Every August sees the return of the Tokyo summer dolls, giant paper mache creations, to a shopping center in Tokyo’s Suginami Ward. The 2026 Asagaya Tanabata Festival (also known as the Star Festival) was such a huge success, but I nearly didn’t go.
A typhoon was on the way, and earlier that week I had injured my foot to such an extent that walking was painful. But I wanted to photograph the event, and as the Pearl Center was only two short train rides from my house, I went. I’m glad I did, because this year was truly the best yet.
Would a typhoon ruin the festival?
Well, I had a sore foot, but my main concern was the weather. The internet told me hard rain would start in the afternoon due to a typhoon. Yes, if you didn’t know, Japan gets plenty of these every year. On average we get 25.
So far, we’ve had 15 in 2026. Not many directly hit Tokyo, but we often get soaked due to the rain they bring. And while Asagaya Pearl Center shopping arcade has a roof, with no doors it is exposed to the wind.
Luckily, the forecast rain only came in patches. I didn’t get wet on the way there, or on the way home. My worries were needless.
Why was the 2026 Asagaya Tanabata Festival so good?
Every year, the creators put much effort into creating their summer dolls. It’s obvious. You only have to look at my previous articles. But as each year goes by, the skill level goes up.
People became more innovative. Yes, Orihime and Hikoboshi were there, so was Doraemon and Pikachu. But more ideas came to the fore. This time Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa made its debut. It was a great piece of art.
And the summer paper mache dolls (locally known as haribote) looked far more sturdy than in previous years. I don’t know the building techniques of the builders, but they are taking the Asagaya Tanabata Festival to a higher level.
Taking photos in the crowd
The locals love the Asagaya Tanabata Festival and they turn out in droves to attend it. They come with their babies, dogs, dates, entire families to see it.
Taking photos from the center of the arcade isn’t recommended unless you want people to bump into you from behind. That also rules out taking a tripod.
To be honest, I took photos from the middle, but they were hurried. Taking time to set up a composition was impossible as there were too many people constantly moving. My other option was to move to the side and take photos there.
I’ve already made a decision for next year. In 2027, I’m going to go early in the morning. I’d love to see the dolls when the arcade is empty. Or maybe there will be a few early morning commuters heading to the station.
Is the festival worth photographing?
Definitely. If you missed the July Tanabata, you get a second chance at Asagaya! And with the paper mache dolls, it’s a different type of Japanese festival many people have probably never heard of.
Furthermore, many restaurants put out tables to sell their wares. You can enjoy takoyaki, senbei, yakisoba, cheese dogs, and many other festival foods, plus a beer or two. Asagaya is a lot of fun. To learn more about this event look at [Asagaya Tanabata Festival Guide].
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM