July 7 marks the official date of the Tanabata Festival, celebrated across Japan in honor of a romantic legend of star-crossed lovers. According to the myth, Orihime and Hikoboshi are separated by the Milky Way and are permitted to reunite only once a year on this day.

In Osaka, the Tenmabashi and Nakanoshima areas commemorate the occasion by recreating the Amanogawa (Milky Way) along the river. The Okawa River is illuminated with around 50,000 floating LED light orbs, creating a dazzling and unforgettable nighttime scene.

Visitors can also join the celebrations by writing wishes on strips of paper and releasing them into the river along with prayer stars, adding their hopes to this magical summer tradition.

Address : 1 Tenmabashikyōmachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0032

Access : A short walk from Tenmabashi station at the Keihan line and the subway tanimachi-line

Admission : Free