Tanabata Memories at The RYOKAN O: A Spanish Guest’s Journey into Japan’s Star Festival

In June, we had the pleasure of welcoming guests from Spain to The RYOKAN O in Nakatsugawa. During their stay, they took part in one of Japan’s most enchanting traditions—Tanabata, the Star Festival. Our lobby, adorned with vibrant decorations and heartfelt wishes, became a shared space where cultures met, stories were exchanged, and dreams took tangible form on colorful strips of paper.

Tanabata is more than just a seasonal decoration. Rooted in a centuries-old legend, it invites people to pause, reflect, and express their hopes for the future. For our Spanish guests, it was a chance to step into the heart of Japanese summer tradition, experiencing firsthand the artistry, symbolism, and warmth that this festival brings.

The Story and Meaning of Tanabata

Tanabata traces its origins to an ancient Chinese tale of two celestial lovers—Orihime, the Weaver Princess, and Hikoboshi, the Cowherd. According to legend, the Milky Way separates them, and they are allowed to meet only once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month. Over time, this story traveled to Japan, where it merged with local customs and became a cherished summer event.

The essence of Tanabata lies in writing wishes on small, rectangular pieces of colorful paper called tanzaku, which are then hung on bamboo branches. Bamboo, with its straight and resilient form, symbolizes growth and strength, making it the perfect vessel for carrying one’s hopes toward the heavens. The wishes can be personal—such as success in studies or good health—or universal, like peace in the world.

A Unique Celebration at The RYOKAN O

For our guests, Tanabata at The RYOKAN O was not just about following a tradition—it was about experiencing it through the lens of local community and creativity. The tanzaku were made from vivid, hand-cut paper, ready for each guest to inscribe their dreams. The bamboo display in our lobby was made even more special by contributions from nearby kindergartens and preschools.

Children from the community sent in their artwork—cheerful portraits, adorable animal drawings, and even tiny, colorful footprint stamps. Each piece carried its own wish, written with sincerity and innocence. Hanging side by side with the wishes of our international guests, these decorations turned the lobby into a tapestry of shared humanity.

Our Spanish guests spent a quiet afternoon selecting their favorite paper color, carefully writing their wishes in their native language, and then tying them gently to the bamboo. In that moment, there was no cultural divide—only the shared joy of participating in a tradition that transcends borders.

The Atmosphere and Cultural Connection

Walking into the Tanabata display at The Ryokan O was like entering a living gallery. The soft rustle of paper as guests passed by, and the interplay of colors from the decorations, created an atmosphere of gentle celebration. It was a place where travelers in Japan could pause for a moment and reflect on what truly matters to them.

For those new to Japanese culture, Tanabata offered a window into the nation’s seasonal rhythms. Japan’s calendar is rich with events tied to nature’s cycles—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and snow-viewing in winter. Tanabata stands as one of the emblematic events of summer, carrying both the romance of its legend and the personal touch of individual hopes.

Why Experiences Like This Matter

In this post, we introduced guests from Spain, for whom the festival became one of the highlights of their journey—a bridge between their own traditions and those of Japan. And for us, the tanzaku tied to the bamboo are not just decorations; they are vessels for stories, dreams, and human connections, reminding us of the deep meaning behind this tradition.

At The RYOKAN O, where 90% of our guests come from overseas, we believe travel is not only about visiting new places but also about engaging with the traditions that make them unique.

Discover More

The RYOKAN O offers other opportunities to experience Japanese culture through various tours and activities.
You can also enjoy many videos on our Instagram, capturing the moments when guests and Japanese culture meet.

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Written by Takuji Funahashi