Held on Oshima Island, home to Munakata Taisha’s Nakatsu-miya Shrine—said to be one of the places where the Tanabata legend originated—this annual summer event celebrates the island’s long-standing Tanabata traditions. From Jul 7, colorful streamers and bamboo decorations adorn the shrine grounds and approach, leading up to the main Tanabata Festival on Aug 7.
Within the shrine grounds, Kengyu Shrine and Shokujo Shrine face each other across the Amanogawa stream, evoking the story of the two star-crossed deities. On the evening of Aug 7, a ritual is held amid bamboo lanterns and Tanabata decorations, during which visitors can offer tanzaku paper strips inscribed with their wishes.
The Oshima Tanabata Festival also takes place that day, featuring sales of local island specialties and stage performances. The road from the port to Nakatsu-miya is decorated for Tanabata, creating a festive atmosphere across the island.
Additional ferry services operate on Aug 7, and visitors wearing yukata can take the return ferry free of charge.
- Aug. 7, 2026 (Fri)
- Oshima Tanabata Festival 17:00~, Tanabata Ritual 20:00~
- Free entry
- Munakata Taisha Nakatsu-gu Shrine
- 1811 Oshima, Munakata City, Fukuoka
- Website