From the sixth to the eight of July the Tanabata Matsuri, also known as Star Festival, was held in Hiratsuka, which is half an hour bus ride away from where I live. The Tanabata Matsuri is held originally on the 7.7. but got extended over the years since this day isn’t always on the weekend. I love the background history behind this festival! I also feel a strong connection to this festival in particular since it is shortly after my own birthday.
The Tanabata celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). 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. The date of Tanabata varies by region of the country, but the first festivities begin on July 7 of the Gregorian calendar. The celebration is held at various days between July and August.
It’s just sooo romantic! π And it reminds me a bit of my boyfriend and me this year, it feels kinda the same -laughs- xD Although I hope it won’t be repeated annually that we see each other only once a year.
We are very lucky to live close to Hiratsuka because there the second biggest Tanabata is held every year! I went there twice; first on the “original” date on Saturday with some friends from my Yosakoi dancing group and on Sunday together with my precious roommate. The festival was really big with a lot of stands where you could purchase eating stuff. I personally thought food was a bit overrated since 80% (or more) of all stands sold food (or beer.) But the atmosphere was wonderful once it turned dark and all the lights were lit. Pachi and I wore our Yukata; some old ladies we met a week before came to our dorm to make us pretty for the festival! π I can wear the Yukata on my own but it def. doesn’t look as prerry as when old Japanese ladies do it for you. I felt like an ancient Japanese princess! π But enough words, enjoy the pictures! *all pictures taken with Pachis cam since mine was just too heavy to carry around all day.
With Angel and Milky! Imagine this: the girl in the middle is my Yosakoi dance trainer. I always look like a clumsy elephant right next to her because she is so sweet and tiny! Everything looks more elegant on her (TvT)” But I love her <3
You can buy colorful paper for 100 Yen to write your wish on them so that the stars might hear your prayers π
This was the wish I wrote “So that I might be able to come back to Japan someday”
Decorations for the local temple which we visited together π
Lights are starting to be lighten up…
Character lollipops! Pikachu could be seen everywhere, we ate little Pikachu custard cakes :3
With some other Yosakoi girls who worked at the festival :3
Slowly turning night….
Loved how this glittered and twinkled in the dark β₯
Proof that we really were there, lol. Love this picture, a nice Japanese guy took it for us ^-^
And of course we had to take Purikura, who knows if we will ever be able in our lifes to be on this festival again? And wear beautiful Yukata? Although it doesn’t really matter what we are wearing since we always rape our purikura with tons of stickers…
I have to say, I am so glad that we caught this festival on time! Most festivals are in the summer period (August – October) where most exchange students are already gone or not there yet (I myself arrived in late September). It was really nice, especially the decorations in the night! If you ever have the chance to go, please do so, it’s a pleasant experience! There are a lot of Hanabi (Japanese firework) festivals short before we leave so maybe I can share some pictures until then π
Actually I’m super late with my posts as you can see, I have so much to blog about but no time, I’m right in my finals for this year! I have 3 exams and had to write 6 reports in Japanese but I already finished all of them! So glad when end of July comes.. π I wish you all a pleasant week, hope you enjoyed the pictures! β₯
Hi there! I’m Sam, solo traveler based in Berlin who lives part-time in Japan. I love to explore off the beaten path and immerse myself in the local culture as much as possible. Here you can find my favorite places around the globes, guides and itineraries!
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