Hiratsuka is a coastal city in the Kanto Region of Japan, facing the sea and set within easy reach of the wider Kanto area. It is best known for its Tanabata festival, one of the largest of its kind in the country, which turns the city into a place of colour and celebration each summer.
The Tanabata festival
Tanabata is a summer festival built around the legend of two stars, and in Hiratsuka it is celebrated on a grand scale. Streets and shopping arcades are hung with large decorations, and people write wishes on paper strips and tie them to bamboo, so that the city fills with them. Visitors who come for the festival will find the atmosphere lively, especially in the evenings, when the decorations are most striking. It is worth planning a trip around the festival dates, which you should check before you travel, as they are the main reason many people visit.
The coast
Hiratsuka's beaches are a second reason to visit. The city's seafront offers a quieter contrast to the festival crowds, and a walk along the shore can make a relaxed break from sightseeing. The sea air and open views suit an unhurried day, whether you plan to sit, stroll or simply watch the water.
Traditional celebrations
Beyond Tanabata, the city keeps up traditional celebrations that give a sense of local life. If your visit falls outside the festival season, you may still find the city's customs and seasonal events worth exploring.
Hiratsuka suits a visitor who wants a seaside city with a memorable summer festival at its heart. Because it lies within the Kanto Region, it can also be combined with a trip to other destinations nearby.
