Witness the spectacular pole-handling skill from 9 AM to 3:40 PM at "daytime Tanabata"
About this spot
The 2026 Akita Tanabata Festival runs August 3-6 on Tanabata Street. The "daytime Tanabata" viewing period (9 AM to 3:40 PM) allows close, free observation as carriers skillfully manipulate lantern poles across forehead, shoulders, and hips. Evening performances (6:50 PM to 9 PM) feature lit lanterns, offering a completely different spectacle. This full day experiencing Akita's history and culture culminates in savoring traditional technique at its finest.
Season & hours
Name: 秋田竿燈まつり
Date & time: 8/3 (Mon)–8/6 (Thu) 昼9:00–15:40・夜18:50–21:00
Venue: 秋田市・竿燈大通り(山王十字路〜二丁目橋)
Food stalls
Hours: 15:00–21:30
Where: 秋田市役所市民の広場・中央会場(産業会館跡地)・大町イベント広場
※Announced for 2026. Stall lineups change year to year. Please check the official site for the latest details.
Turn this into a day plan with stall time includedTips
Viewing is open anytime, but performances cluster during peak hours. Food stalls appear at the central grounds and around City Hall Plaza. Wear a hat and bring water; the daytime sun is strong.
Best time to visit
Open 9 AM to 3:40 PM; performances cluster at certain times showing the most skillful technique.
Access & map
Tanabata Street (Sanno Intersection to Nito Bridge), Akita, Akita Prefecture
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Akita Tanabata Festival - Full Day Experience Course
Akita
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.