Every year on July 7th, the Kappabashi-dori in Asakusa Tokyo closes its traffic streets and prepares for a special occasion: The Tanabata (star) festival. The streets of Kappabashi-dori are filled with people and many vendors offering refreshments and traditional festival foods. People line up for shaved ice and crowd around performers. There was a man singing Meiji style songs, accompanied by an accordionist and a cellist; the crowd swayed as he sang. Every store on the street hangs handmade decorations that represent the stars. It is a beautiful and lively scene!
- 1 min read
Tanabata Festival in Asakusa
Wish upon a star on July 7th

By Anonymous
Community writer

Tanabata festival entrance (Photo: Erika Clark )

Skytree in the background (Photo: Erika Clark )

Kappa (Photo: Erika Clark )

The shopping street (Photo: Erika Clark )

It started to rain, but they still danced (Photo: Erika Clark )

Musicians (Photo: Erika Clark )

Shaved ice (Photo: Erika Clark )

Write your wish on paper, and tie it on a bamboo branch! (Photo: Erika Clark )

Children's wishes: they are so fun to read! (Photo: Erika Clark )
Explore nearby
-
-
Que Bom Brazilian Churrascaria
Featured
-
-
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Himeji Castle Entry Fees to Rise From 2026
Hyogo -
2
4 Ways to Ring in Sakura Season in Japan
Activities -
3
Spend the Day in Sapporo: Japan’s Northern Metropolis
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
4
Mishima Japanese Candleshop
Gifu -
5
Time Traveling on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
6
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
7
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
8
Miyakejima: An Island Adventure From Land to Sea
Tokyo - Sponsored -
9
Winter Views of Hida Furukawa
Gifu -
10
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Wonder Festival
Chiba -
10
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaido