Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka

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Facts & Figures

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is not the biggest, but one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Osaka. Locals call this elegant shrine also Ebessan. The Shinto shrine is dedicated to the kami Ebisu (known as god Kotoshiro Nushi no Mikoto), which is the God of commerce and fishermen. Ebisu belongs to the Seven Gods of good Fortune according to the beliefs of Japanese people. Other kamis enshrined here are Susanoo-no-Mikoto (god of the sea, storms, fields, the harvest, marriage, and love), Amaterasu (goddess of the sun), Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto (god of the moon) and Wakahiru-me (goddess of the rising sun).  Explore Ryokans in Osaka >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. Every year in January the shrine will be visited by over 1.000.000 people to celebrate the famous Toka-Ebisu festival. The first thing you will see before entering the shrine area is the unique gate called Mitsu-torii. It consists of one main gate and two smaller ones. The traditional design of the main hall (Honden) is another highlight of this place. Did you know that many companies making donations to the shrine every year to have success with their businesses. Some of the fences and stone lanterns you will find there are gifts by big cooperations like Kansai Electric, Nankai Railway and Kubota. If you are wondering why there are so many pots with small plants at the shrine grounds. It is easy to answer the Shinto religion and its deep connection with nature is symbolised through these pots. The same reason is applied for the small stones covering the enclosure.

• Imamiya Ebisu Shrine:
• Opening Hours - daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 9:00 pm during the Toka-Ebisu festival)
• Closed - never, open the whole year
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating metropolis Osaka with a local guide? For more details check out this page >

History

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine was established during the reign of Empress Suiko (593 - 628) in 600. It was constructed as the guardian shrine of the Shitenno-ji Temple. During the Heian Period (794 - 1185) a nearby fish market (Hamanoichi) got more and more successful and locals decided to make Imamiya Ebisu Shrine their guardian and the deity Ebisu their god of business. During the Muromachi Period (1336 - 1573) the deity Ebisu became part of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Ceremonial gong - The structure is located right behind the Honden (main shrine). You will hear its sound only during the Toka-Ebisu festival in January.

Honden - The main hall with its traditional architecure is worth a visit.

Festival & Events at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine (dates can change without notice)

January

Toka-Ebisu Festival (9th until 11th)
The 3 days festival is attracting every year more than 1 million people. You can buy there good luck charms (ofuda), small gifts provided by the shrine (kiccho), sacred bamboo branches (fukuzasa) with a decoration of symbols of luck. This should help your business to thrive during the year:) Look out for woman with golden hats (eboshi), which are selling these lucky charms. Only 50 woman (out of thousands of applicants) getting the honour to be the fuku-musume (lucky daughters) on that day. The colourful festival is famous for its traditional Hoekago floats which are carried through the streets. The main parade is happening on the 10th of Jan. Toka-Ebisu was first held during the Edo Period (1603 - 1867). If you get hungry look out for street stalls (yatai) and enjoy the amazing food there.