A seasonal Tanabata-themed planetarium event is returning to Japan this summer, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a star-filled sky indoors — and even take photos while doing it.

Operated by Konica Minolta Planetarium, the limited-time Tanabata Welcome Dome experience will run from June 5th to July 7th, 2026 across five planetarium venues in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Nagoya. The short pre-show screening is set to play before selected main planetarium programs, and it recreates a sparkling summer night sky inspired by Tanabata, Japan’s traditional star festival.

Unlike standard planetarium screenings, photography and filming are permitted during the Welcome Dome presentation, making it a rare chance for visitors to capture the glowing dome filled with the Milky Way, summer constellations, and the stars Vega and Altair which are associated with the Tanabata legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi. Shooting stars will also appear throughout the presentation, encouraging guests to make a wish before the main feature begins.

The Welcome Dome itself lasts around five to ten minutes and is included with admission to eligible planetarium screenings. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as the presentation takes place during the seating period before the main program starts.

Participating venues include Konica Minolta Planetaria TOKYO in Yurakucho, Konica Minolta Planetarium Manten in Ikebukuro, Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku at Tokyo Skytree Town in Oshiage, Konica Minolta Planetaria YOKOHAMA, and Konica Minolta Planetarium Manten NAGOYA.