Tanabata, also known as the ?Star Festival?, is a Japanese celebration which takes place on the seventh day of the seventh month. According to Japanese folklore, this is the only day of the year when the two stars, Altair and Vega, can meet.
At this time of the year, it is tradition to write Tanabata wishes (known as tanzaku) on colorful strips of paper and hang them on Tanabata trees made from bamboo branches. People also decorate their houses and public spaces.

Tanabata is one of Japan?s five traditional festivals known as ?gosekku? and it is an interesting time to visit the country. However, the Tanabata dates vary between different regions.
According to the formerly used lunar calendar, the seventh month is August rather than July. In some places like Sendai, they celebrate on August 7, though the official date is July 7 (Tuesday in 2020). What is the Tanabata festival
Huge Tanabata festivals are held throughout Japan. The most famous is the Sendai Tanabata Festival (6-8 August, Thursday to Saturday in 2020). Traveling to Sendai is easy using your Japan Rail Pass, it takes around two and a half hours from the capital. The Tokyo Tanabata Festival is also a grand affair.
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The style of the festivals varies from place to place though most involve Tanabata decoration competitions as well as parades and a range of festive activities. The atmosphere is fantastic and the streets are lined with food stalls.
The Tanabata wishes are made on the first ...