Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival

Held in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture, long known for its thriving textile industry, this event is recognized as one of Japan’s leading Tanabata festivals. It is held as a Tanabata event associated with Hikoboshi and Orihime, who have deep ties to textiles, to pray for the prosperity of the textile industry. The venues include Masumida Shrine, the ichinomiya of Owari Province, the area around Ichinomiya Station, Ginza Street, and the Honmachi shopping street, and it attracts Approx. 1 million visitors every year.

The festival is held over four days, ending on the last Sunday of July. Traditional streamers and original Tanabata decorations line the shopping arcade, streets, and other areas, creating a festive atmosphere. On the Honmachi shopping street, the Goi Hoken Daigoretsu parade is held, in which locally produced woolen textiles are dedicated to Hatori Shrine, an auxiliary shrine of Masumida Shrine that enshrines the god of textiles.

During the festival, a wide range of events are held, including a Bon dance festival, a dance contest, and a cosplay parade. Many food stalls line Masumida Shrine and the festival food stall area, and the whole city stays lively into the night.