Tanabata originated from an old Chinese Star Festival and it was introduced to Japan in the 8th century.
It celebrates a couple of the lovers, cow houses (Altair) and Orihime (Vega) .
The legend is that the two who are separated by the Milky Way will be allowed to meet on the evening of July 7 only once a year.
Some areas of Japan still celebrate it on the 7th of July of the Lunar Calendar.
Tanabata event in Kyoto is also held on the days of the Lunar Calendar.
The Tanabata event of Kyoto will be held in the period around 7th July of the lunar calendar.
From Saturday, August 1st, you can enjoy in several areas such as projection mapping in Nijo Castle, light up on the Horikawa walkway and Kamogawa riverbed.
Please see the below about the area and period.
Nijo Castle:
August 1(Wednesday) – 15th(Wednesday)
19:00 – 21:30 (receptionist: until 21:00)
Umeokoji Park
August 3 (Friday) – 12th (Sunday)
19:00 – 22:00
Kamogawa riverbed
August 4th(Saturday) – 10th (Friday)
19:00 – 21:30
Horikawa Promenade
August 4th(Saturday) – 10th (Friday)
19:00 – 21:30
Kitano Tenmangu area
August 4th(Saturday) – 16th (Thursday)
Sunset – 21:00
Okazaki area
August 11(Saturday) – 12th (Sunday)
19:00-21:00
For details, please see the following URL.
kyoto-tanabata