The Tanabata (Starlight) Festival in Sendai is the nation’s largest. It is so big in fact that the city of a million actually more than doubles its population over the three day event held August 6th – 8th. Many visitors come on August 5th to see the pre-festival fireworks show. Still, the main attraction of the centuries old festival has always been the colorful streamers covering the shopping arcades throughout all of downtown.

Locals have noticed the festival seems to be growing with each year. There are more festival venders selling food or offering games, and an increasing number of large and private businesses putting up their own decorations.

Enjoy the creative, unique, or bizarre designs which change every year. Do note decorations are not visible late at night, as they are wrapped in plastic or taken down for security reasons. Besides that, bring a camera!

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