Hofu Tenmangu Tanabata Festival

Hofu Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara Michizane, the deity of learning, and is one of Japan's three major Tenmangu shrines. From July 1 to 7 the grounds host a Tanabata festival inspired by Michizane, who is said to have made a wish on the night of Tanabata. Highlights include 'Kasadama Art,' clusters of vinyl umbrellas formed into glowing spheres, and about 1,000 milk-carton lanterns recreating the Milky Way along the corridors, drawing visitors who pray for love and family safety.