Tanabata festivals, also known as "star festivals", are held across Japan on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year, when, according to Chinese legend, the two stars Altair and Vega cross paths. Due to differences between the lunar calendar and the solar calendar, modern tanabata festivals can take place in July or August.

The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (仙台七夕まつり), held every year on August 6-8, is one of the largest and most famous tanabata celebrations in Japan. Together, with Akita's Kanto Matsuri and Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri, it makes up the Tohoku Sandai Matsuri (Three Great Festivals of the Tohoku Region).

While festivities take place throughout Downtown Sendai, the festival's main feature are thousands of colorful streamers that decorate the city's shopping arcades, which come to resemble brightly colored forests. Each set of 3-5 meter long streamers is handcrafted by local shops, schools and community groups out of washi paper and bamboo. They are then hung from ten meter long bamboo poles along the arcades.

In addition to the streamers, which represent the threads of a loom, there are smaller paper decorations that include kimono to ward off bad health and accidents; a net for good harvests; cranes for long life, health and safety; a purse for good business; a trashbag for cleanliness; and paper strips for good handwriting, which people often write wishes on and hang from a bamboo branch. These items are also hung from the bamboo poles or worked into the design of the streamers themselves.

A collection of food and drink vendors sell popular local specialties at the Shimin Hiroba Square in Kotodai Park. And last but not least, a fireworks display is held on the night before the festival (August 5) around Nishi Park.

Getting there and around

The decorations are found along the Ichibancho and Chuo shopping arcades, which begin a few minutes walk from JR Sendai Station. Shimin Hiroba Square and Kotodai Park are at the end if the Ichibancho Shopping Arcade and just above the Kotodaikoen Subway Station. Jozenji Dori leads from Shimin Hiroba Square to the Hirosegawa River.

How to get to and around Sendai

Hours and Fees

Tanabata Fireworks

Hours

Admission

Food and drink vendors at Shimin Hiroba Square

Hours

Hotels around Sendai

Top rated in Sendai
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    • Sendai Guest House UMEBACHI
      Budget-friendly
      Guest House Umebachi offers dormitory-style accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests can rent bicycles to tour the area and relax at the outdoor terrace. JR Nigatake Train Station is a 10-minute walk and JR Sendai Train Station is a 15-minute drive away. The air-conditioned dormitory-style rooms feature bunk beds on hardwood floors. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Amenities such as toothbrush and towels are available for an extra cost. Luggage storage is available for an extra charge and a coin-launderette is on site. You can have a simple breakfast of toast and coffee for free of charge. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar space at night as well. Umebachi Guest House is a 10-minute drive from Home studium of Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. Jozenji Dori Avenue is 15-minute drive away. Sendai Tosho-gu Shrine is a 20-minute drive away.
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    • Hotel GrandBach Sendai
      Luxury
      Set in Sendai, 17 km from Shiogama Shrine, Hotel GrandBach Sendai features views of the city. Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.7 km from Sendai City Community Support Center. Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. At Hotel GrandBach Sendai each room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Speaking both English and Japanese, staff at the reception can help you plan your stay. Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi is 1.8 km from the accommodation, while Sendai Station is 700 metres away. Sendai Airport is 16 km from the property.
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    • Onyado Nono Sendai Natural Hot Spring
      Luxury
      Conveniently situated in the Aoba Ward district of Sendai, Onyado Nono Sendai Natural Hot Spring is located 300 metres from Sendai City Community Support Center, 18 km from Shiogama Shrine and 800 metres from Sendai Station. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The accommodation provides a sauna, spa centre, restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel. Sakuraoka Daijingu is 1.5 km from Onyado Nono Sendai Natural Hot Spring, while Sendai International Centre is 2.1 km away. Sendai Airport is 16 km from the property.
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    • Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East
      Luxury
      Offering a fitness centre free of charge, Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East has direct access to Sendai Station. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, a desk, safety deposit box, TV, refrigerator and hairdryer. The private bathroom comes with towels, slippers and free toiletries. The 24-hour front desk offers free luggage storage and currency exchange services. Guests can relax in the shared lounge area. A drinks vending machine is available on site. The on-site restaurant serves a breakfast buffet using local ingredients, lunch and dinner. There are several restaurants, cafes and convenience stores within a 5-minute walk from the property. Sendai Museum is a 15-minute train ride from Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East. Sendai Castle and Zuihoden are a 20-minute drive from the property, while Sakunami Hot Spring is located an hour away by car.
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    • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIER
      Luxury
      Ideally set in the Aoba Ward district of Sendai, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIER is situated less than 1 km from Sendai City Community Support Center, 18 km from Shiogama Shrine and 400 metres from Sendai Station. With a shared lounge, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage for guests. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All rooms in Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIER are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Sakuraoka Daijingu is 1.7 km from Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Nishiguchi PREMIER, while Sendai International Centre is 2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sendai Airport, 15 km from the hotel.
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    • The Westin Sendai
      Luxury
      Set on 28-36th floors of Sendai's tallest building, The Westin Sendai offers a luxurious accommodation just a 10-minute walk from JR Sendai Station. Guests can work out in the free-use gym or receive rejuvenating massages at the on-site salon. 2 restaurants and a bar are available on site. Wi-Fi is provided at an additional charge. Fitted with chic furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms come with modern facilities like satellite LCD TV. A fridge, an electric kettle and minibar are included. The large en suite bathroom has a bath tub, a shower booth and free toiletries. Sendai Westin Hotel’s 24-hour front desk can arrange luggage storage and laundry services. The Flow Spa offers a variety of treatments, sauna and a relaxation lounge. Souvenir items can be purchased at the gift shop. Stylish Restaurant Symphony serves sophisticated Western cuisine, while traditional Japanese dishes can be savoured at Ichimuan restaurant, which is located on the top floor. Horizon Lounge & Bar offers afternoon tea, light meals and evening drinks. The Westin Hotel is a 10-minute drive to Rakuten Kobo Stadium Miyagi (formerly Kleenex Stadium Miyagi), and a 20-minute drive to Aoba Castle Park. Sendai Airport is located a 50-minute drive from the property.
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    • Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai
      Mid-range
      Well set in the Aoba Ward district of Sendai, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai is situated 18 km from Shiogama Shrine, 700 metres from Sendai Station and 1.6 km from Sakuraoka Daijingu. With a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is located 800 metres from Sendai City Community Support Center. At the hotel, the rooms are fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are willing to help at any time of the day. Sendai International Centre is 2 km from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai, while Sendai City Museum is 2.2 km away. Sendai Airport is 15 km from the property.
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    • Sendai Royal Park Hotel
      Luxury
      Surrounded by lush gardens, Sendai Royal Park Hotel is a resort hotel that offers elegant accommodation with European d?cor and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy rejuvenating beauty treatments at the hotel’s beauty salon. Free pick-up shuttles are available from Sendai station. The hotel is located a 15-minute drive from Izumi Chuo Station, and a 30-minute drive from JR Sendai Station. The Sendai Izumi Premium Outlet shopping mall is just a 1-minute walk, and Izumi Park Town Golf Club can be reached within a 5-minute drive. Sendai Airport is a 40-minute drive. Guests can enjoy shopping at Izumi Park Town Tapio, located a 3-minute walk away. Each room at Sendai Royal Park Hotel features warm colours and large windows, and comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a fridge. An electric kettle and tea bags are also provided. Some rooms feature a balcony and views of the garden. Activities at Sendai Royal Park Hotel include yoga in the garden and cycling. Guests can borrow bicycles to explore the local area, or relax with massages in the guest room. The 24-hour front desk can handle luggage storage and currency exchange. Guests can have breakfast on the garden terrace or enjoy a picnic breakfast in the garden. Teppanyaki restaurant Nanatsumori offers Sendai wagyu steak, while Chinese restaurant Keikaen offers Cantonese dishes with fresh ingredients. The on-site restaurants features views of the garden, which is lit up at night.
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    • Hotel Keihan Sendai
      Luxury
      Set in Sendai, 500 metres from Sendai City Community Support Center, Hotel Keihan Sendai offers air-conditioned accommodation and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is located 18 km from Shiogama Shrine. At the hotel, every room includes a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Hotel Keihan Sendai all rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Keihan Sendai include Sendai Station, Sakuraoka Daijingu and Sendai International Centre. Sendai Airport is 16 km from the property.
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    • Almont Hotel Sendai
      Luxury
      Open from August 2017, Almont Hotel Sendai is nestled just a 5-minute stroll away from JR Sendai Station. The hotel features free WiFi, a restaurant and private parking is offered on site. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. All rooms include a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Sakunami Hot Spring is 24 km from Almont Hotel Sendai, while Sakuraoka Daijingu is 1.3 km away. The nearest airport is Sendai Airport, 14 km from Almont Hotel Sendai.
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