Yuasa Tanabata Festival (Benzaiten)

Yuasa in Arida District, Wakayama, is known as the birthplace of soy-sauce brewing and retains an old townscape designated an Important Preservation District for historic buildings. In its Shimanouchi district, a Tanabata festival honoring Benzaiten is held every July 7. A ritual begins around 5 p.m., and the area is decorated with vivid Tanabata streamers that evoke a summery mood. Many night stalls line the streets, drawing yukata-clad families and locals to a long-cherished community event. Strolling among the historic soy-sauce warehouses, visitors enjoy a simple, warm, old-fashioned Tanabata that heralds summer in Yuasa.