Tokushima’s Tanabata balloons send wishes into the sky above the Shinmachi River
Tanabata Balloon Release

Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- July 7
- Area
- Tokushima Prefecture・Tokushima City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 35 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This is a event that has been held at Shinmachi Bridge East Park in Tokushima City. Balloons bearing written wishes are released into the sky at July 77:07:07, timed to the countdown. Enjoy a moment sharing Tanabata wishes along the Shinmachi River.
About Tanabata Balloon Release
The Tanabata Balloon Release is a Tanabata event held at Shinmachi Bridge East Park in Tokushima City.
The event centers on releasing balloons bearing written wishes into the sky, as a way of sending wishes to the Milky Way.
It is introduced as an event where people gather along the Shinmachi River to share their Tanabata wishes.
Source: 七夕バルーンリリース - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
The highlight is the moment when participants simultaneously release balloons bearing written wishes into the sky.
A countdown takes place at July 77:07:07, and the balloons are released at the signal.
Families with children and couples gather along the Shinmachi River to enjoy a Tanabata-like moment by the water.
Tokushima’s Tanabata balloons send wishes into the sky above the Shinmachi River
What to expect
At the venue, balloons are prepared for people to write their wishes on, and participants gather ahead of the scheduled time.
After a countdown at 7:07:07, the balloons carrying their wishes are released all at once.
Cafés and food stalls are also featured on a nearby boardwalk, making it a place to stop by before or after the release.
Location and access
- Address
Tokushima City
Host municipality 徳島県徳島市
This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.
Dates and season
- Season
July 7
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Tokushima Prefecture / Tokushima City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
Since this event involves releasing balloons all at once, if you plan to take part, it’s a good idea to head to the area around the venue with plenty of time to spare so you don’t miss the countdown.
As people gather along the Shinmachi River, please be considerate of other visitors and passersby and avoid obstructing them.
For information about the environmental impact of the balloons, please check the organizer’s latest updates.
Nearby attractions
とくしま動物園
徳島県の動物園・水族館のスポットです。

徳島中央公園
徳島県徳島市の徳島城跡を利用した公園

徳島城
徳島県徳島市の城

徳島市立徳島城博物館
徳島県徳島市にある博物館
徳島市立考古資料館
徳島県徳島市国府町西矢野にある資料館
写真:Sorrysorry at Japanese Wikipedia / Public domain
Photo source ·
徳島眉山天神社
徳島県徳島市にある神社

徳島県文化の森総合公園
徳島県徳島市八万町の向寺山にある公園
徳島県立博物館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある博物館

徳島県立文学書道館
徳島県徳島市中前川町にある文学館
徳島県立近代美術館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある美術館
徳島県立鳥居龍蔵記念博物館
徳島県徳島市の文化の森総合公園にある博物館

徳島県郷土文化会館
徳島市にある文化施設
Origins and History of Tanabata Balloon Release
This event has been held at Shinmachi Bridge East Park in Tokushima City since 2006.
It began as a way to send Tanabata wishes into the sky and is known for its simultaneous release at July 77:07:07.
Rather than floating bamboo branches down the river, participants release balloons carrying their wishes.
Tanabata Balloon Release at a Glance
The Tanabata Balloon Release is a Tanabata event that has been held at Shinmachi Bridge East Park in Tokushima City.
The main highlight is the simultaneous release of balloons bearing written wishes, timed to a countdown at July 77:07:07.
It is introduced as a unique event where people can share their Tanabata wishes along the Shinmachi River.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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