Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, celebrates the legend of Orihime, the weaver princess, and Hikoboshi, the herder, lovers separated by the Milky Way who are allowed to meet just once a year on one day during the summer months.

Hillwood and the Japan-America Society of Washington DC invite you to celebrate this festive holiday at Hillwood.

• Explore the enchanting Japanese-style garden
• Hear Japan's famous Tanabata legend brought to life through story, song, and visual arts by storyteller Tara McGowan
• Listen to delightful music, performed by the Washington Toho Koto Society
• Write poems and special wishes on colorful strips of paper, called tanzaku, to hang on bamboo, following the traditional Japanese custom to celebrate Tanabata
• Decorate a paper lantern, make paper ornaments, try your hand at Japanese calligraphy, and more

Please note: Performances take place rain or shine and are located inside the visitor center theater and conservatory. 

Schedule of Activities

Kamishibai Storytelling
10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

Koto Music
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

Guided Tours of the Japanese-style Garden
11:10 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 2:10 p.m.

Tanzaku, Origami, Calligraphy, and Paper Lantern Decorating
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
 

This program is presented in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Washington DC.