Last Updated on 2025年8月24日 by Kenty
Tanabata Festival Tokyo 2025
Complete Guide to Japan’s Star Festival & Wishes
🌌 What Makes Tanabata Special?
The Tanabata Festival (七夕), also known as the Star Festival, is one of Japan’s most romantic and colorful summer celebrations. Every July, millions of people across Japan write their deepest wishes on colorful paper strips called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping their dreams will reach the stars.
Romantic Legend
Based on the love story of Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way
Wish Fulfillment
Write your dreams on colorful tanzaku paper and hang them on bamboo
Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in Japanese tradition with yukata, festivals, and street food
The Legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi
The Star-Crossed Lovers
Long ago, Orihime (the Weaver Girl, representing the star Vega) was a skilled weaver who worked tirelessly creating beautiful clothes for the gods. Across the Milky Way, Hikoboshi (the Cowherd, representing Altair) tended to his cattle.
When they met and fell deeply in love, they became so devoted to each other that they neglected their duties. Angered, the Jade Emperor separated them across the Milky Way, allowing them to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.
Romantic Tradition: It’s said that if it rains on Tanabata, the lovers’ tears prevent their meeting, so clear skies are especially celebrated.
July 7th
Annual Reunion
Orihime
(Vega)
Hikoboshi
(Altair)
Best Tanabata Festivals in Tokyo 2025
Asagaya Shopping Street
Asagaya Tanabata Festival
Aug 3-7Tokyo’s largest Tanabata festival transforms the entire Asagaya shopping street with massive handmade decorations hanging overhead like a colorful tunnel.
Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays (Aug 3-5) to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy street food at leisure.
Traditional Tokyo Vibes
Shitamachi Tanabata Festival
Jul 5-9Experience authentic old Tokyo atmosphere along Kappabashi Street between Ueno and Asakusa, with Tokyo Skytree as a stunning backdrop.
Temple & Tokyo Tower
Zojoji Temple Tanabata Illumination
Jul 7A magical evening celebration featuring thousands of LED-lit bamboo decorations against the backdrop of historic Zojoji Temple and iconic Tokyo Tower.
Instagram Perfect: The illuminated bamboo with Tokyo Tower creates stunning nighttime photos.
How to Participate in Tanabata
Writing Tanzaku Wishes
Choose colorful tanzaku paper (usually provided free at festivals)
Write your wish in simple, heartfelt words (Japanese or English is fine)
Tie your tanzaku to bamboo branches with care and respect
Popular Wishes: Health, love, career success, family happiness, academic achievement
Festival Etiquette & Dress
Wearing Yukata
Summer kimono adds to the authentic experience and makes great photos!
Rent Yukata in AsakusaFestival Manners
- • Be gentle when hanging tanzaku
- • Don’t touch other people’s wishes
- • Take turns at popular photo spots
- • Try festival foods from local vendors
Tanabata Festival Foods to Try
Kakigori
Shaved Ice
Colorful shaved ice topped with sweet syrups – perfect for hot summer festival days. Popular flavors include strawberry, melon, and blue Hawaii.
Takoyaki
Octopus Balls
Round balls of batter filled with octopus pieces, topped with savory sauce and bonito flakes. A festival essential!
Taiyaki
Fish-shaped Cake
Fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or chocolate. A beloved traditional festival treat.
Instagram & Photography Tips
Best Photo Opportunities
Hashtag Suggestions
#Tanabata2025 #TokyoFestival #StarFestival #七夕 #Tanzaku #JapanTravel #TokyoEvents #YukataStyle #JapaneseCulture #FestivalSeason #TokyoTower #AsagayaTanabata #JapanSummer
Pro Tip: Include your wish translation in English for international followers!
Planning Your Tanabata Experience
Weekend Warrior (1 Day)
Perfect for: First-time visitors, busy schedules
Culture Explorer (2 Days)
Perfect for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Full Experience (3+ Days)
Perfect for: Deep cultural immersion, Japan enthusiasts
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