The festival is known for its colorful decorations and events that celebrate the annual Tanabata holiday on July 7. What is Tanabata? Tanabata comes from the story of two star-crossed lovers meeting on the Milky Way every year. It is a time to write your wish on a strip of paper and tie it to some bamboo. What happens? Decorations will last a few days, but there will be parades and performances on the main weekend of the festival. In the past, the parade has include a procession of motorbikes as well as various police troupes. Street performers, jugglers, and Awa Oori dance troupes also take part. In addition, there have been various shamisen and taiko performances. Schedule 2026 The Tanabata decorations will be put up from July 3 to 7. The main events are a parade and street performances on July 4 and 5, Saturday and Sunday. How to get there The parade will take place along Kappabashi Hondōri which runs from next to Asakusa Station to the vicinity of Ueno Station. On the Saturday and Sunday of the festival, it will be a "pedestrian paradise" (closed to regular traffic).