
Miyagi Prefecture – Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is one of the three great festivals of the Tohoku region.
For three days every year, from August 6th through August 8th, you can see beautiful Tanabata decorations all across Sendai City.
Tanabata is the name given to the one day per year on which Orihime and Hikoboshi were allowed to meet each other. The event was once related to the “Star Legend” and “Festival to Plead for Skills” that were brought to Japan from China, but it has since evolved into a Japan-specific event called Tanabata.
In recent times, many places celebrate Tanabata on the Gregorian calendar’s July 7th, but there are still many places that celebrate it on August 7th, which is close to Japan’s old lunisolar calendar’s July 7th.
Around 3000 large streamers, which can be as long as 10 meters, are hung up all over the city.
Many are also put up by participating businesses, and it is interesting to see all of the various designs.
It is said that, if you write a wish on a 5-colored piece of paper, called “tanzaku,” and hang it on bamboo grass, your wish will be granted.

Various stage events are held over the course of 3 days at Sendai Tanabata Festival Plaza (Location: Kotodai Park Citizens Square).
A fireworks display is held on August 5th, the eve of the festival. (Location: Around Sendai Nishi Park)
Video of Miyagi Prefecture – Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
Basic information on Miyagi Prefecture – Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
Miyagi Prefecture – Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
- Location
- City center and surrounding shopping districts of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
- Access
- A short walk from JR Sendai Station
- Tel
- 022-265-8185
- Dates
-
August 6th-8th annually
Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Display (Festival Eve) August 5th, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - URL(English)
- http://www.sendaitanabata.com/en