Final preparations are underway for this year’s festival which takes place on July 6th, 7th and 8th: temple workers are building the bamboo tunnel and local businesses are putting up bamboo decorations on the alleyway that leads from Shi-tennojimae Yuhigaoka station to Shitenno-ji temple.

If you are wondering where to experience Tanabata, Osaka’s Shi Tennoji temple would be a great choice. Every year, the temple grounds are filled with people of all ages attaching their wishes to the large bamboo display, eating summer festival fare – takoyaki, baby castella, fried noodles, shaved ice – and enjoying a drink or two.

The scaffolding has finally come down and the freshly painted and restored central pagoda will be a lovely sight, framed by the decorations and the colorful bamboo tunnel of wishes. The temple also has two unique water spray devices so you can cool down a little!

Access: Shitennoiji-mae Yuhigaoka station on the Tanimachi subway line. Exit 4. Head down the alleyway next to the doughnut shop. 5 minutes on foot.