Granting Wishes: 'Japan's Best Starry Sky: Achi Village Tanabata Festival 2026' Announced

Achi Village in Nagano Prefecture, known for having Japan's best starry sky, will hold the 'Japan's Best Starry Sky: Achi Village Tanabata Festival 2026' from July 1 (Tue) to August 31 (Mon), 2026, featuring bamboo lanterns illuminating various locations, primarily around Hirugami Onsen. During the event, visitors can participate in a wish-granting campaign for those staying at local accommodations, purchase special Tanabata lodging plans, and enjoy limited-time Tanabata menus at local restaurants. Additionally, a town-walking event around the hot spring district will be held.

▶ Event Period: July 1 (Tue) – August 31 (Mon), 2026

*Please check the special 'Japan's Best Starry Sky: Achi Village Tanabata Festival 2026' website for the schedule of each individual project.

■ Event Details

1. Tanabata Production: 'The Brilliance of Bamboo Lanterns'

◇ Hours: 19:00 – 23:00

◇ Locations: Hirugami Onsen District, Achi Village Office/Central Community Center, Japan's Best Starry Sky Namiai Park

Approximately 1,200 bamboo lanterns made from locally harvested bamboo will be displayed, creating a magical atmosphere in the hot spring town at night. Enjoy a leisurely walk and experience the fantastic scenery woven by the starlight and bamboo lights.

Continuing from last year, works by bamboo lantern artist Kohei Kawabuchi will be featured, along with a limited-time lighting collaboration with 'Ajima-gasa,' a traditional craft from Takagi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture.

◇ Limited-time Exhibition: Ajima-gasa Blooming in Starlight

◇ Exhibition Period: August 10 (Mon) – August 31 (Mon), 2026

2. Star Village Wish-Granting Campaign

Your wish might come true in Achi Village! Guests staying at participating local accommodations during the festival can apply for a chance to have their wish granted (3 winners). Additionally, 50 people will receive a gift set of Achi Village specialties.

3. Special Tanabata Lodging Plans

Special lodging plans are available, including benefits unique to each facility. Guests can also participate in the Star Village Wish-Granting Campaign. Furthermore, those who book through the 'Minami-Shinshu Hirugami Onsen Official Tourism Site' will receive a 1,000 yen coupon for use at local shops and restaurants (limited to the first 1,000 bookings).

4. Hirugami Onsen Town-Walking Mystery Story: 'Wishes Dropped in the Milky Way'

Enjoy a special mystery-solving event while walking through the Hirugami Onsen district. Collect hints scattered around the town to solve the mystery.

◇ Participation Fee: 300 yen (tax included)

◇ Duration: Approx. 1 hour

5. Star Village Tanabata Limited Menu

Participating restaurants in Achi Village will offer limited-time Tanabata special menus inspired by stars and wishes.

6. Bamboo Decorations

Tanabata strips (tanzaku) will be available at over 20 locations, including local accommodations, the Hirugami Onsen morning market, and the Heavens Sonohara night tour venue, for visitors to write their wishes.

7. Star Village Tanabata Limited Goods

Limited-edition Tanabata goods will be sold at souvenir shops throughout the festival period.

■ Inquiries

Japan's Best Starry Sky: Achi Village Tanabata Festival Executive Committee Secretariat
Achi-Hirugami Tourism Bureau (9:00 – 17:30)
TEL: 0265-43-3001
Mail: info@hirugamionsen.jp

◆ Official Website: https://hirugamionsen.jp/star-festival/