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Toka Ebisu Festival 2025: January 9-11 in Osaka and Kyoto
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Toka Ebisu Festival is an annual festival held January 9 - 11 at shrines in Osaka and Kyoto associated with Ebisu, the deity of wealth. We delve into the festival's origins, featuring shrines in Osaka and Kyoto where the festival is held.
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After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.
What Kind of Festival is Toka Ebisu?
Toka Ebisu Festival is dedicated to Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who is famous as the god of business prosperity, fishing, and bountiful harvests. It is primarily held in the Kansai region, including Osaka and Kyoto, and is colloquially known as Ebessan by locals.
The festival takes place every year over three days, from January 9 to 11, with Yoi Ebisu on the 9th, Hon Ebisu on the 10th, and Nokori Fuku on the 11th.
During the festival, there are various food stalls and events held, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant and lively atmosphere even after the New Year.
Toka Ebisu Festival’s Origins
Toka Ebisu Festival’s origins date back to the Heian period (794-1185), when it was originally deeply revered in regions where commerce and fishing thrived.
The reason why people pray to Ebisu on January 10 is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have become an event to bring in good fortune right after the New Year. During the Edo period (1603-1868), as merchant culture developed, it spread nationwide as a festival to pray for business prosperity.
Today, good luck charms such as fukuzasa (lucky bamboo branches) and kumade (a rake-shaped charms) have become symbols of the festival and are beloved by many.
Three Shrines Famous for Toka Ebisu Festival
Next, we will introduce three shrines famous for their Toka Ebisu Festivals.
1. Nishinomiya Shrine (Nishinomiya, Hyogo)
Photo by Pixta
Nishinomiya Shrine is the head shrine dedicated to Ebisu and is known nationwide as Nishinomiya Ebessan.
The Opening Ceremony and Lucky Man Race is a must-see, with the red gates opening at 6 a.m. and participants racing 230 meters to the main sanctuary. The first, second, and third to arrive are recognized as the “Lucky Men” of that year.
During the Toka Ebisu Festival, over 300 stalls line the shrine grounds, where you can purchase Ebisu manju (steamed bun with sweet red bean paste filling) and other good luck charms.
- Name
- Address
- Hours
- Contact
- Official Website
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Nishinomiya Shrine |
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Hyogo, Nishinomiya, Shakecho 1-17 |
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5:00 - 18:00 |
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0798-33-0321 |
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https://nishinomiya-ebisu.com/ (Japanese) |
2. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine (Osaka)
Photo by Pixta
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, located in Naniwa, Osaka, is affectionately known as Ebessan. Every year during the Toka Ebisu Festival, the shrine attracts as many as a million visitors.
Fukuzasa, a good luck charm, is especially popular. The sight of women, chosen as “Fukumusume” or lucky maidens, distributing fukuzasa has become an iconic winter tradition.
Food stalls line the shrine grounds, offering a variety of foods from early morning into the night. The shrine road is also lit up at night, allowing you to experience the lively atmosphere both day or night.
- Name
- Address
- Hours
- Contact
- Official Website
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Imamiya Ebisu Shrine |
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Osaka, Osaka, Naniwa, Ebisunishi 1-6-10 |
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6:00 - 17:00 |
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06-6643-0150 |
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https://www.imamiya-ebisu.jp/english |
3. Kyoto Ebisu Shrine (Kyoto)
Picture courtesy of Photo AC
Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is a central figure in Kyoto’s Ebisu faith and attracts hundreds of visitors during the Toka Ebisu Festival.
This shrine is dedicated to Ebisu as a symbol of business prosperity and household well-being and is also famous for its long history. During the festivities, visitors flock to the shrine to purchase fukuzasa and kumade, praying for prosperity in their businesses and families.
Traditional rituals and stalls selling local specialties line the grounds, making this a valuable opportunity to engage with the local culture. Additionally, the shrine is a popular spot for both domestic and international visitors, who can immerse themselves in the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto.
- Name
- Address
- Hours
- Contact
- Official Website
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Kyoto Ebisu Shrine |
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Kyoto, Kyoto, Higashiyama, Yamato-oji, Shijo, Komatsucho 125 |
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8:30 - 17:00 January 9: 9:00 - Open all night January 10: Open all day January 11: Until 24:00 |
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075-525-0005 |
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http://www.kyoto-ebisu.jp/ (Japanese) |
Toka Ebisu Festival FAQ
Picture courtesy of Photo AC
Finally, here are some frequently asked questions about the Toka Ebisu Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do at the Toka Ebisu Festival?
At the Toka Ebisu Festival, people typically purchase good luck charms like fukuzasa (lucky bamboo branches) and kumade (rake-shaped charms) to pray for business prosperity and safety in the household.
Nishinomiya Shrine also features the Opening Ceremony and Lucky Man Race, where participants race at full speed toward the main sanctuary, a spectacle that often makes headlines. Meanwhile, Imamiya Ebisu Shrine brings tranquility to visitors as they are greeted with a smile while the Fukumusume hand out fukuzasa.
These traditional events are unique ways to enjoy the Toka Ebisu Festival.
How do I display fukuzasa and kumade decorations?
A common way to decorate fukuzasa and kumade is by adding auspicious ornaments.
Purchase the decorations at the shrine and display them in a prominent place at home or in your workplace. It is commonly believed that placing decorations at the front door or entrance of a store will attract good fortune.
It’s customary to return the previous year’s good luck charm to the shrine at the next Toka Ebisu Festival to make way for the new, as these items have completed their role for the year. Throughout the year, be sure to handle them with care and gratitude.
Is the Toka Ebisu Festival only held in Kansai and Western Japan?
The Toka Ebisu Festival is widely celebrated in the Kansai region, but it’s also held at Ebisu shrines outside of Western Japan.In Kanto, the Toka Ebisu Festival is held at some shrines in Tokyo and Chiba. However, unlike in Kansai, where the festival is a large-scale event that involves the whole community, it is usually on a much smaller scale.
Read also
Main image by Photo AC
After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.
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