Tanabata is known as the Japanese Star Festival, and many cities around Japan hold this festival in early July or August. It's a tradition to write wishes on tanzaku papers and hang them on bamboo branches which are also decorated with colorful paper crafts. Here is a list of well-known festivals around Japan.
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
It's the most popular Tanabata festival in Japan. The decorations are made with Japanese washi papers.
Location: Sendai-city, Miyagi Prefecture
Access: JR Sendai Station
Dates: August 6-8, 2011
Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival
The city of Hiratsuka is filled with Tanabata displays. It's one of the three most popular tanabata in Japan.
Location: Hiratsuka-city, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: JR Hiratsuka Station
Dates: July 8-10, 2011
Shimizu Tanabata Matsuri
Location: Shimizu-ku Shizuoka-city, Shizuoka
Access: JR Shimizu Station
Dates: July 7-10, 2011
Maebashi Tanabata Festival
Location: Maebashi-city, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 10 minute walk from JR Maebashi Station
Dates: July 7-10, 2011
Anjo Tanabata Matsuri
Location: Anjo-city, Aichi Prefecture
Access: JR Tokaido Line Anjo Station
Dates: August 5-7, 2011
Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival
Location: Ichiyomiya-city, Aichi Prefecture
Access: 2 minute walk from JR Owari Ichinomiya Station
Dates: July 28-31, 2011
Irumagawa Tanabata Matsuri
Location: Irumagawa Sayama-city, Saitama Prefecture
Access: Seibu Shinjuku Line Sayama-shi Station
Dates: August 6-7, 2011