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Tanabata & Summer Purification Ceremony

Tanabata & Summer Purification Ceremony

Tuesday 7 July 2026

18:00 Doors Open
18:30 Purification Ceremony
19:15  Kagami Biraki & Toast
19:20 Canapés
20:30 Closing Ipponjime

Join us for an evening in the Japanese Garden at Fordham Abbey, inspired by two seasonal Japanese traditions: Tanabata (the Star Festival) and Nagoshi no Ōharae, the midsummer purification rite.

£70 per person

Tanabata is a celebration of wishes, hopes, and aspirations. Guests will be invited to write their wishes on colourful tanzaku and hang them on bamboo in the garden, following a tradition that has been cherished in Japan for centuries.

The evening will also include a Summer Ōharae ceremony at the shrine. Marking the halfway point of the year, Ōharae is a time for reflection, renewal, and entering the months ahead with a refreshed spirit.

As the sun begins to set, we will gather for a traditional Kagami Biraki—the ceremonial opening of a sake barrel—followed by a communal toast featuring the newest batch of unpasteurised sake from Dojima Sake Brewery.

The remainder of the evening will be spent enjoying seasonal canapés, drinks from the bar, and the peaceful surroundings of the Japanese garden.

The evening includes:
• Participation in Tanabata wish-making
• Summer Ōharae ceremony
• Traditional Kagami Biraki and sake toast featuring the newest batch of unpasteurised sake
• Seasonal canapés and snacks
• Access to the Japanese Garden and shrine

An opportunity to experience Japanese midsummer traditions in a unique setting and celebrate the season beneath the summer sky.

Please note that drinks are available for purchase separately from the bar.

Places are limited to preserve the intimate atmosphere of the garden. Early booking is recommended.

↓↓ More about Nagoshi no Oharae ↓↓