Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri in Hiratsuka city (Kanagawa prefecture, Japan): photo, Japanese, link, map...

Colourful annual summer 祭り (matsuri, festival) in Japan: 湘南ひらつか七夕まつり (Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri) in many streets of 平塚市 (Hiratsuka city) in 神奈川県 (Kanagawa prefecture). Photo on the left taken by Sébastien Duval on 08 July 2012.

Cheap 1-day excursion from Tokyo possible by train :)

What is your favourite Japanese festival? (name, location, reason, and link welcome...)

Website of Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri (Japanese only):
http://www.tanabata-hiratsuka.com

Message for the organizers of the festival:

Please also introduce Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival in English on your Website; foreign residents and tourists would have more chances to appreciate all the great things you prepare: parades, dances, decoration contests, evening illuminations... The ambiance is great; help more people enjoy it!

Location of Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival: near 平塚駅 (Hiratsuka train station).
[Google map] http://goo.gl/maps/nOeDx