Kitano Tanabata festival

There is an event called Tanabata (Star) Festival in July 7th in Japan. It is famous as there is a romantic folk tale that the couple stars, the Lyre and Altair of Aquila, can meet only once a year in the night of July 7th (this day is called “Tanabata”). On this day, people of all ages will write their wishes on the strip of paper called “Tanzaku” and hang them on the bamboo trees as it is believed that your wish will be granted. In summer, there are many events to celebrate Star Festival in Japan. In Kyoto, the big Star Festival “Kyo no Tanabata (Star Festival of Kyoto)” will be held. Since Tanabata was held in August in the old calendar, Kyo no Tanabata is also taken place around the same time. Kyo no Tanabata is held for 2 weeks in the beginning of August and there are many events such as nighttime illuminations in several places, Water Art Projection near the river, dance performance by Maiko and so on. This time, we would like to introduce “Kitano Tanabata Festival” held in Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is located in the center of Kyoto and is also famous for the street fair known as “Tenjin-san” which is open to public on the 25th of every month. In this Star Festival, summer festival dances by Maiko and Geiko, concerts of Japanese drums and nighttime illumination of bamboo trees and strip of papers will be offered. As there are many exiting and visionary events during the festival, let’s join and enjoy the Star Festival in Kitano Tenmangu Shrine!