hiratsuka_tanabata_festival

Ancient lovers come together

Address:

Hiratsuka - Kaike
254-0000 - Outskirts of Tokyo
Kanagawa Prefecture

Nearest Bus or Train:

Hiratsuka Station

Open Hours:

24 hrs

Japanese legend has it that stars Altair and Vega were once a cowherd and a weaver who were turned into celestial wanderers at the opposing far corners of the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year - on the seventh day of the seventh month. This occasion is marked with nationwide celebrations commonly referred to as tanabata. Elaborate displays are erected in shopping arcades and along the streets to celebrate the lovers' yearly union. People write prayers on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches outside the entrances to their homes. Admission is free.

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