The Japanese tradition of Obon Tanabata comes from an old Chinese legend That tells once a year (on July, 7 of the lunar calendar) the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, representing respectively the stars Altair and Vega, meet each other. Since the Nara period (710-794), the Japanese continue to celebrate this day by lighting emblematic places of their city.
Kyoto is no exception to the rule. Many places very popular light up as the Okazaki park in front of the Heian Temple. The road that connects the Heian-jingu Temple from the Gate Otenmon to the great Torii is illuminated all along and there are dozen of bamboo to hang greeting of everyone decorated as Christmas trees. In Okazaki Park is settled food stands, games for children ... The Nijo Dori Street hosts live music of different styles with the cooperation of e restaurants and the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art to create an attractive night in Okazaki. The Kyo no Tanabata festival (shortcut of Kyoto no Tanabata) is celebrated with family and friends. Everyone feast with matsuri foods like yakisoba, takoyaki or yakuniku. Moreover balls with light are available for the children to play with light and the sound surrounding. So adults and children can enjoy the atmosphere and at the same time make a wish and hang it on the bamboo on the way.
Kyo no Tanabata is celebrated throughout the city and there are beautiful lights everywhere. If you are in Kyoto around mid-August, it's a festival not to be missed. Otherwise follow our videos, you'll have a nice overview of the main illumination of the ancient imperial city.