Gallery: The best tanabata festival in Japan

When I first arrived Sendai city, also known as the City of Trees, I was overwhelmed by the tanabata decorations that lined the streets. Every street and possible building was decorated for the occasion. These decorations, some commercially manufactured, but mostly painstakingly put together by communities of local people, looked like giant tako ("octopus") spirits, taking flight in the skies, showering blessings upon the local people. I know, not exactly the prettiest of imagery but I’m a fan of takoyaki.

The Tanabata Festival or Star Festival is celebrated from 6-8th August, a month later than most parts of Japan but has earned bragging rights as the “Best Tanabata Festival in Japan.” It even has its own Wikipedia excerpt. Making it even more festive, the festival is also celebrated as one of the major summer festivals in the Tohoku (North-eastern) region. There are outdoor stalls, cultural performances and fireworks shows held at various parts of the city. The festivities go on for at least a week and you can spot many young Japanese locals dressed in fashionable yutakas (summer kimonos) taking the streets to soak in the festivities. For many years, the Sendai Tanabata Festival has attracted many locals and foreigners alike from all over the world.

If you think you’ve seen one Tanabata decoration, so you’ve seen all, think again. These Tanabata decorations come in various shapes and sizes, designs and appeal to people of all ages and interests. You can spend the whole day just taking in the beauty of these handcrafted decorations and if you’re proficient in Japanese, you may even read the well wishes written on them.

Click the gallery button above for a look.

More information about the Sendai Tanabata festival:
When: August 6-8
Where: Sendai City