Yakawa Shrine Tanabata Festival

Held every July 7 at Yakawa Shrine in Konan-cho, Koka City, this Tanabata festival features Tanabata ornaments dedicated by local residents and a lively row of food stalls from the evening. The highlight is the dedication of brave tezutsu hand-held fireworks that shoot columns of flame over ten meters into the night sky, with bearers cradling the tubes amid showers of sparks. A launched fireworks display follows, coloring the summer night of Koka. Early visitors receive Tanabata decorations, and the beloved tradition draws spectators from afar.