In Japan, there is an event called "Tanabata" which is also known as Star Festival. This Tanabata Festival is called “Kyo no Tanabata” and is one of the main Tanabata Festivals held in Kyoto. On July 7th, there is a custom that people write their wishes on the strips of paper and hang them on the bamboo trees. By doing so, it is believed that your wishes will come true. Tanabata Festival is held throughout Japan from July to August and it is held in August in Kyoto to follow the old calendar. In "Kyo no Tanabata", there are various kinds of events such as nighttime illuminations of strips of papers with bamboo leaves in several places and exhibitions relating to the legend of Tanabata during the event. The two major venues are in Kamo River area and Horikawa area where is close to Nijo-jo Castle. In these places, you will surely enjoy the visionary lights of nighttime illuminations. This picture is taken in Horikawa venue and is called “a milky way of lights” (Hikari no Amanogawa). Please enjoy all these beautiful and visionary nighttime illuminations and Tanabata legend during the event which lasts about two weeks! Please also refer to Kitano Tanabata Festival which is a part of "Kyo no Tanabata". There is a nighttime illumination in Nijo-jo Castle as well. ▼ Kitano Tanabata festival https://sharing-kyoto.com/event_kitanotanabata_festival *Photo credit: Executive Committee of Kyo no Tanabata