Kanto · KanagawaFestival
The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata is one of the Kanto region’s biggest star festivals, filling the city centre with hundreds of huge, dazzling bamboo decorations.
Overview
Downtown Hiratsuka is draped with thousands of colourful streamers and enormous decorative displays, some over 10 metres tall, many themed on current events and characters, lit up in the evening.
When and Where
The festival is held over three days in early July (2026: around July 3–5) in central Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa, along the streets near the station.
Getting There
The decorations are a short walk from JR Hiratsuka Station on the Tokaido Line, about an hour from central Tokyo.
What to Expect
Streets roofed with giant, elaborate paper-and-bamboo decorations, food stalls, and evening illumination of the displays. It is one of the most photogenic Tanabata festivals near Tokyo.
Tips for Visitors
Weekends are extremely busy; go on the opening weekday if you can. Evenings are best for the lit decorations. Confirm the exact 2026 dates on the official site before travelling.
Access and Map
| Dates (2026) | Early July (approx. July 3–5) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Central Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa |
| Access | Short walk from JR Hiratsuka Station |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata |
Source: Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata (official)
Image: Photo: Cassiopeia sweet / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
