Tanabata Traditions at The Tokyo Station Hotel’s Heritage Venue

From July 1 to July 7, 2026, The Tokyo Station Hotel will host celebrations for Tanabata, the traditional Japanese star festival. The event centers on The Atrium, a guest lounge situated within the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. This structure, a National Important Cultural Property, is recognized for its century-old red brick architecture and serves as a quiet setting for guests to engage in seasonal customs.

Seasonal Tanabata breakfast dishes — Special breakfast offerings featuring star-shaped seasonal accents.

Cultural Traditions in a Historic Setting

During the festival period, staying guests are invited to participate in the tradition of writing wishes on tanzaku (colored paper strips). These strips are hung on bamboo branches displayed within the light-filled space of The Atrium. This practice commemorates the celestial meeting of the stars Vega and Altair, a narrative central to the Tanabata festival.

Guest writing on a tanzaku paper strip — Guests can write personal wishes on traditional tanzaku paper strips.

Seasonal Breakfast Offerings at The Atrium

The hotel’s breakfast buffet, which typically includes over 100 items, will be augmented with dishes inspired by the festival. Highlights include Hikoboshi Chirashi, a dish of scattered sushi, and Orihime Fruit Anmitsu, a traditional dessert of agar jelly and fruit. These items are designed to reflect the festival’s themes while guests dine in a space that has maintained its architectural significance since 1915.

Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building exterior — The hotel is housed within the National Important Cultural Property building.

Summer Dining and Signature Spirits

Extending beyond the central festival dates, Bar & Café Camellia offers the “Meat-up! Camellia” plan from July 1 through November 30. The menu includes customizable appetizers and premium Wagyu beef, priced at 12,000 yen including tax and service charge. The plan also features a two-hour free-flow drink selection and a main meat dish.

Meat-up! Camellia dining set — The Meat-up! Camellia plan featuring Wagyu beef and select appetizers.

The bar also serves the “1915” cocktail, a sake-based signature drink accented with coconut liqueur. The cocktail is colored a deep indigo to match the hotel’s signature hue, evoking the appearance of the Tanabata night sky. It is available year-round for 1,700 yen.