Asagaya Pearl Center celebrates Tanabata in August. Isn’t that strange? Most places in Japan hold it in July. But not here. It follows the old Japanese calendar. They do it twice a year. That’s great for festival lovers.
The Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Arcade
This was the venue for the event. It’s one of Suginami Ward’s many shopping arcades. The atmosphere is retro and laidback. It puts on a four-day show for Tanabata (also known as the Star Festival) that is a little different. Giant papier mache dolls and traditional decorations hang from its one-kilometer-long roof. Color and creativity go wild.
Walking the arcade’s length takes time during the festival as it gets crowded. But grab something to eat and drink from the stalls along the route. Then look up and enjoy the dolls.
Giant papier-mâché dolls of 2017
In 2017, many great dolls adorned Asagaya Pearl Center. Winnie the Pooh and Orihime (the princess from the Tanabata story) were in that group. Sizes varied. Massive ones, several meters long, hung next to small ones.
Pop culture icons and characters
A few, like Doraemon, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Anpanman are always there and hung in their regular spots. This time, Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean and Pinocchio debuted. Kids pointed and laughed at Gru and his Despicable Me minions.
When to go
Timing was my problem in 2017. My schedule only had Saturday open which is of course a weekend, the busiest time for festivals. Most people have a day off and want something to do. Mums and dads with kids, couples, and people with cameras jammed the path to see the dolls. Oh, regular shoppers came, too! Go on a weekday to avoid the congestion.
I recommend the Asagaya Pearl Center for Tanabata. The papier mâché dolls are something different. It is a fun family event. For more information, check out [Asagaya Tanabata Festival Guide].