Celebrate Tanabata at Portland Japanese Garden

Join us for a week of festivities in honor of Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, from June 29 to July 6, 2025. This beloved tradition celebrates the annual meeting of Vega (Orihime) and Altair (Hikoboshi), star-crossed lovers who can reunite only once a year across the Milky Way. At Portland Japanese Garden, you can take part in this story by writing your wishes on colorful tanzaku (wish strips) and hanging them in the peaceful Crumpacker Bamboo Allee.

The week will include a variety of activities like musical performances and an extended opening of the family studio, with the main Tanabata celebration taking place on Sunday, July 6, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This event is included with daily admission, offering a chance to experience the beauty of Japanese traditions firsthand.

Tanabata, The Star Festival

Illustration of two Japanese figures holding hands above a group of birds.
Illustration of Orihime and Hikoboshi by George Katagiri, who was a longtime friend of Portland Japanese Garden.

Date & Time: Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Location: Portland Japanese Garden

Celebrate the ancient Japanese festival of Tanabata, commemorating the one day a year the star-crossed lovers Vega (Orihime) and Altair (Hikoboshi) meet in the sky. Visitors can write their wishes on tanzaku and hang them in the Crumpacker Bamboo Allee. The festival also features musical performances by Takohachi and storytelling of the Tanabata legend. This event is included with daily admission.

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Cultural Performance: Japanese Folk Songs by Ikoi no Kai Singers and The Hirugohan Group

Group of musicians and singers performing in a park.
The Ikoi No Kai Singers and The Hirogohan Group

Date & Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM

Location: Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center

Enjoy a free concert featuring the Ikoi no Kai Singers and The Hirugohan Group. The performance includes a collection of children’s songs in Japanese, such as the beloved “Kira Boshi” (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star), and a special song about Tanabata, “Tanabatasama.” This family-friendly event is included with daily admission.

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Family Studio Extended in Celebration of the Star Festival

Mom and kids doing origami.

Date & Time: June 29 – July 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Location: Lemelson Studio

A dedicated space for families to engage in Tanabata-themed activities. Visitors can fold origami stars, color vibrant pages inspired by the beauty of the Garden, and write their wishes on colorful tanzaku (wish strips) to be hung on bamboo branches. A short story about Tanabata will also be featured. This interactive space offers a welcoming environment for all to explore their artistic side.

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