decorations are one of the main reasons festivals such as Sendai Tanabata and Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata attract so many visitors.
Tanabata festival food
Japanese summer festivals are known for their food stalls, and Tanabata is no exception. Some foods are closely linked to the Star Festival, while others are popular festival favorites.
Sōmen noodles are one of the most traditional foods associated with Tanabata. Their long, thin shape is often associated with the Milky Way or the weaving threads in the story of Orihime.
Other popular foods you may find at Tanabata festivals include:
- Takoyaki: fried dough balls with small pieces of octopus inside. The dish is so popular in Japan that there are fast food chains dedicated to it.
- Yakisoba: fried noodles mixed with pork and cabbage, usually garnished with yakisoba sauce and mayonnaise.
- Okonomiyaki: a savoury pancake made from batter and a variety of different ingredients. The name translates to “grilled as you like it” because there are many variations.
- Yakitori: grilled chicken on a skewer, usually served with spring onions and yakitori sauce.