Let’s go to the Kofu Tanabata Festival! Here’s a look at the venue and its history of over 70 years.

The Kofu Tanabata Festival, which began as a prayer for post-war reconstruction and peace, is a beloved local festival with a history of over 70 years. We will introduce the history behind the festival’s origins, the shopping streets adorned with beautiful streamers, the area where delicious food stalls gather, and how to access the Kofu Tanabata Festival. We hope this will make your stroll around on the day even more enjoyable! Please use this as a reference before you go.

The history and origins of the Kofu Tanabata Festival

The Kofu Tanabata Festival beautifully colors the summer in Kofu. But did you know that this festival has a special story deeply intertwined with the city’s history? We’ll introduce you to the origins of the festival and the warm feelings it embodies.

Post-war air raids on Kofu and the path to reconstruction

From late at night on July 6th to the early morning of July 7th, 1945 (Showa 20), the city of Kofu was subjected to a major air raid. This air raid is also known as the “Tanabata Air Raid” because of the date. Almost all of Kofu, which was a beautiful castle town, was lost in this single night.

It was a very sad event, but the people of Kofu never gave up. Driven by a strong desire to revitalize their city, which had been reduced to rubble, and to rise again hand in hand, they began their journey towards recovery. That powerful first step led to the festival we see today.

The history of the festival began in 1950.

Five years after the air raids, in 1950 (Showa 25), the Kofu Tanabata Festival began as a symbol of the city’s reconstruction. By displaying colorful Tanabata decorations in a city that had tended to be dark and gloomy, it lit a beacon of hope in the hearts of the people. For more than 70 years since then, it has been cherished and passed down as a summer tradition in the region.

We have compiled a timeline of our progress so far.

Ages	event
July 1945 (Showa 20)	The Kofu air raid (Tanabata air raid) occurred, causing extensive damage to the city.
1950 (Showa 25)	The Kofu Tanabata Festival began as a symbol of reconstruction.
Now	With a history spanning over 70 years, it is a beloved festival that represents summer in Kofu.

A Tanabata event expressing prayers for peace

The Kofu Tanabata Festival is deeply imbued with prayers for those who suffered from air raids and wishes for future peace.

Tanabata is a traditional Japanese event that takes place every year on July 7th.

It is based on a Chinese legend in which Hikoboshi and Orihime, separated by the Milky Way, can only meet once a year.

During Tanabata, people write their wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches, or decorate with origami Tanabata ornaments, praying that their wishes will come true. During the festival, there are areas where visitors can hang their own wish-filled strips of paper. Watching the colorful decorations swaying in the breeze provides a precious time to reflect on the importance of peace.

The location and attractions of each venue of the Kofu Tanabata Festival

The Kofu Tanabata Festival transforms Kofu’s shopping streets, such as Kasuga-dori and Ginza-dori, into a vibrant and festive atmosphere. A major draw is that the festival is held in several different areas, offering unique experiences in each location.

Event Overview

project	detailed
Event period	July 4, 2026 (Sat) – July 7, 2026 (Tue)
Event time	10:00 AM – 10:00 PM *Until 9:00 PM on Monday the 6th and Tuesday the 7th
Venue	[Main] Ginza Street and Kasuga Street [Sub] Orion Street Shopping Arcade [Stage] Maizuru Castle Park South Lawn

Food stalls and food truck area where you can enjoy local cuisine

Delicious food is an essential part of any festival. At the Kofu Tanabata Festival, numerous food stalls and food trucks gather in several different areas.

At the Maizuru Castle Park South Lawn Plaza, the stage venue, you can enjoy stage events while savoring gourmet food from food trucks and cold beer. The main venue, Ginza Street, will be lined with traditional food stalls, creating a lively festival atmosphere. Kasuga Mall (Kasuga Street) will also feature numerous food trucks offering a wide variety of menus.

A shopping street area adorned with beautiful wind streamers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CuYCp39S6d-/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fhanakouji.com&rp=%2F%3Fp%3D1262%26preview%3Dtrue#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A2661%2C%22ls%22%3A357.90000000596046%2C%22le%22%3A2630.4000000059605%7D

(Quote: From Kofu City’s official Instagram)

Colorful Tanabata decorations adorn each area of ​​Kofu Central Shopping Street. In particular, large streamers suspended from the ceiling sway in the breeze along Ginza Street, creating a delightful scene that will lift your spirits as you stroll by. Cool and refreshing Tanabata decorations also appear along Orion Street. Each shopping street has put its own unique decorations into their displays, so take your time strolling around and find your favorites.

Access to the venue and parking information

This page provides information on access to the venue and parking. It’s a good idea to check the access information before heading to the venue. The Kofu Tanabata Festival venue is conveniently located within walking distance from the station.

If you are traveling by train, the nearest station is JR Kofu Station. The venue is easily accessible, about a 15-minute walk from the station, so using public transportation is recommended. If you are coming by car, it takes about 20 minutes from the Kofu-Minami Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. There is no dedicated parking lot for the festival, so it is recommended to use a nearby paid parking lot.

We have summarized basic information about access and parking in a table.

project	Detailed information
Nearest station	JR Chuo Main Line “Kofu Station” (approximately 15 minutes on foot from the South Exit)
Access by car	Approximately 20 minutes from the Kofu-Minami Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.
parking	No dedicated parking available (please use nearby coin-operated parking lots, etc.)
Traffic restrictions	During the festival period, there will be restrictions such as road closures on surrounding roads.

Detailed festival dates and venue maps are available on the Kofu City Tourism Association website and the Kofu Chamber of Commerce website . Please check the latest information before you go.

Tips for enjoying the Kofu Tanabata Festival even more!

Knowing the background and some interesting facts about the festival can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some great tips to help you enjoy the Kofu Tanabata Festival even more.

The secret behind the children’s song “Tanabata-sama”

“The bamboo leaves rustle softly as they sway in the eaves,” is a famous children’s song that almost everyone has sung at least once. In fact, the lyricist of this beautiful song, Hanayo Gondo, was from Yamanashi Prefecture. Born in what is now Nirasaki City, Gondo graduated from a local school and worked as an elementary school teacher, leaving behind many heartwarming children’s songs.

Watching the colorful streamers swaying in the wind at the Kofu Tanabata Festival evokes a nostalgic and gentle feeling, as if you can hear the melody of this song. It’s a wonderful way to spend your time to stroll through the festival grounds while contemplating the roots of this famous song nurtured by the nature and climate of Yamanashi.

A wish is written on a strip of paper attached to a bamboo leaf.

The traditional way to enjoy Tanabata is to write wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches. You may have chosen the colors of the strips of paper without much thought, but did you know that each color actually has a different meaning? The five colors (five colors) originate from the ancient Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements, and each has the following meaning:

Color of the strip	Examples of meanings and wishes embedded within
Green (Blue)	A caring heart for others (such as showing consideration and expressing gratitude)
red	Gratitude and courtesy towards parents and ancestors (including gratitude towards those who have helped you).
yellow	Improving relationships, building trust (cherishing friends, keeping promises, etc.)
white	To follow rules, to fulfill obligations (such as the desire to complete what one has decided to do)
Purple (black)	Improving academic performance, honing one’s intellect (achieving goals in studies or work, etc.)

At the Kofu Tanabata Festival venue, there is an area where you can freely hang up your own wish strips. Choose a strip of paper in a color that perfectly suits your heart and gently write down your important wish. If you write your wish while being mindful of the meaning behind the colors, you might be able to spend Tanabata with a slightly more special feeling than usual.

Street food to enhance the festive atmosphere

Another highlight of any festival is the delicious street food. At the Kofu Tanabata Festival, you’ll find not only classic yakisoba, takoyaki, and shaved ice, but also many food stalls and food trucks offering unique local flavors.

One of the most popular dishes is “Kofu Torimotsu-ni,” a soul food of Kofu. The liver and gizzards, simmered in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based broth, are so delicious that you’ll be hooked after just one bite. There are also areas where you can enjoy cold desserts made with fruits from Yamanashi Prefecture and local craft beer, so there’s something for everyone, from adults to children, to enjoy. Grab your favorite food and fully immerse yourself in the lively festival atmosphere.

Recommended places to visit in the surrounding area!

Koedo Kofu Hanakoji

Koedo Kofu Hanakoji, located close to the Kofu Tanabata Festival venue, is a recommended spot to easily stop by during your festival stroll. It’s easily accessible from Maizuru Castle Park South Plaza where stage events are held, and from Kasuga Street and Ginza Street, which are adorned with Tanabata decorations, making it perfect for a short break.

This charming area, which recreates the streetscape of Koedo (Little Edo), is lined with cafes, sweet shops, and restaurants where you can enjoy Yamanashi’s local cuisine. At the shop “Shunkando” located within the area, you can enjoy shaved ice and sweets made with Yamanashi peaches during the summer! These are highly recommended sweets to cool down and refresh yourself after a day of strolling through the festival.https://www.instagram.com/p/DMP4ut0S38A/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fhanakouji.com&rp=%2F%3Fp%3D1262%26preview%3Dtrue#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A2664.300000011921%2C%22ls%22%3A357.90000000596046%2C%22le%22%3A2630.4000000059605%7D

(Quote: From Shunkando’s official Instagram)

NEW SHOP! -BRAND NEW DAY COFFEE Kofu Hanakoji Store-

BRAND NEW DAY COFFEE Kofu Hanakoji branch opened on the 2nd floor on Sunday, May 24th! This stylish cafe with tiled walls is the perfect place to relax and enjoy carefully selected specialty coffee and freshly baked, photogenic croissants. Spending time here while gazing at the charming townscape is a perfect moment of respite during your festival stroll.

While enjoying a stroll through the town and admiring the Tanabata decorations, be sure to visit Koedo Kofu Hanakoji. The charming streetscape and seasonal delicacies unique to Yamanashi will further enhance your festive experience.

summary

The Kofu Tanabata Festival, which began in 1950 with the hope of post-war reconstruction and peace, has a history of over 70 years. Even now, the colorful streamers and Tanabata decorations brightly adorn Kofu’s shopping streets, attracting many people.

As you reflect on the legend of Tanabata and write your wish on a strip of paper to hang on a bamboo branch, you’ll feel as if your wish is reaching the stars. During the festival, local gourmet food and food stalls line the streets, creating a warm atmosphere that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

While gazing at the Tanabata decorations, why not feel the summer atmosphere woven from the wishes for reconstruction, the bonds between people, and the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi? We hope that this summer moment in Kofu, filled with smiles, will become a wonderful memory for you!