Tanabata Shrine (Himekoso Shrine) Summer Festival

Himekoso Shrine in Ogori, Fukuoka, enshrines the weaver goddess and has long been known as the 'Tanabata Shrine,' a rarity in Japan. Each year around the month-delayed Star Festival on August 7, a summer festival fills the grounds with colorful streamers and wish-strips. Highlights include a dedication rite on the morning of the 7th, the traditional 'shishi-oi' lion procession through local homes, food stalls on both days, and an evening 'Tanabata Fureai Theater' stage with dancing, taiko drumming, and a raffle. Wish-strips sent from across Japan are ceremonially burned on the 8th.