Tokyo Tower Celebrates Tanabata Star Festival

Above, Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From now through July 7, Tokyo Tower will have a dazzling light display celebrating Tanabata. The display consists of 27,000 LEDs on the observation deck. And, the stairway to the observation deck is also decorated.

According to Rocket News 24:

Since the opening of the Tokyo Skytree in 2012, Tokyo Tower is no longer the tallest or most fashionable structure in Tokyo. Still, the 56-year-old steel giant has managed to hang onto its reputation as one of the city’s most romantic locales, thanks in part to its location in quiet, sophisticated Shiba-koen as opposed to the boisterous Shitamachi district where the Skytree stands. 

This month, Tokyo Tower is doing a little more to set the mood, with a beautiful light display that ties in with Japan’s Tanabata star festival. 

Held each year on July 7, Tanabata has its roots in a Chinese folktale about a pair of tragic lovers. At least, they’re tragic for 364 days out of the year. On the night of Tanabata, the two lovers, represented by the stars Vega and Altair, cross the Milky Way that ordinarily divides them, and are able to enjoy a blissful night together before another year apart.

 So, if you happen to be in Tokyo between now and July 7, you may want to visit Tokyo Tower to see the nighttime display.

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