Tanabata 七夕
House Nine Wellness & Tea · Portland, Oregon
Register Below ⬇️
A Night of Wishes, Tea & the Stars
An intimate Japanese cultural evening in the heart of SE Portland. Write your wish. Hang it on bamboo. Let the stars carry it forward.
The story behind Tanabata
On the seventh day of the seventh month, two stars cross the Milky Way to reunite for one night each year. Orihime — the weaving princess — and Hikoboshi — the cowherd — are kept apart by the heavens for the rest of the year, a reminder that longing, patience, and reunion are woven into the fabric of time itself.
This ancient Japanese festival, celebrated for over a thousand years, has one beautiful tradition at its heart: writing your deepest wish on a slip of paper — a tanzaku — and hanging it on bamboo, so the stars can carry it skyward.
At House Nine, we are bringing Tanabata to SE Portland as an evening of cultural connection, intention-setting, and tea. Whether you grew up celebrating this festival or are encountering it for the first time, you are welcome here.
— Miho Hatanaka, RDN, founder of House Nine Wellness & Tea, born and raised in Japan
What to expect on the evening
This is a small, unhurried gathering — space for just 20 guests — designed to honor the spirit of Tanabata with depth and care.
Tanzaku wish-writing & origami ornaments making
Write your wishes on traditional paper strips and hang them on bamboo as the festival has been done for centuries. Make decorative ornaments with origami.
House blended herbal tea
Sip seasonal blends from our House Nine tea collection while you reflect and connect with fellow guests.
Cultural storytelling
Miho shares the mythology, history, and personal meaning of Tanabata — as someone who grew up celebrating it in Japan.
Bamboo branch to take home
Add a decorated bamboo branch to your home altar or garden — a living reminder of your intentions for the year ahead. ($25 add-on)
Why July 7th matters
In Japan, Tanabata falls on 7/7 — a date long considered auspicious, marking the peak of summer and the moment when, according to legend, the Milky Way parts just enough for two lovers to cross. Cities across Japan drape their streets in colorful streamers and bamboo decorations. Schoolchildren write wishes. Families gather.
In Portland, we gather at House Nine — a small studio on SE Hawthorne that has always believed wellness is not only about the body. It is about belonging, meaning, and the rituals that remind us we are part of something larger than our to-do lists.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know anything about Japanese culture to attend?
Not at all. The evening is designed to welcome guests at every level of familiarity — from those who grew up celebrating Tanabata to those who are hearing the story for the first time.
Is there a cost to attend?
Attendance is free. If you'd like to take home a decorated bamboo branch for your home, those are available for $25 and can be purchased on the evening.
How many guests will be there?
We are keeping this intimate — space for just 20 guests. We encourage you to register in advance so your spot is held.
Where is House Nine?
We're located at 1413 SE Hawthorne Blvd in Portland, Oregon — in the heart of one of Portland's most vibrant neighborhood corridors.
Is tea included?
Yes. We'll be serving seasonal herbal tisanes from our House Nine collection throughout the evening, complimentary for all guests.
Space limited to 20 guests
Join us for Tanabata at House Nine
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 · 4:00 – 6:00 pm
1413 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR · Free admission
Bamboo branch add-on available for $25
Registration required · Bamboo branches available while supplies last