Osaka Tenmangu Hoshiai Tanabata Festival

At Osaka Tenmangu, affectionately called 'Tenjin-san,' the Hoshiai Tanabata Festival is held every July 7. As a prologue to the Tenjin Matsuri—one of Japan's three great festivals—it heralds the start of Osaka's summer. Seven chinowa rings are set up in the grounds, each said to grant a blessing such as love, learning, health, or warding off misfortune, which worshippers pass through to make their wishes. Visitors tie wish cards to bamboo, while kagura dedications, live music, the Hanamusume presentation, and many stalls enliven the night.