The 4th Arai Tanabata Festival (第4回 あらい七夕まつり) is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Arai Station Plaza in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture. The event is co-organized by the Arai Station Festival Executive Committee and Echigo Tokimeki Railway, with the aim of revitalizing the Arai Station area and deepening local community ties for children and families.
Highlight 1: Echigo Tokimeki Railway Collaboration — Free Rides for Kids
On the day of the festival, children in elementary school and below can ride Echigo Tokimeki Railway for free. A special Tanabata-themed train is also scheduled to run:
- Naoetsu 5:56 PM → Arai 6:22 PM
- Arai 7:45 PM → Naoetsu 8:12 PM
Schedules are subject to change. Check the Echigo Tokimeki Railway website for the latest information.
Highlight 2: Tanabata Decorations and Yukata in the Streets
From around June 20 to July 12, handmade Sendai-style Tanabata decorations are set to appear around Arai Station, the shopping arcade, and the community space Machinaka+. The decorations are assembled by local elementary school children — students from Arai Elementary School, Arai Chuo Elementary School, and Arai Minami Elementary School — using paper flowers crafted by local daycare and childcare facilities.
Visitors who attend in yukata receive special benefits at the festival. Starting this year, a yukata rental and dressing service will also be available on July 4 (3:00 PM–7:45 PM, at Machinaka+ 2F; reservations required by June 28 via the official website), making it easy to enjoy the full yukata experience without needing to bring your own.
photo by しばた写真館
Highlight 3: Entertainment for All Ages
The festival is packed with activities throughout the day:
- 10:00 AM–3:00 PM: Tanabata Workshop (Machinaka+)
- 3:00 PM–5:00 PM: Tokimeki Tanabata Matsuri singles mixer event (Machinaka+)
- 3:00 PM–8:30 PM: Beer garden, food stalls (20+ vendors), children's carnival games, jazz band, street performance, Kenken Palace, hula dance, Bon Odori, and fire performance
Tokimeki Tanabata Matsuri — Singles Mixer Event
Alongside the main festival, a matchmaking event called "Tokimeki Tanabata Matsuri" is being held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Machinaka+, with capacity for up to 50 participants. Set against the backdrop of the Tanabata decorations, it offers a chance for new encounters. Attending in yukata is said to add an extra festive touch.
Event Overview
- Event Name: The 4th Arai Tanabata Festival (第4回 あらい七夕まつり)
- Date & Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 3:00 PM–8:30 PM
- Venue: Arai Station Plaza (Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture)
- Admission: Free
- Co-organizers: Arai Station Festival Executive Committee / Echigo Tokimeki Railway
- Supported by: Myoko City, Arai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Myoko Tourism Management
Official website: https://araitanabata.studio.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/araistationfes
