Oita Tanabata Festival
One of Oita Prefecture’s Largest Traditional Dance Festivals
The Oita Tanabata Festival is the city’s biggest summer event, held annually on the first Friday and Saturday of August. Although Tanabata traditionally celebrates the star festival on July 7, this event transforms the JR Oita Station area into a bustling hub of excitement later in the summer. The city’s shopping streets are adorned with colorful Tanabata decorations, including bamboo, origami cranes, streamers, and net designs, creating a festive atmosphere.
The highlight of the first day is the Funai Pacchin Parade. Bold floats, featuring dynamic depictions of brave warriors and soaring dragons that are painted in vibrant colors on washi Japanese paper, energetically march down Chuo Street alongside enthusiastic dance troupes, offering a thrilling spectacle.
On the second day, the Oita Chikirin Bayashi Citizens’ Dance takes center stage. Participants perform lively traditional dances while striking bamboo poles to the rhythmic beats of chikirin gongs, a traditional percussion instrument unique to Oita. Visitors are also welcome to join in the fun!
The festival also features taiko drum competitions, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere, making it an event filled with culture, music, and delicious treats.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Area
Category
Basic Information
- Event period
- August 1 (Friday) and August 2 (Saturday), 2025
- Event venue
- Oita City Chuo Street ("480,000 People's Plaza") (from in front of Shukusai no Hiroba to in front of Oita Central Police Station; and from in front of Oita City Hall to in front of Art Hotel)
-Central Downtown Shopping Streets (Chuo-machi, Oita City), among other locations - Event time
- 18:30-21:20
- Address (Japanese)
- 870-0035 大分県大分市中央町1-3 中央通りほか
- Address
- 1-3 Chuo-machi, Chuo Street and others, Oita City, Oita, 870-0035
- Telephone Number
- 097-537-5959（Oita City Festival Promotion Council Office (within Oita City Commerce and Labor Division)）
- Prices
- Free
- Car Park
- Please use public transportation
- Access
- [By train]
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Oita Station - Remarks
- Held even in rain; canceled in the event of severe weather
Traffic restrictions: 18:20–21:30
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
