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Sendai Tanabata Matsuri 仙台七夕

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · On our list

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Visiting Sendai Tanabata Matsuri today

  • What it is: Japan's best-known Tanabata star festival, when huge paper streamers hang through Sendai's shopping arcades; over two million visitors come each year.
  • When: Held 6–8 August every year, a month later than the usual 7 July date. The 2026 festival ran 6–8 August.
  • Where: Central Sendai shopping arcades, from the station-front Hapina Nakakecho through Clis Road to Ichibancho, a short walk from JR Sendai Station.
  • Watching: Free to walk under the decorations. Decorations go up at 8:00 on 6 August and are judged that afternoon.
  • Tip: Go in the morning to see the streamers before the arcades fill; evenings are much more crowded.
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6–8 August each year.

Checked against: Sendai Tanabata Festival (official) · Feature – Sendai Tanabata Festival (official) · Events – Sendai Tanabata Festival (official). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Sendai Tanabata Matsuri on Shibuya246

We haven't been yet, so there are no photos here. The notes above come from official sources and are checked every quarter. Our own photos and story will appear here after we visit.