A Tanabata festival held at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. Inspired by a waka poem in which Michizane compared his longing to that of Orihime and Hikoboshi, the star-crossed lovers of Tanabata, the festival offers prayers for visitors’ wishes to reach the heavens.
From Jul 1, the shrine grounds are decorated with colorful tanzaku wish strips and traditional Tanabata ornaments, creating a festive summer atmosphere. On the evening of Jul 7, the shrine’s Tanabata ritual will be performed, followed by the Tanabata no Utage celebration. Reflecting Dazaifu’s connection with Yamaga City in Kumamoto Prefecture, women balancing nationally designated traditional Yamaga lanterns on their heads will present the graceful Yamaga Toro Odori dance as a sacred offering.
- Jul. 1, 2026 (Wed) ~ Jul. 7, 2026 (Tue)
- Jul. 7: Tanabata Festival 18:30~, Tanabata Banquet 20:00~
- Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
- 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
- Website