Hiratsuka, which has a beautiful beach on the Shonan coast in Kanagawa, is also known for hosting one of the largest Tanabata festivals in the Kanto region.

Tanabata also known as the Star Festival is a Japanese festival, originating from the  famous Chinese folklore story, “The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl”. According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar.

It is said that the Tanabata event was introduced to Japan from China during the Nara era, more than 1200 years ago, And, the festival has changed partly by combination with a Shinto event. Now it become popular not only cerebrate their meeting once a year but also if you write a wish on a strip hanging under bamboo leaves.

In addition, it is a tradition of early summer to invite customers by decorating bamboo with beutiful strips to make the shopping streets lively. Many visitors enjoy shopping while looking at the beautiful Tanabata decorations.

Please enjoy to explore the beautiful Tanabata decorations by my YouTube video.