The 72nd Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival (第72回湘南ひらつか七夕まつり)

The city of Hiratsuka is currently holding the 72nd Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival (第72回湘南ひらつか七夕まつり) from July 5-7.  This festival is one of Japan's three major Tanabata festivals, alongside those in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, and Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture.

Originating as a post-war commercial revitalization initiative, numerous Tanabata decorations adorn the streets of downtown Hiratsuka.

Tanabata decorations can also be found inside the Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine, along with the chinowa (茅の輪).