Sendai Tanabata Festival
Japan's grandest star festival drapes Sendai's arcades in thousands of giant, handmade paper streamers.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/08/06 10:00 – 2026/08/08
- Where
- Central Sendai shopping arcades（Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi）
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Sendai Stn
- Price
- Free
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Sendai Stn Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families, date night
Highlights
- Thousands of colorful washi-paper decorations
- Each streamer handmade by local shops
- Pre-festival fireworks on August 5
Background & story
One of Tohoku's three great festivals, Sendai Tanabata celebrates the legend of the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Good to know
Walk slowly through the arcades and look up — each shop competes to make the most beautiful streamers.