Nishinomiya Shrine will hold Natsu Ebisu (Tanabata) from July 7 (Fri) to 10 (Mon), and on July 20 (Thu).
（This information was provided by Iroha, a Nishi2 supporter. Thank you!）
（Written on their behalf by Hamaamu, a Nishi2 supporter）
Here it is ↓
This year, it’s being held normally for the first time in four years!
“Natsu Ebisu” is an event at Nishinomiya Shrine held around July 10, exactly half a year after the New Year’s “Toka Ebisu” festival.
What Happens at Natsu Ebisu (Tanabata)
Here’s a look at some of what takes place during Natsu Ebisu, along with scenes from last year.
Tanabata Decorations (7th)
Bamboo branches are placed along the approach and within the shrine grounds. There are tables with tanzaku wish strips, where you can write your wish and tie it to the bamboo.
Things have finally settled down enough for the event to be held normally this year.
Tanabata Milky Way (7th, 10th, 20th)
LED lights float on the sacred pond in front of the worship hall.
This is what it looks like before it gets dark. Once the sun sets…
Blue lights float across the pond, creating a Milky Way. It runs from 18:00 to 21:00.
Food Stalls
Since the festival is back to its normal format this year, there may be more stalls than last year and an even livelier atmosphere.
Ara Ebisu Night Festival (Yebisu Beer Festa) (July 9 and 10)
You can compare different Yebisu beers while enjoying food from restaurants in the local temple-front town area. Sounds like a lot of fun!
Ebisu Manto Toro Lantern Festival (July 20)
This is from 2019. It looks incredibly magical.
Wind Chime Market (7th–10th and 20th)
All kinds of wind chimes, a classic sound of summer, filling the air with cool, refreshing tones.
Other events taking place are listed here ↓
Lastly
Over the past few years, Natsu Ebisu has been canceled or scaled back due to COVID-19, rain, and other reasons, so it feels kind of moving to see it return to its normal format for the first time in four years. Here’s hoping for good weather on the event days…!🙏 We’ll also publish another article later with details on the restaurants taking part in the Ara Ebisu Night Festival, so stay tuned!
※Thank you to Iroha, a Nishi2 supporter, for the information!!
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