Jul 5
~
Jul 6

Yokohama Tanabata Festival

10:00am – 9:00pm
Free

Celebrate Japan’s star festival, Tanabata, in Yokohama.

What is Tanabata?

Tanabata is a traditional festival based on a romantic legend where two stars, Orihime and Hikoboshi, are allowed to meet only once a year. The modern embodiment of the festival centers on hope and reunion, and people celebrate by writing their wishes on colorful strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo.

What to expect

This Yokohama edition promises two luminous nights packed with displays, a place to write your wishes, live performances, and food stalls.

Suggested Activity
Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable in Tokyo
Try this insider’s experience at a sumo wrestler morning practice session. Enjoy exclusive access to a sumo stable, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head.

The showstopper? A sky lantern launch on Saturday, July 5 (7:20 to 7:40 p.m.) where festival-goers write wishes and drawings on lanterns before releasing them into the night sky with music and a countdown. You need to pre-register to take part and lanterns cost ¥4,500 to launch, but it is free to view in the surrounding area of Yamashita Park. If it is canceled, they will do it the following day.

After dark, look out for a Milky Way projection mapping show, plus colorful lighting on the 106m-tall Marine Tower. There will be food, drinks, and family-friendly workshops to round out the day-to-night festivities — because what’s a Japanese summer matsuri without them?

Pro tip: Also in the area (about an hour away by train), this Tanabata festival is Kantō’s biggest.

yokohama tanabata 2025
Photo by Yaroku Shoten Co., Ltd.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.

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