The “Toka Ebisu Grand Festival” is held every year on January 10th at Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. This festival, which boasts a history of over 80 years, is said to bring benefits such as business prosperity, family safety, and good catches of fish, and is bustling with many people. This time, we will introduce the highlights and access information of the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival, as well as the charm of Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine.
What is the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival at Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine?
The Toka Ebisu Grand Festival is a festival that enshrines Ebisu, known as the god of fortune. Ebisu has long been worshiped as the god of fishing and commerce, and is said to bring benefits such as “good catches of fish,” “business prosperity,” and “family safety.”
At the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival at Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine, auspicious items such as fukuzasa (lucky bamboo branches) and kumade (ornamental rakes) are given out. In addition, the appearance of the god of fortune arriving amidst the resounding sound of powerful taiko drums, along with shouts of “Oatari!” (Big Hit!), is truly spectacular.
Highlights of the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival
- Fukuzasa Distribution: Let’s receive a fukuzasa in hopes of business prosperity and family safety. The fukuzasa is decorated with auspicious items such as koban (old Japanese gold coins) and sea bream.
- Fukumochi-maki (Lucky Rice Cake Throwing): At the fukumochi-maki, many lucky rice cakes are thrown. Let’s catch a lucky rice cake and get good luck!
- Street Stalls: Many street stalls line the shrine grounds. Let’s enjoy the festival atmosphere by eating delicious food and buying souvenirs.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, January 10, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Location | Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine |
| Address | 3-3 Hachiman-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Sasebo Station<br>From Sasebo Station, take the bus bound for “Ono, Yamine,” get off at the “Sasebo City Hall” bus stop, and walk for about 5 minutes. |
| Parking | Available |
| Fee | Free |
| Inquiries | 0956-22-6121 (Sasebo Chamber of Commerce and Industry) |
| Official Website | Sasebo Sightseeing Information Site (Invalid URL Removed) |
Let’s visit the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival at Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine with the whole family and receive good fortune!