Tanabata Matsuri

Tanabata Matsuri is also a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on July 7th. It is also known as the Star Festival. It is based on the Chinese story of Orihime and Hikoboshi - two star lovers who are only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

In Japan, on this special day, people make wishes, write their wishes or dreams on a piece of colored paper called “tanzaku” and then hang and decorate on bamboo branches.
In many cities, the streets are lined with towering bamboo poles with colorful streamers, lanterns and other decorations, just like the Christmas decorations.

People are happy with the decorations and there are many who are wearing Yukata - summer kimono - walking around to enjoy a summer night.