2023 Let's go to Tanabata! Celebrate Tanabata Also Known as Star Festival-A Cherished Tradition in Japan for CenturiesNEW

Celebrate Japan’s Star festival by attending a Summer matsuri right out of your favorite anime! Dress in traditional attire such as a kimono, yukata, or even opt for a light cosplay (no props), and delve into the vibrant atmosphere of a real nightt ime Japanese Summer festival! Explore the lively corridors adorned with colorful lanterns, bustling with an array of vendors offering delectable food, refreshing shaved ice, and unique merchandise.

Our festival will specifically celebrate Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, a cherished tradition in Japan for centuries. Typically observed on July 7th, this special day allows the two lovers from the renowned Tanabata myth to reunite by crossing the Milky Way. To honor this occasion, people write their wishes on small pieces of paper called tanzaku, which are then hung on bamboo branches in hopes that their desires will be granted. Join us in partaking in this activity, and make your wish come true. You can also immerse yourself in the pulsating rhythms of taiko drums and partake in the captivating movements of bon dances, another Japanese Summer tradition!

To cater to the interests of all guests, we have curated a celebration encompassing all things J-pop culture! Experience the thrill of anime culture with dedicated vendors, take kawaii pictures in maid photobooths, buy gachapon, and even learn otaku light stick dances (wotagei)!

Come and embrace the excitement of Japan's Star Festival in our Summer matsuri, where ancient traditions and contemporary interests intertwine, capturing the essence of modern Japan!

Event Dates
July 7 - 8, 2023

Event Times
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
*Last admission is 8:30 PM

Hurry, lets go to Tanabata!
The first 50 guests of each night will get a complimentary limited edition uchiwa and light stick!

Fee
General $15
Youth 7-17: $13
Under 7: Free
Member $10

Location
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is located at 1125 North 3rd Avenue, between 3rd Avenue and Latham (2 blocks North of Roosevelt). Parking is available at the garden. When riding the Light Rail, exit at the Central and Roosevelt stop. The Garden is located on the west side of the rail, 0.3 miles from the station; it is directly behind the Irish Cultural Center (1106 N. Central Ave, Phoenix), just north of Portland Avenue. The Garden entrance is across the parking lot at 1125 N. 3rd Avenue.

Cancel Policy
All classes that do not meet the minimum enrolment one week prior to the start date may be subject to cancellation at the Garden's discretion. The Garden will contact registered participants in classes affected by cancellations and offer refunds or placement in an alternate class. Workshop/class participants who withdraw at least ten business days prior to the scheduled workshop/class start date may receive a full refund on their registration. (A “business day” is defined as M-F.) Refunds will not be given to workshop/class participants who withdraw from a class after the class has been held.


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Festival Title
2023 Let's go to Tanabata! Celebrate Tanabata Also Known as Star Festival-A Cherished Tradition in Japan for Centuries