Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

Bamboo tree is arrived here!

Tanzaku paper is ready, too.

All you need to do is just write down your wish on Tanzaku paper & hang it on bamboo branch.

Your wish will come true on July 7, Tanabata (Star festival)

By the way, why we celebrate Tanabata?
Let me tell you about Tanabata legend.
Tanabata legend is a two-star story of lovers in the vast galaxy.

Once upon a time, there is a weaving princess (Vega, Japanese name as Orihime)
who weaves all day long.
Her father, the emperor of the galaxy is worried about Orihime’s crazy working.
Then the emperor set up to meet a handsome cowherd (Altair, Japanese name as Hikoboshi)
who lives in the other side of the galaxy. Orihime falls deeply in love with Hikoboshi,
and they get married instantly.
After their marriage, they are so into each other. Orihime neglects her weaving even.
When the emperor sees Orihime’s laziness, he is so upset, then
he gets the couple separated far across the Milky Way.

Since Orihime is separated to Hikoboshi, she cries and cries all day long.
(That brings rainy season!!)
The emperor cannot stand to see his daughter’s crying face,
so that he has permitted the couple to meet at the Milky Way once a year on July 7th,
when two stars, Vega and Altair shine more brightly than any other stars.

To celebrate their meeting, we have Tanabata festivals annually.

The most famous Tanabata festival in Kanto area is held in Shonan Hiratsuka.

At the Tanabata festival in Shonan Hiratsuka, beautiful bamboo decorations are made
throughout the town.

At noon, a parade and a dance attraction are going through at the main street.
Also, at night, the bamboo decorations are lightened up beautifully.
That makes the Tanabata festival more luxurious.

Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri
Tomorrow (July 4th) is the last day!!
10am-9pm
2mins from JR Hiratsuka Station (From Asakusa, 1 hour 30 mins)

Feel the romantic festival!!!