Tanabata Festival: When you wish upon a star

One of the most famous summer festivals in Japan is Tanabata. Literally meaning "seventh night," Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is one of many Japanese festivals originating from China. It has been celebrated in Japan since the 700s.

There are a few variations about the origins of Tanabata, but all revolve around two lovers who have cross galaxies to be with each other one night each year. The legend goes that Orihime (a weaving princess) and Hikoboshi (a cowherder), who both were hard workers in the sky, met one day and instantly fell in love. However, once they got married, they no longer worked and just spent all their time together. Orihime’s father, the king of the heavens, got mad at them and sent them to opposite sides of the Milky Way. Orihime is the star Vega and Hikoboshi, the star Altair.

However, moved by Orihime’s tears, the king agreed to allow them to meet only once a year -- on July 7.

Japanese celebrate the festival each July 7 or thereabouts by writing their wishes on colorful pieces of paper and hanging them on bamboo tree branches. The trees are decorated with origami ornaments and everyone hopes their wishes will come true.

While Tanabata revolves around July 7, the festival is also celebrated in June and August in some areas.

Here are six famous Tanabata festivals.

Sendai Tanabata Festival (Aug 6-8) Miyagi Prefecture

Traditional, historical festival with many events. This is probably the most famous Tanabata festival in Japan. Huge amounts of beautiful decorations are hung along the shopping arcade from Sendai Station. Lots of events are held throughout the day and night.

Shonan Hiratsuka Tananbata Festival (July 8-10) Kanagawa Prefecture This began as a way to revive the area after World War Two. More than 500 kinds of decorations, some of them over 50 meters high, adorn the shopping arcade around JR Hiratsuka Station. Parades and street performances will be held as well.

Anjo Tanabata Festival (Aug 5-7) Aichi Prefecture

This is held along one of the longest Tanabata-decorated streets in Japan. Also known for having the largest number of make-a-wish papers on bamboo branches in the world in 2013.

Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival (Aug 6-7) Yamaguchi Prefecture

This one originated in the Muromachi era (1336 to 1573) when a feudal lord prayed for his ancestors with lanterns hung on bamboo during the Bon season (commemorative event for souls of one's ancestors).

Kyo no Tanabata (in August; days depend on the sites) Kyoto Prefecture

Held at several sites, the two main ones are at Hirokawa and Kamogawa. Each has decorated bamboo branches, lit-up streets, and various exhibitions. You will get a small gift at Hirokawa if you visit wearing a kimono or yukata.

Tanabata at Tokyo Disney Resort (Daily until July 7) Chiba Prefecture

Both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have Tanabata events until July 7. “Tanabata Greeting”, the special parade with Disney characters wearing Tanabata costumes, is held twice a day. Special booths have been set up for park visitors to write their wishes. Some restaurants are offering special meals and limited souvenir gifts are available, too.

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