Zentsuji Tanabata Pilgrimage (Nanakasho-mairi)

Zentsuji's 'Tanabata Pilgrimage (Nanakasho-mairi)' is a town-wide event during Tanabata week (around July 1-7) in Zentsuji, birthplace of Kobo Daishi Kukai. Inspired by the seven-temple pilgrimage from the 71st temple Iyadani-ji to the 77th Doryu-ji, bamboo decorations and wish strips are set up across the city for visitors to write wishes. The ZEN Cube hall lobby displays Tanabata decorations, while lanterns line the promenade in front of city hall. During the period a Tanabata fair with ball-scooping, ring toss and yo-yo fishing draws families—a unique event linking pilgrimage culture with Tanabata.