Sendai Tanabata Matsuri

(Source : pixta)

The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is a festival said to have started since the times of Date Masamune, the ruling lord of Sendai at the beginning of the Edo period. The Sendai Tanbata Matsuri is major event drawing over 2 million visitors every year and is considered one of the top three festivals in the Tohoku region along with the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri and the Akita Kanto Matsuri. During the festival, around 3,000 bamboo marvelously colored bamboo decorations are placed all over the city to see which is the most glorious. Watching the giant elaborate bamboo decorations sway in the wind leaves its viewers with powerful and refreshing impressions. During this time, one can also find various events on the main stage and a fireworks show to make the Sendai Tanabata an experience not to miss.

(Source: pixta)

Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Show

Large fireworks are shot into the sky in a grand show held on the eve of the Tanabata Festival. The best place to watch the firework show is around the Sendai Nishi Park. Over 16,000 fireworks color the dark summer sky during this fabulous show.

(Source: pixta)

Nanatsu Kazari: Seven Decorations

The decorations you find all over the city during this time are traditional “Nanatsu Kazari” (Seven Decorations) of the Sendai Tanabata Matsuri. The “Nanatsu Kazari” are seven different types of bamboo decorations each with their own meaning and names which are Tanzaku, Fukinagashi, Kuzukago, Kinchaku, Kamigoromo, Orizuru, and Toami. Nowadays, the Fukinagashi are considered the main type of decorations.

(Source: pixta)

The 3,000 decorated festival bamboos

The biggest highlight of the Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is without a doubt the elaborate 3,000 bamboo decorations. Large and small decorations alike are brought together to make an arch throughout Sendai city. Each decoration is different from the others and just walking through to compare them is one great way to enjoy the festivities. These magnificent decorations are sure to steal your gaze.

(Source: pixta)

Festival Plazas

During the time of the festival, various areas are designated as “O-Matsuri Hiroba,” “Festival Plazas.” In these plazas, you can find traditional Bon and Date festival dances, various announcements concerning the festival, and corners to enjoy making your own Nanatsu Kazari decorations.