First held in 2010, the annual Osaka Milky Way Legend takes place from 7pm on the night of Tanabata (July 7) at the Hachikenyahama Pier by Keihan City Mall. The event features colourful floating balls with LED lights called Inori Stars being released onto the Okawa river, creating stunning visuals as it gets dark – and symbolising the Milky Way galaxy in the great expanse of the cosmos.
The release of the Stars into the river takes place in two sessions; at 7.10pm, and again at 8pm. Each admission ticket includes one Star, as well as a slip of paper to write your wish on.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for an early-bird discount, ¥2,000 for adults. For advance ticket purchases, see the website for full details (in Japanese only). Tickets can also be bought at the door for ¥2,500, and children under 4 get in for free.