Written by Aarohi
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 happens?
This Yokohama edition promises two luminous nights packed with displays, a place to write your wishes, live performances, and food stalls.
A newly produced projection show is set to make its world premiere, plus 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?
Most of the festival is centered around Rinko Park, which is free to enter; the projection show will take place in Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall B, which costs ¥2,500 for adults and ¥1,500 for children.
Pro tip: Also in the area (about an hour away by train), this Tanabata festival is Kantō’s biggest.
Note: A recent version of this article mentioned a sky lantern launch. The lantern launch is not happening in 2026; the above content has been updated accordingly.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 406 m from Motomachi-Chūkagai Station Minatomirai Line (MM6)
- 0.7 km from Nihon-ōdōri Station Minatomirai Line (MM5)
- 1.0 km from Ishikawachō Station Negishi Line (JK4)
