About Tanabata (Star Festival)
Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, falls on July 7 and celebrates a romantic legend borrowed from China: the weaver star Orihime (Vega) and the cowherd star Hikoboshi (Altair), separated across the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year. This live Tanabata countdown shows exactly how many days, hours and minutes remain until the next July 7 in your own timezone, so you can count down to one of summer's most beloved Japanese traditions.
The festival is famous for its colorful decorations. People write wishes on small strips of paper called tanzaku and tie them to bamboo branches, hoping they will come true, alongside streamers and paper ornaments. Cities hold dazzling Tanabata matsuri with parades, food stalls and fireworks — Sendai's huge celebration is the most famous, though it follows the old lunar calendar and runs August 6–8 instead.
Most of Japan marks Tanabata on July 7 every year, while regions that keep the traditional calendar celebrate in early August. Because the date is fixed, this page simply rolls over to the next July 7 once the day has passed. Bookmark the live Tanabata countdown, or add it to your own countdown page to track the wish-making night with friends and family.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Tuesday, July 7, 2026next |
| 2027 | Wednesday, July 7, 2027 |
| 2028 | Friday, July 7, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, July 7, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, July 7, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Tanabata?
Tanabata is celebrated on July 7 across most of Japan. Some areas, including Sendai, follow the old lunar calendar and hold their festivals in early August instead.
Why is Tanabata celebrated?
It marks the once-a-year reunion of the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi — the stars Vega and Altair — who, in the legend, can only meet across the Milky Way on this night.
How is Tanabata celebrated?
People write wishes on paper strips called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo, while towns stage colorful Tanabata festivals with streamers, food stalls, parades and fireworks.
What is the Sendai Tanabata Festival?
Sendai hosts Japan's largest Tanabata festival, held August 6–8 because the city keeps the traditional lunar timing, drawing millions to see its giant streamer decorations.