Hiratsuka Tanabata festival, the second largest in Japan!
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 8 years.
I show you hidden Japan which you have never seen and heard of!
Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, one of the three major Tanabata festivals in Kanto area
I went to the Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival.
Hiratsuka is a town about one hour from Tokyo.
Hiratsuka was burned to the ground during World War II by air raid.
Because there was an ammunition depot here.
1951, the first festival
The first Tanabata Festival was held in 1951 to revive this town based on the popular Sendai Tanabata Festival.
The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19.
So this year is the first time in three years.
1.6 million visiters
Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival attracts about 1.6 million visitors, the second largest attendance in Japan after Sendai.
This year the festival was held on July 8,9,10th.
Events
Many events were held,
Orihime Unveiling Parade, Tanabata Decoration Contest, Japanese drumming, dancing, hula dancing, children’s plaza, Metaverse Experience Room, etc.
Although there were no food stalls this year due to the Covid-19.
But there are many restaurants in the local shopping streets lined with Tanabata decorations, so there are plenty of places to eat .
Decorations
There were also huge Tanabata decorations in the two shopping streets, Pearl Road and the Shonan Star Mall.
Many people were enjoying the festivities while walking.
Japanese drums and dances were also performed by the locals.
These are very energetic and beautiful!
Why don’t you come to the Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival next year?
You will enjoy the Japanese traditional festival and atmosphere here!
I’m Nobu, one heart enjoy together!!!