Local Trip Info offered by
Washington Hotel and Hotel Gracery

Wonderful Journey to Enjoy Romantic Summer Nights at “Sendai Tanabata Festival”

The annual Sendai Tanabata Festival is held at the center of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, from August 6th to 8th. This beloved traditional festival dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867) and is renowned as “Japan’s finest Tanabata festival.” With captivating events like fireworks shows and mesmerizing light-up displays, there’s no shortage of excitement. Join us as we highlight some of the festival’s key attractions and share tips to enhance your enjoyment of this incredible celebration.

Experience the Sendai Tanabata Festival with Swaying Gorgeous Bamboo Decorations

Join the Sendai Tanabata Festival held in the heart of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. This traditional event, originating from the 1600s by Lord Date Masamune, is one of three major summer festivals in Tohoku. Taking place over three days in 2023, from August 6th (Sunday) to August 8th (Tuesday), it attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually. Stroll through the arcades and marvel at the display of around 3,000 vibrant Tanabata decorations made of Japanese paper and bamboo. These colorful ornaments create a picturesque scene in the summer ambiance. As the breeze strokes them, the bamboo decorations sway and captivate the eye with their exquisite beauty and a sense of romance. Conveniently located just a short walk from the Sendai Washington Hotel, you can easily immerse yourself in the festival by admiring the exquisite bamboo decorations.

PeriodFrom the 6th ( Sun.) to the 8th (Tue.) of August 2023
AddressSupport and Sponsorship Association:
2-16-12 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 
AccessA short walk from Sendai Washington Hotel
URLhttps://www.sendaitanabata.com/

Delight in the vibrant “Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival,” Illuminating the Night Sky

仙台七夕花火祭(Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival)
Photo by @stmsapphire

On the eve of the Sendai Tanabata Festival, the anticipated Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival occurs. In 2023, mark your calendars for August 5th (Saturday) from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. This festival is one of the most famous fireworks in Tohoku, drawing in approximately 500,000 visitors. The best part of this event is the chance to experience magnificent fireworks in the bustling city center. The fireworks shoot up into the sky from the Hirose River, which runs through the middle of the city, and you can see them from any unobstructed city location. Find your favorite spot and revel in the breathtaking fireworks. Numerous paid viewing areas are available, particularly in and around Nishi-Koen Park, offering optimal views of the spectacular fireworks. For guaranteed seating, we highly recommend purchasing paid seats in advance.

Hours7:15PM-8:15PM, Saturday, the 5th of August
Access To Nishi-Koen Park: A 4-minute walk from Sendai Washington Hotel to Sendai Station, take the Tozai Line to Omachi Nishi Koen Station (4 minutes), and a short walk from there
URLhttp://www.tanabata-hanabi.jp/

Discover the Mysterious Illuminated “Zuihouden” with the Tanabata Night Bus by Loople Sendai

瑞鳳殿(Zuihouden)
Photo by @takashi____n

Experience the mystical night ambiance of Zuihouden and Sendai Castle during the captivating events of the “Sendai Tanabata Festival” from the 6th to the 8th of August. Zuihouden, the mausoleum of Lord Date Masamune, is adorned with traditional bamboo Tanabata decorations, creating a stunning visual display. The stone steps along the approach to Zuihouden are illuminated by elegant bamboo lanterns, serving as a gateway to a magical world. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of this mesmerizing setting. Moreover, you can also enjoy the beautifully illuminated Sendai Castle and its exhilarating performance event. To make the most of these extraordinary night events, we recommend utilizing the “Tanabata Night Bus,” provided by Loople Sendai. Effortlessly explore attractions without changing buses and immerse yourself in the splendor of the Tanabata nights.

PeriodFrom the 6th ( Sun.) to the 8th (Tue.) of August 2023
AddressZuihoden: 23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Sendai Castle: 1 Kawachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
AccessA 3-minute walk from Sendai Washington Hotel to Sendai Ekimae Bus Stop, take the “Loople Sendai” bus
URLZuihouden: https://www.zuihoden.com/
Loople Sendai: https://loople-sendai.jp/

Base of this trip