Japanese Friendship Garden to celebrate Star festival with 'Let's Go to Tanabata!', here's all you need to know

What you want more than the traditional Tanabata experience? Good thing the garden has you covered.

UPDATED JUL 1, 2024

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix will be festooned with lights and lanterns, not to mention the array of food, drink and merchandise stalls dotted around the tranquil space.

Phoenix, Arizona (Release): The famed Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix is celebrating Japan’s Tanabata (Star Festival) with a Summer matsuri -- 'Let's Go to Tanabata' -- from July 6-7, 6pm-10pm. The garden will be festooned with lights and lanterns, not to mention the array of food, drink and merchandise stalls dotted around the tranquil space.

The Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix is celebrating Japan’s Tanabata. (Photo courtesy Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix)

What is Tanabata?

Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on July 7. It originates from the Chinese Qixi Festival and commemorates the meeting of the deities Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair), who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year. During Tanabata, people write wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, alongside other decorations. Major celebrations occur in cities like Sendai and Hiratsuka.

What else can visitors' expect?

What you want more than the traditional Tanabata experience? Good thing then that the garden has you covered. Visitors will also be able to take part in the Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese dance performed during the Obon festival, a Buddhist event honoring ancestral spirits. Typically held in mid-August, Bon Odori features dancers in yukata (summer kimono) moving in a circle around a yagura stage, often to the accompaniment of taiko drums and folk songs.

Visitors will also enter the world of J-pop culture with anime vendors selling homemade wares and officially licensed merch, and maid cafes selling pics and photo opportunities. And there will be lots and lots of traditional and fusion Japanese cuisine.

Is there anything you can't take into the garden during 'Let's Go To Tanabata'?

All visitors to the July 6-7 event must remember that only clear bags, small clutch bags (4.5" x 6.5" or smaller), or medically necessary items will be allowed inside the garden premises. Backpacks, large purses, and non-clear bags will not be permitted.

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items (will be screened), diaper bags will be allowed if the visitor is accompanied by a child, because otherwise it's plain weird, strollers and wheelchairs will also be allowed after inspection.

Prohibited Items include weapons of any kind, outside food and beverages, alcohol and illegal drugs, pets -- although service animals are OK, drones, selfie sticks, tripods, and professional camera equipment.

Is entry to 'Let's Go To Tanabata' free?

Entry is only free for those under seven years old. General admittance is $20/$22, those aged seven to 17 must pay $18/$20, members pay $15/$17. You can purchase tickets online here.