Asagaya Tanabata Festival

Counted among the Three Great Tanabata Festivals in Japan, this major event comes alive with the help of the entire shopping district in the Asagaya area, centered around the Asagaya Pearl Center shopping arcade leading from the south exit of the station to Ome Kaido.

This festival started in 1954 as a ploy to draw the local crowd to th e shopping district even during the hottest of summer months. Step up to the Pearl Center shopping street to find the arcade decked out wall-to-wall with handmade Tanabata trappings like bright streamers, paper bobbles, and wind chimes. The "Haribote" decorations often depict current events and trends, showcasing clever designs with a funny flair. As a local twist, look up at the shopping street to find decorations made by locals shops or spun up by local elementary schools and kindergartens, all infused with extra local flair.

Food stalls and games like goldfish scooping line the streets, adding to the festival atmosphere. There are even sales to shop during the festival! The entire shopping district comes alive with an unforgettable energy during this period.