Explore colorful decorations at Tanabata Festival
Sendai, Japan • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Aug, Dec
22°C – 30°C, august in sendai is warm and humid, with a higher chance of rainfall, typical of the late summer season, high crowds, peak season
22°C – 30°C, august in sendai is warm and humid, with a higher chance of rainfall, typical of the late summer season, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Wheelchair accessible; walking required; seating available.
Wheelchair accessible; walking required; seating available.
Value for money
Medium
Free entry, but costs for extras can add up.
Free entry, but costs for extras can add up.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Vibe
Couples loved the illuminated decorations and the festive atmosphere at night.
Colorful Display
Visitors found the handcrafted decorations to be breathtaking and visually stunning.
Easy Access
Couples appreciated the convenient location and accessibility via public transport.
Overwhelming Crowds
Some couples felt the large crowds detracted from the experience, especially at peak times.
Limited Interaction
Visitors noted the festival is mainly visual, lacking interactive elements for couples.
Costly Fireworks
Couples felt the paid seating for fireworks was expensive for a short show.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
-
Tuesday
-
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join travelers as they experience Sendai Tanabata Festival.
Experience the vibrant spectacle of Sendai Tanabata Festival as travelers.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
2-6°C
December introduces winter conditions in Sendai, with average highs of 6.4°C and lows at 1.5°C. The city experiences approximately 27mm of rainfall over 9.5 days, leading to a precipitation chance of about 31%. Snowfall begins, averaging 22mm over 4.3 days.
December introduces winter conditions in Sendai, with average highs of 6.4°C and lows at 1.5°C. The city experiences approximately 27mm of rainfall over 9.5 days, leading to a precipitation chance of about 31%. Snowfall begins, averaging 22mm over 4.3 days.
Open
Some outdoor attractions may have limited access due to weather conditions.
Some outdoor attractions may have limited access due to weather conditions.
Recommended
December's winter festivities, including the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, attract visitors despite the cold weather. While Tanabata decorations are not present, the city's illuminated displays offer a festive atmosphere.
December's winter festivities, including the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, attract visitors despite the cold weather. While Tanabata decorations are not present, the city's illuminated displays offer a festive atmosphere.
January
LOW
-3-3°C
January in Sendai is cold, with temperatures ranging from -3.3°C to 3.2°C. Snowfall is common, and the city experiences around 72 mm of precipitation over approximately 10 days.
January in Sendai is cold, with temperatures ranging from -3.3°C to 3.2°C. Snowfall is common, and the city experiences around 72 mm of precipitation over approximately 10 days.
Closed
The Tanabata Festival is not held in January.
The Tanabata Festival is not held in January.
Not recommended
January is not suitable for experiencing the Tanabata Festival decorations, as the event does not take place during this month.
January is not suitable for experiencing the Tanabata Festival decorations, as the event does not take place during this month.
February
LOW
-3-4°C
February remains cold in Sendai, with temperatures between -3.2°C and 4.1°C. Snowfall continues, and the city receives about 59 mm of precipitation over 8 days.
February remains cold in Sendai, with temperatures between -3.2°C and 4.1°C. Snowfall continues, and the city receives about 59 mm of precipitation over 8 days.
Closed
The Tanabata Festival is not held in February.
The Tanabata Festival is not held in February.
Not recommended
February is not suitable for experiencing the Tanabata Festival decorations, as the event does not take place during this month.
February is not suitable for experiencing the Tanabata Festival decorations, as the event does not take place during this month.
March
LOW
0-8°C
March sees a gradual warming, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 8.3°C. Precipitation increases to 92 mm over 10 days, and snowfall becomes less frequent.
March sees a gradual warming, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 8.3°C. Precipitation increases to 92 mm over 10 days, and snowfall becomes less frequent.
Closed
The Tanabata Festival is not held in March.
The Tanabata Festival is not held in March.
Not recommended
March is not suitable for experiencing the Tanabata Festival decorations, as the event does not take place during this month.
March is not suitable for experiencing the Tanabata Festival decorations, as the event does not take place during this month.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
The Loople Sendai sightseeing bus and the Tanabata Night Bus provide access to festival sites.
Metro
Recommended
The Sendai City Subway Namboku Line stops at Hirose-dori and Kotodai-koen stations, near festival venues.
Train
Recommended
The Tohoku Shinkansen arrives at JR Sendai Station, a short walk from the main festival area.
Car
Driving is possible, but parking is limited, and traffic restrictions are in place.
Shuttle
Shuttle services are available to transport visitors to and from the festival.
Taxi
Taxis are available but may be subject to traffic delays.
Walking
Walking is recommended due to the central location of the festival and pedestrian-friendly arcades.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required