Set against the backdrop of the enchanting city of Hiratsuka, in the Kanagawa Prefecture, the 71st Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival will be held from July 7 to July 9, 2023.
This three-day event is known for its extravagant decorations and engaging activities, making it one of the highlights of the July festival season in Tokyo.
Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival 2023: What to Expect
Hiratsuka City is set to transform into a vibrant canvas of colors and lights during the festival.
The Shonan Star Mall and the Koya Pearl Road shopping streets located near the JR Hiratsuka Station’s North Exit will be adorned with gigantic Tanabata decorations, some even exceeding 10 meters in height.
These grand decorations incorporate the trends of the year, featuring popular sports athletes, beloved animals, and characters. The exciting display will surely captivate the hearts of the festival goers.
A unique feature of the Hiratsuka’s Tanabata decorations is the inclusion of light bulbs within. As the day fades into the night, these bulbs illuminate the decorations, creating a dazzling and magical spectacle that paints a stark contrast to the daytime scene.
Throughout the festival, various events take place. These include a Tanabata decoration contest, parades, stage events, and local gourmet food stalls offering delicious bites to enhance your festival experience.
Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival 2023: Important Information
- Name: 71st Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival
- Date: July 7 to July 9, 2023
- Venue: Around Koya Town, Hiratsuka City (JR Hiratsuka Station North Exit) [Google Map]
- Entrance fee: Free
- Nearest Station: JR Tokaido Line “Hiratsuka Station”
A Quick Note On The Japan Rail Pass Price Hike
The price of the wonderful Japan Rail Pass is going up a massive 62% in October but there’s still time to lock in the old rates if you’re quick. Klook still offers the old prices so if you buy before September 30th you can travel with the old prices until December 28th, 2023.
Getting There From Tokyo
Getting to the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival from Tokyo is relatively straightforward. Here are the directions:
By Train:
- From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Line (bound for Odawara) directly to Hiratsuka Station. This journey typically takes around 60 minutes.
- Once you arrive at Hiratsuka Station, the festival venue is just a short walk from the North Exit.
Remember that during the festival, trains may be more crowded than usual, so plan your journey accordingly.
The Sum Up
Join the locals and immerse yourself in a tradition that combines the best of culture, creativity, and community spirit. If you have the chance, the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival 2023 is an event that should not be missed.
