One of the most famous festivals in Miyagi is the Sendai Tanabata Festival. It is held annually from August 6th to 8th in the city of Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture. The festival has a history of over 400 years and attracts millions of visitors each year.
The festival is based on the legend of two celestial lovers, Orihime (represented by the star Vega) and Hikoboshi (represented by the star Altair), who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. People write their wishes on small strips of paper called “tanzaku” and hang them on the bamboo decorations, hoping that their wishes will come true.
During the Sendai Tanabata Festival, the streets of downtown Sendai are adorned with colorful decorations made of bamboo and paper. These decorations represent various wishes and are hung from bamboo poles along the main shopping streets. The festival has a lively atmosphere with vibrant music, traditional performances, and street food stalls.
Please check for the latest information and schedules when planning a visit here.
