In the annual Tanabata Festival (Star Festival), people write their wishes on strips of paper and hang the strips on bamboo branches in the hope that the stars will make their wishes come true. This festival began around the year 700 and originates from a Chinese legend where the lovers "Hikoboshi (the star Altair in the constellation Aquila)" and "Orihime (the star Vega in the constellation Lyra)", separated by the "Milky Way", are only able to meet once a year on July 7.
In the "Kyo no Tanabata" (Kyoto Tanabata) event, Kyoto's unique atmosphere adds to the regular Tanabata Festival. If you write your wishes on a special postcard, your postcard will be used to decorate one of the traditional temples or shrines in Kyoto. You can also rent a "yukata" (casual summer kimono) and receive some help with putting it on. Meanwhile, in areas neighboring the Horikawa River and Kamogawa River venues of the "Kyo no Tanabata" event, a wide variety of events including bamboo and light motif art work exhibitions and concerts are held.
In the Horikawa River area, a "Milky Way of Light" illumination event is held where you can feel as if you are actually walking along the Milky Way. Taking part in the release of the glittering "Inori boshi (prayer stars)" along the Horikawa River is also an activity you should not miss. In the Kamogawa River area, you can stroll along the river beneath the beautiful decorative lights and bamboo, and enjoy some traditional events unique to Kyoto including "Yuzen-Nagashi" (rinsing dye from "Yuzen" silk in the river water) and dining on the "Noryo-Yuka" terrace perched above the river.
Kyo no Tanabata
Locations: Horikawa River Venue, Kamogawa River Venue
Dates: August 6 (Fri) to August 15 (Sun)
Contact: Kyo no Tanabata Executive Committee Tel 075-222-4133
