“A story of star-crossed lovers”

The Tanabata Festival is a summer festival held throughout the whole of Japan. The festival has its origins in the Chinese Qixi festival which is based around the folk legend of deities Orihime and Hikoboshi – who according to legend are only able to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. This is why in most places around Japan Tanabata celebrations are held on July the 7th.

The biggest festival celebration in the country is held in Sendai, and is a bit different however – being held between August 6th – 8th Tanabata in Sendai sees huge colorful streamers made by the local community decorate the streets with tourists from all over the world coming to admire.

But what if you can’t make it in time for the big celebrations? Well fear not, the Tanabata Museum in Sendai is completely free to visit all year round. Make sure you check it out if you want to get in that festival spirit at a time that suits you!