七夕祭り [ta-na-ba-ta mat-su-ri] - Part 1

Tanabata is held every July 7 in Japan. It is a festival mainly for young children, as they write their wish for the year on colored paper, tying this to bamboo trees. The story behind Tanabata is that a shepherd and princess (both of whom are stars in the night sky) can only come together once a year, on or around July 7. This rare, night sky event, is celebrated with colorful lanterns hoisted on large bamboo branches.

I joined Samurai on the Friday before July 7, to visit the largest and most famous Tanabata festival in Kanagawa, in Hiratsuka City. Map HERE. 


The main shopping street in this town had been transformed into a parade route. Festival attendees could stroll under the large lanterns, while munching on various snacks. Here are some pictures from that night....


Lanterns #1:

Lanterns #2, sponsored by a shop:

Lanterns #3 -- in a traditional Japanese style:

I stopped along the route to pick up some flavored french fries. I snapped this pic of the various flavors offered. From left to right, the signs say: consume soup, seaweed butter, BBQ beef, cheese, soy sauce & mayo, garlic, chili, octopus balls, curry, kimuchi (Korean spicy pickles). I got garlic. ^_^

Lanterns #4 -- the one on the left with the shooting star showcases photos of Nadeshiko Japan -- the female national soccer team who will participate in the London Olympics: 

 A group of lanterns:

 View of the people, enjoying the lanterns:

 A large, sail like lantern:

 Close up of the above lantern, made to resemble stained glass:

 Lanterns #5 -- with moving parts! 

Me, enjoying a typical festival/ summer drink in Japan -- ラムネ[ra-mu-ne], which tastes just like cream soda! ^_^

I shot some video and will post that tomorrow. Be sure to check back then to view more scenes from this great summer festival. ^_^

Excellent information about Hiratsuka City's Tanabata festival can be found HERE. Other upcoming festivals in Kanagawa are posted HERE.