Zojoji Tanabata Festival
The Zojoji Tanabata Festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience a fantastical Tanabata night, characterized by the visual splendor of colorful strips of paper—known as tanzaku—and the soft glow of washi paper candles. This celebration transforms the temple grounds into a space of reflection and traditional beauty.
Participating in the Traditions
From mid-June, a "Wish Writing Station" is established next to the plaza in front of the Main Hall, allowing visitors to participate in the tradition of writing their hopes and dreams. These wishes, inscribed on paper strips, are later prayed for during the "Tanabata-kai" ceremony, which takes place on July 7th starting at 17:30.
For those seeking specific success or victory, the Ankokuden hosts the "Tanabata Victory Luck Prayer Meeting." During this event, prayers for victory and success are offered to the Black Principal Image of Amida Nyorai, and visitors may obtain limited-edition Tanabata amulets.
Wish Writing Station
The "Tanabata-kai" ceremony occurs at the plaza in front of the Main Hall on July 7th from 17:30. The reception for writing wishes follows a staggered schedule:
- June 13th – 30th: 9:00 – 17:00
- July 1st – 5th: 9:00 – 20:00
- July 6th and 7th: 9:00 – 21:00
A prayer fee of 200 yen per paper strip is required for participation.
Ankokuden Offerings
As part of the "Tanabata Victory Luck Prayer Meeting," the temple provides prayers for victory luck along with the distribution of goshuin (temple stamps) and amulets.
Reception Dates and Times:
- July 6th (Mon): 19:00
- July 7th (Tue): 18:00, 19:00, 20:00
The prayer fee is 3,000 yen, which includes a limited-edition Tanabata victory luck amulet. Please note that these are available in limited quantities and will be discontinued once supplies run out.
Limited Edition Tanabata Goshuin
Special Tanabata goshuin are available from July 1st to July 7th. These are offered in limited quantities and will be unavailable once the stock is exhausted.
Washi Candle Night 2026
Organized by the "I Love Japan Project," the "Washi Candle Night 2026" takes place on the grounds of Zojoji from 18:00 to 21:00 on July 6th (Mon) and July 7th (Tue). The highlight of this installation is a representation of the Milky Way, created using washi paper candles displayed across the stairs of the Main Hall. This specific event will proceed in light rain but will be cancelled in the event of stormy weather.
For the most current event details, please consult the official website.
Basic Information
Location / Nearest Stations
Zojoji
Accessible via Shibakoen Station, Onarimon Station, or Daimon (Tokyo) Station.
Address
〒105-0011
4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
MAP
Period
2026/06/13 (Sat) ～ 2026/07/07 (Tue)
*Note: The specific period varies depending on the individual event activity.
Official Website
https://www.zojoji.or.jp/event/ev%5Ftanabata.html
*Published content may be subject to change; please verify the latest information via the official website of the venue or organizer.
What is the event?
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, touching down in the Lunar Module Eagle at the Sea of Tranquility. Michael Collins remained aboard the Command Module Columbia, maintaining orbit at approximately sixty nautical miles above the surface. The mission, designated Apollo 11, achieved the objective President John F. Kennedy established in 1961 to reach the Moon before the decade’s end.
The landing required unexpected manual navigation. Armstrong observed that the computer’s automated targeting system was directing the craft toward a hazardous boulder field. Assuming manual control while Aldrin called out altitude and velocity readings, Armstrong piloted the LM beyond the planned landing zone toward a clearer area. The spacecraft touched down with approximately 25 seconds of fuel remaining.
Six and a half hours after landing, Armstrong backed through the hatch and descended the nine-foot ladder. His boot depressed roughly one inch into the fine, powdery regolith. Aldrin joined him nineteen minutes later. During their 2 hours and 31 minutes of extravehicular activity, they deployed the Early Apollo Scientific Experiments Package, which included a laser ranging retroreflector and a seismometer for monitoring moonquakes and meteoroid impacts. They collected 47.5 pounds of lunar material using long-handled scoops, tongs, and صندوق containers, sealing each sample and documenting its location with a 70mm Hasselblad camera. An estimated 650 million viewers watched the transmissions, relayed through tracking stations at Goldstone, California; Honeysuckle Creek, Australia; and Madrid, Spain.
