Introducing the latest crowding situation at Imamiya Ebisu, Toka Ebisu “Ebessan”, which is visited by 1 million people every year, and the detailed schedule for the first Houei parade in 4 years.

This year’s Toka Ebisu “Ebessan” will be held on weekdays.

The Toka Ebisu Festival , known for “Ebessan,” will be held from January 9th to 11th this year as well.It
is crowded with people who pray for business prosperity in Osaka, a city of business, and about 1 million people visit every year. .

“Ebessan” refers to “Ebisu,” one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and during the festival people pray to Ebisu for business prosperity . The Tori no Ichi market is famous in the Kanto region, but in the Kansai and western Japan areas, people buy kumade on Toka Ebisu and pray for business prosperity.

Among merchants in Osaka, “Ebessan” was something they looked forward to even more than New Year’s.

In Osaka, “Toka Ebisu” literally means “ Ebisu-sama, who has a connection to the 10th day. ” In Osaka, Ebisu-sama is affectionately called “Ebessan.” . 
In some parts of Osaka, it is said that “The Toka Ebisu Festival is even more exciting than New Year’s!” and it is said that in the past, there were merchant households in Osaka who looked forward to it more than New Year’s.

About Toka Ebisu in 2024

Toka Ebisu in 2024 will be held for three days from January 9th (Tuesday) to January 11th (Thursday).

Toka Ebisu has become popular around January 10th, as it is said to be the day when Lord Ebisu goes out to work .

・January 9, 2024 (Fire)	…Yoi Ebisu
・January 10, 2024 (water)	…Hon Ebisu
・January 11, 2024 (Wood)	…Nokori Ebisu
* Visiting hours are 24 hours.

The main day of Toka Ebisu held in Osaka is Wednesday, January 10, 2024 . However, on the previous day, January 9, 2024 (Tuesday), ” Yoi Ebisu ” will be held as an eve festival , and the next day after the main festival, January 11, 2024 (Thursday), will be “Zan Ebisu” or ” Nokorifuku” . It will be held for a total of three days .

The excitement starts from Yoi Ebisu, and the most exciting one is “ Hon Ebisu ”

The origin of Ebessan is from “Ebisuko”

We held an event called “ Ebisu-ko ” among fellow merchants and others to see off Ebisu-sama who was leaving for work . People praying for business prosperity gathered in Naniwa Ward, Osaka City ( Imamiya Ebisu Shrine ) and Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture ( Nishinomiya Shrine ), where Ebisu-ko was popular, resulting in the present-day Toka Ebisu,
centered around Osaka .

Basic information about Toka Ebisu “Ebessan”

<Toka Ebisu “Ebessan”>
[Benefit]	・God of fisheries ・God of prosperous business
[Purpose of Toka Ebisu]	・Business prosperity /financial success
[Area]	・Osaka suburbs /Kansai region
[schedule]	●3 days from January 9th to 11th every year ・Hon-ebi…January 10th every year

Speaking of Osaka’s Toka Ebisu “Ebessan” , Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is crowded with many people.

The three major shrines of Toka Ebisu are the head shrine Nishinomiya　 Shrine 　, Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, and Kyoto Ebisu Shrine.

The three major shrines of Toka Ebisu are ① Nishinomiya Shrine, ② Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, and ③ Kyoto Ebisu Shrine . These three major shrines
are visited by merchants from Osaka and other western Japan every year . Fukuzasa , the symbol of Ebisu-sama, will be flying all over the place, and you will hear people shouting, “Bring back the bamboo for prosperous business!” You will receive a bamboo tree, a symbol of Lord Ebisu and a lucky charm for business prosperity.

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

“Imamiya Ebisu Shrine” is a shrine that enshrines Ebisu, and it is known that it began when Prince Shotoku established Shitennoji Temple and enshrined it as a guardian deity in the west .

[address]	1-6-10 Ebisu Nishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
[TEL]	06-6643-0150
[HP]	https://www.imamiya-ebisu.jp/

Speaking of Ebisu Imamiya…I think there are many people who are also interested in Fuku Musume.

The “Fuku Musume” chosen every year at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is usually recruited from September and chosen from late November to early December .
At Toka Ebisu in Osaka, each group is divided into three groups to greet each other, participate in the Hoekago procession, and serve the worshipers.

What is the current congestion situation at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine?

Imamiya Ebisu’s Toka Ebisu “Ebessan” is crowded with many people every year, and although it is always crowded , there are times when it is empty!
It is best to avoid visiting the shrine between 5pm and 9pm, when it is crowded with people returning from work.

Especially on January 10th, Honebi is usually crowded from morning till night. It is so crowded that admission is restricted between 9:00 and 21:00, so it is best to anticipate that it will take some time to visit the shrine and plan your visit with plenty of time.

Fuku Musume’s service hours are from 9:00 to 21:00, so if you want to get a glimpse of Fuku Musume, it will inevitably be crowded, so please make sure to plan your visit and find a meeting place in advance with your companion in case you get separated. It would be better to make an arrangement.

Taiga loves Ebessan

Osaka locals who visit the shrine every year are surprised at how crowded it is every year.
It was so crowded that I thought people from all over Osaka had crammed in. Communication failures are likely to occur, and your cell phone may not be able to connect, so it might be a good idea to decide on a meeting point at a store or location in case you get lost.

Nearby coin parking may have special rates only during the Toka Ebisu season.

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine does not have its own parking lot, and nearby coin parking lots may have special rates. Additionally, traffic restrictions are common during peak hours, and it often takes longer than traveling by train.

It would be safe to go by train.

It was very crowded by the time we reached Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. Even after entering the shrine grounds, it may take more than an hour to receive a good omen.

If you go by train, there is already a line from Namba Station on Toka Ebisu, and it can take up to an hour just to get to the shrine.
Furthermore, the precincts are very crowded, especially the area near the awarding place.

The people receiving the gifts are jostling with each other, so please be careful where you step.

I have attached a quick map of the precincts for your reference. There is also a lost child corner near the north gate, so if you get lost, please make sure to meet up.

From Ebisu Imamiya HP

■Summary of current congestion situation at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

In conclusion, since Toka Ebisu is limited to one day, it is difficult to avoid crowds, but it is possible to shift the day to Yoi Ebisu or Zarafuku, change the time of worship, or plan your visit time and transportation in advance. By allowing yourself plenty of time to visit, you will be able to visit the shrine comfortably.

It is a festival dedicated to Ebessan, the god of business prosperity who loves lively places, so it will be fun to visit the shrine with the attitude that you can enjoy even the crowds .
There are also many food stalls, so you can enjoy the festival atmosphere!

(Tips for visiting the shrine) It is recommended to avoid peak times when visiting the shrine.

Visits are possible 24 hours a day

About the Houeigao procession that will be revived for the first time in 4 years

The Hoekago Gyoretsu is an annual New Year’s event that departs from Dotonbori in Osaka and marches to Imamiya Ebisu Shrine (Naniwa Ward, Osaka City), the god of business.

The parade-like procession that brightens the New Year in Minami is very colorful every year. In the following article, we will introduce in detail the schedule and list of participants for the 2024 Hoekago Gyoretsu.

The schedule and other details are explained below. (※in preparation)

2024 Toka Ebisu “Ebessan” Summary

Ebessan in 2024 will be held for three days from January 9th (Tuesday) to January 11th (Thursday). The actual festival will be held on January 10th (Wednesday), the eve will be held on January 9th (Tuesday), and the day after the main festival will be January 11th (Thursday).

Toka Ebisu is held at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine located at 1-6-10 Ebisu Nishi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, and the shrine is open for 24 hours. It is located right next to Imamiya Ebisu Station on the Nankai Main Line. 

Charms, amulets, and red stamps will be awarded from 9:00 to 22:00, omikuji from 9:00 to 23:00, and lucky bamboo leaves from 7:00 to 25:00 (1:00 the next day). 

In 2024, the Houe basket procession will be revived for the first time in four years. Recruitment of Fuku Musume has been conducted in a screening format for about 70 years, and 2024 will be the 72nd generation.

(Bonus) Imamiya Ebisu Shrine gift list and price list

From Ebisu Imamiya HP