Osaka Summer Atmosphere Poem -- 2021: Tenjin Matsuri, Tanabata, Fireworks, and Shaved Ice

📍 Osaka · 👁 373 reads

July has finally arrived, and summer is here!

When you think of summer, it must be festivals and entertainment, full of all kinds of fun activities. Osaka also hosts various lively events, such as Tanabata Festival, firework displays, summer festivals, and more.

However, as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many events have been canceled again this year following last year's decision, which is a shame...

I pray that next year they will be held! Let's enjoy some photos of Osaka's summer atmosphere poem.

The first major summer event is, of course, Tanabata on July 7! On this day each year, Vega and Altair can meet once across the Milky Way, making it a very romantic day.

In Japan, Tanabata has a custom of writing wishes on strips of paper and decorating bamboo branches. It's also a favorite festival for children.

A popular Tanabata event is the "Reiwa OSAKA Milky Way Legend."

This event began in 2009, where glowing LED balls called "Wishing Stars" are released into the river near Tenmabashi Station. The scene looks just like the Milky Way in the sky!

Osaka's Tanabata event "Reiwa OSAKA Milky Way Legend"

Last year, the event was canceled due to COVID-19, and we haven't heard any announcement about it being held this year... I'll pray to the night sky, hoping to see that beautiful sight again next year.

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On the night of Tanabata, July 7, the Milky Way appears over Osaka!! Enjoy an incomparably beautiful and romantic night view!

And there's another Tanabata event.

At the famous Osaka landmark Umeda Sky Building, "Umeda Tanabata" is held.

These rows of colorful and beautiful bamboo decorations come from the Tohoku region's three major festivals, "Sendai Tanabata."

They sway gently in the wind, giving a cool feeling.

"Umeda Tanabata" at Osaka's Umeda Sky Building

It is said that these bamboo decorations also carry wishes for recovery and reconstruction ten years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as for an early end to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Umeda Tanabata event will continue until August 8 (Sunday).

Why not take a little walk from the center of Umeda, gaze at the bamboo decorations, and make a wish to the Tanabata sky?

Summer traditions naturally include fireworks! Japan's fireworks come in a variety of patterns, such as chrysanthemums, peonies, animals, and even cartoon characters, blooming across the night sky. Firework shells are handmade, relying on the craftsmanship of artisans with precise calculations, truly impressive.

Speaking of Osaka's most famous firework display, it is Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals.

Tenjin Matsuri is a traditional event with a long history, starting in 951, two years after the completion of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine.

The event consists of Yoi Festival and Main Festival. During the Main Festival, there is a boat procession of about 100 vessels and the fireworks dedicated to the gods, the highlight of Tenjin Matsuri.

Traditional event "Tenjin Matsuri" boat procession

Traditional event "Tenjin Matsuri" dedicated fireworks

Unfortunately, it has already been announced that this year's Tenjin Matsuri boat procession and fireworks will be canceled.

Two consecutive summers without seeing fireworks is really lonely... but it can't be helped.

Additionally, the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is also a representative firework display in Osaka.

Please be sure to check out past photos and videos to experience the summer feeling.

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#TravelOsakaThroughPhotos Large flowers blooming in the night sky Fireworks that adorn Osaka's summer

Of course, we can't forget summer treats! Shaved ice is also a summer atmosphere poem.

Besides enjoying simple shaved ice with strawberry or melon syrup at festival stalls, there are now evolved versions with flavors like matcha, tiramisu, mousse, and various toppings, which are very popular.

Mousse shaved ice from "GARURU Ice" in Nakazaki-cho...

And the Uji Matcha and Sweet Red Bean Shaved Ice from the taiyaki shop "Osaka Naniwaya"! Mmm~. It's cute and photogenic, and just looking at it gives a cool and refreshing feeling.

In fact, Nakazaki-cho in Osaka is a fierce battleground for shaved ice, with many popular and delicious shaved ice shops. As the hot summer approaches, why not enjoy a cool and refreshing bowl of shaved ice?

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Cool Down in the Scorching Summer!! Eating Shaved Ice Drops You Below Zero Degrees?!

▼ For more information, see the comments section.

Travel Diary Table of Contents

1. July 7 Tanabata. Praying earnestly for the end of COVID-19...

2. A symbol of Japanese summer – Fireworks! Tenjin Matsuri with over 1000 years of history

3. Intense summer heat calls for this! Evolved shaved ice

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