🎎 Tianping Tanabata Festival (Heijōkyō Tianping Festival Summer)

The Tenpyō Tanabata Festival is a major event in Nara during the summer. It is said to have originated from the grand Tanabata celebrations held at Heijō Palace on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This event is believed to have been introduced by Nara period envoys to Tang China, such as "Yamato no Oirakawa," and is a combination of the Chinese court activity "Kikōden" and the ancient Japanese ritual "Tana no Kami," along with the mythological story of "Orihime and Hikoboshi." The highlight of the festival is the "Tenpyō Tanabata Procession," where Orihime and Hikoboshi lead nobles in a parade through the ruins of Heijō Palace. Participants wear dazzling costumes from the Tenpyō period, creating a magnificent and romantic historical tableau. Additionally, the "Lantern Flower Festival @ Suzaku Gate" features candlelight that adorns the area around Suzaku Gate, resembling a galaxy. The venue also gathers essential summer night delicacies. Visitors can enjoy famous Nara treats like kakigori (shaved ice), Tanabata-themed foods, as well as local craft beer and various regional dishes, offering a diverse culinary experience.

The Tanabata festival held in the Heijō Palace during the Nara period is being recreated in modern times. Various light art installations create a dreamy summer night atmosphere. Famous Nara delicacies such as shaved ice and local beer, along with a variety of Tanabata-themed foods available only during the festival, offer a rich selection.