Experience the main event: tanabata decorations swaying in the pedestrian shopping street

About this spot

The Shinshū Ueda Tanabata Festival is held at Umino-cho Shopping Street in central Ueda. In 2026, it runs for two days on August 8th and 9th. On the first day, from 11am to 9:30pm, the pedestrian-only shopping street is decorated with tanabata ornaments of all sizes hanging overhead. Local shops and organizations create imaginative tanabata decorations that brighten the shopping street. During the day, it's perfect for shopping and strolling; as evening falls, the lanterns create an atmosphere rich with emotion. This course is structured so that after exploring the castle ruins and castle town in the morning, you spend the entire day beneath the tanabata decorations as the festival unfolds.

Season & hours

Tips

Vehicles cannot enter during pedestrian zone hours. The daytime sun is strong, so take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. At night, temperatures can drop, so having a light layer is recommended.

Best time to visit

During the day, enjoy shopping and street food. From 6pm onwards when the lanterns are lit, the tanabata decorations are particularly beautiful.

Access & map

Nagano Prefecture, Ueda City, Umino-cho Shopping Street (Pedestrian Zone)