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Tokushima Prefecture · Tokushima City (From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 35 min · flight time only)

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

Tanabata Balloon Release

An image of a festival themed around the 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.

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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

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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