Guida
Maebashi Tanabata Festival is one of the three major festivals in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, and stands as one of the largest traditional Tanabata celebrations in the Northern Kanto region. Since its full-scale establishment in 1951, it has become a beloved summer staple. The festival brings the city center to life with vibrant, colorful bamboo decorations, blending traditional aesthetics with a modern, energetic atmosphere of street festivities and local charm.
The main highlight is the breathtaking sight of countless beautiful Tanabata decorations adorning the streets. From traditional bamboo ornaments to competitive displays, the visual spectacle is truly stunning. During the festival, the shopping districts come alive with numerous food stalls (yatai), offering a wide variety of local delicacies. To truly immerse yourself in the experience, we recommend wearing a Yukata (casual summer kimono) while strolling through the lively streets to soak up the festive spirit.
The festival will be held on July 10, 2027. Typically, this event takes place over four days, starting on the Thursday following the first Monday of July.
The festival takes place throughout the central Maebashi city area, including the Maebashi Central Shopping District, Maebashi Central Event Plaza, and the Babagawa-dori area.
The festival reaches its peak energy during the evening and night. The atmosphere becomes most vibrant once the sun sets and the food stalls are in full swing. We recommend walking through the shopping districts to enjoy the lights and local gourmet food. Please note that the area becomes very crowded, so using public transportation is highly recommended.