Overview
The Tanabata Festival is held all throughout the city, with its base in the Hiratsuka Station North Entrance shopping district. As one of Japan’s big three Tanabata festivals, this huge festival is immensely popular. The highlight of the festival are the food stands lining the main shopping street, above which hang large Tanabata decorations that color the entire arcade. Countless tourists flock to the festival every year. In the evening the decorations are illuminated, creating an even more beautiful, memorable scene. So put on your summer yukata robes and indulge in delicious street food, because Tanabata only comes once a year.
Nightlife
Ranked with Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture as one of Japan’s biggest Tanabata festivals, the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival marks the arrival of Shonan’s summer. Around 500 colorful decorations are hung around the town center of Hiratsuka and illuminated at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Parades and over 400 stalls offering Shonan delicacies and various other items add to the festive mood.
Travel tip
Held every July, Tanabata is a vibrant festival celebrating the one annual meeting of two celestial lovers. The bright colours of the decorations around the city and the night-time illuminations are rivaled by the beautiful kimonos worn by visitors.
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