Celebrate Tanabata (Star Festival) by launching sky lanterns at Todoroki Green Space Sports Ground on the Kawasaki side of the Tama River.
Tanabata is a traditional Japanese festival, where people write wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches. This seven-day event, however, is doing things differently. Here, modern sky lanterns are lit with LEDs instead of candles, making them safer and super kid-friendly. At 8.30pm, the lanterns are released into the night sky, but unlike typical floating lanterns, these are flown like kites with strings attached, making them easy to control and retrieve afterwards.
On the entertainment front, you can expect music performances each day by artists such as Chris Hart and Chay, as well as festival favourites such as shateki shooting games and food stalls serving traditional matsuri grub. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to write and hang your wish on a tansaku paper slip.
Tickets are available for purchase on the official website.