Introduction: A Star-Crossed Celebration in Kanagawa
Every July, the city of Hiratsuka in Kanagawa Prefecture transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color, tradition, and community spirit for the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival. As one of Japan’s largest and most celebrated Tanabata (Star Festival) events, the 2025 edition is set to run from July 4 to 6, drawing nearly one million visitors to its bustling streets. The festival is renowned for its spectacular decorations, lively parades, and deep cultural roots, making it a highlight of the Japanese summer calendar and a must-see for both locals and international travelers.
What is Tanabata? The Legend Behind the Festival
Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is a beloved Japanese tradition with origins in Chinese folklore. The festival celebrates the once-a-year reunion of two celestial lovers: Orihime (the weaving princess) and Hikoboshi (the cowherd), who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This romantic legend has inspired centuries of celebration across Japan, with each region adding its own unique customs and flair.
In Hiratsuka, Tanabata is more than just a story—it’s a living, breathing event that brings the community together. People write their wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping their dreams will reach the stars. The festival’s decorations, music, and food all reflect the joy and optimism of this annual reunion.
The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival: History and Significance
The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival traces its roots to 1951, when local merchants sought to revitalize the city’s economy and spirit in the aftermath of World War II. Inspired by the famous Sendai Tanabata Festival, Hiratsuka’s version quickly grew in scale and popularity, becoming a symbol of resilience and renewal for the region.
Today, the festival is recognized as one of the “three great Tanabata festivals” in the Kanto region, alongside those in Iruma and Mobara. It is also considered one of the largest in all of Japan, rivaling the Sendai event in both size and spectacle. The festival not only celebrates tradition but also adapts to the times, with decorations and themes that reflect current events and popular culture.
Festival Highlights: Decorations, Parades, and Nighttime Magic
The heart of the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival lies at the north exit of JR Hiratsuka Station, where the main venue is set up. Here, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking display of over 100 giant streamers, some measuring more than 10 meters in length. Across the city, as many as 3,000 large bamboo ornaments and around 500 elaborate decorations fill the streets, especially in the Shonan Star Mall and surrounding shopping arcades.
Each year, the festival’s decorations are crafted to reflect contemporary themes, from sports heroes to cultural icons. In 2025, for example, figures like Onosato, the sumo wrestler who achieved the rank of yokozuna at record speed, are featured among the streamers. At night, the decorations are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that draws crowds long after sunset.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the festival offers a rich program of parades, contests, and live performances. The Shonan Hiratsuka Orihime, a symbolic figure representing the weaving princess, makes appearances throughout the event. More than 400 food and game stalls line the streets, offering everything from traditional festival snacks like takoyaki and yakisoba to local Shonan gourmet specialties. The air is filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and the calls of vendors, making for an immersive sensory experience.
Traditions and Community Involvement
One of the most cherished aspects of the festival is its emphasis on community participation. Many of the decorations are created by local volunteer groups, schools, and daycare centers, with children and adults alike contributing their creativity and effort. This collaborative spirit not only strengthens local bonds but also ensures that the festival remains fresh and relevant year after year.
Senri Miura, a local bar owner and festival website manager, captures the community’s enthusiasm:
“Many people here look forward to seeing the decoration of the festival each year, with their hero from sports or drama, traditional motifs like Samurai and Kabuki, and current events or political relations such as Hayabusa’s return. Local people look forward to the festival’s food and drink. I especially like the night time illuminations, which are so romantic and beautiful.”
Visitors are encouraged to don summer yukata (light cotton kimono) and join in the festivities, writing their wishes on tanzaku and adding them to the streams of hopes and dreams that decorate the city. The festival is a time for families, friends, and couples to come together, enjoy the summer weather, and celebrate both tradition and togetherness.
Getting There and Practical Information
Hiratsuka is conveniently located in Kanagawa Prefecture, just over an hour from Tokyo by train on the JR Tokaido Line. The festival’s main activities are centered around the north exit of JR Hiratsuka Station, making it easily accessible for day-trippers and tourists. Entry to the festival is free, though visitors should be prepared for large crowds, especially during the evening hours when the illuminations are at their peak.
For those planning to attend, it’s advisable to check the official festival website for the latest updates on schedules, parades, and any potential changes due to weather or other factors. The city also offers a range of accommodation options for those wishing to stay overnight and fully immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere.
Tanabata Across Japan: A National Tradition
While the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is among the largest, Tanabata is celebrated in various forms throughout Japan. The Sendai Tanabata Festival in Miyagi Prefecture is perhaps the most famous, featuring thousands of bamboo decorations and attracting millions of visitors each August. Other notable celebrations include the Asagaya Tanabata Festival in Tokyo, known for its papier-mâché figures of popular characters, and the Ichinomiya Tanabata Star Festival in Aichi, which incorporates unique textile traditions.
Each region brings its own flavor to the festival, but the core elements—colorful decorations, wish-making, and community celebration—remain constant. Tanabata’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of romance, hope, and cultural heritage, making it a cherished event for people of all ages.
Challenges and Adaptations: Coping with Japan’s Summer Heat
In recent years, Japan’s increasingly hot and humid summers have posed challenges for festival organizers and attendees alike. The extreme heat, attributed to climate change, has led some events to reschedule or implement new safety measures. However, traditional festivals like Tanabata, which are tied to specific dates and cultural significance, are less flexible.
The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival has seen a decline in attendance from pre-pandemic highs of 1.5 million to around 1.1 million in recent years, with some children and elderly residents opting out of daytime parades due to the heat. In response, the city has introduced misting fans and other cooling measures to help visitors stay comfortable and safe.
Despite these challenges, the festival’s organizers remain committed to preserving its seasonal significance. An official from the Hiratsuka Municipal Government’s commerce and tourism division explains:
“As it is a seasonal festival, we are not considering changing the schedule.”
This dedication ensures that the spirit of Tanabata endures, even as the festival adapts to changing times and environmental conditions.
Why Visit the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival?
For travelers seeking an authentic Japanese summer experience, the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival offers a unique blend of tradition, spectacle, and community warmth. The festival’s scale, creativity, and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout event, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan.
Highlights include:
- Stunning decorations and illuminations that transform the cityscape
- Opportunities to participate in wish-making and traditional customs
- A wide variety of food, games, and entertainment for all ages
- Easy access from Tokyo and other major cities
- A chance to witness Japanese culture in action and connect with local residents
Whether you’re drawn by the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, the dazzling streamers, or the festive atmosphere, the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is a celebration that captures the heart of summer in Japan.
In Summary
- The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is one of Japan’s largest and most famous summer festivals, held annually in early July in Kanagawa Prefecture.
- The festival celebrates the Tanabata legend of star-crossed lovers, with colorful decorations, wish-making, and community festivities.
- 2025’s festival runs from July 4 to 6, featuring over 100 giant streamers, 3,000 bamboo ornaments, parades, and night-time illuminations.
- Nearly one million visitors are expected, with easy access from Tokyo via the JR Tokaido Line.
- Local volunteers, schools, and businesses play a key role in creating decorations and organizing events.
- Japan’s summer heat has led to new safety measures, but the festival remains committed to its traditional schedule and spirit.
- The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture, community, and summer celebration at its finest.
