Sumiyoshi Taisha Tanabata Festival

Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka's Sumiyoshi Ward is the head shrine of roughly 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide and a beloved ancient shrine of Osaka. During Tanabata it holds a special night event in which the symbolic vermilion arched bridge (Taikobashi) and grounds are bathed in light. The normally closed Shinkan and Saikan halls and their gardens are specially opened, with illuminations, the shrine's first projection mapping, fortune-drawing, and food trucks. Many visitors come in yukata, and unique rituals such as the silent prayer at the National Treasure main hall are held.