Let’s receive good fortune at the Toka Ebisu Shrine’s New Year Grand Festival, which enlivens the city of Fukuoka!
The “New Year Grand Festival” is held annually from January 8th to 11th at Toka Ebisu Shrine in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City. Many people visit this shrine every year, as it enshrines “Ebisu-sama,” known as the god of business prosperity. Especially during the New Year Grand Festival, as the first major festival of the New Year in the city of Fukuhaku, it is crowded with as many as one million people.
What is the Toka Ebisu Shrine New Year Grand Festival?
Toka Ebisu Shrine is a shrine that enshrines two deities: “Ebisu-sama,” one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and his father, “Daikoku-sama.” It is said to bring various benefits such as business prosperity, family safety, traffic safety, and fishery prosperity, and has long been popular with the local people.
During the New Year Grand Festival, various Shinto rituals are performed throughout the period, and many stalls are also set up. Worshipers purchase lucky charms such as fukuzasa (lucky bamboo branches) and kumade (rakes) and pray for good luck in the coming year. Also, the “Toho Mairi” (walking pilgrimage) by the geisha of the Hakata Kenban is one of the highlights.
Highlights of the Toka Ebisu Shrine New Year Grand Festival
Fukuzasa Grant: People wishing for business prosperity decorate lucky bamboo branches with lucky charms.
Kumade (Rakes): People buy kumade, wishing for family safety and business prosperity.
Toho Mairi by Hakata Kenban: The sight of geisha in glamorous kimonos visiting the shrine is dazzling and eye-catching.
Stalls: About 400 stalls line the street, where you can enjoy eating while walking and souvenir shopping.
Basic Information of Toka Ebisu Shrine New Year Grand Festival
| Item | Details |
| Event Period | January 8th to 11th |
| Location | Toka Ebisu Shrine (7-1 Higashi Park, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture) |
| Access | 5-minute walk from Yoshizuka Station on the Kagoshima Main Line |
| Approximately 5-minute walk from Chiyo-Kenchoguchi Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Line | |
| Phone Number | 092-651-1563 |
| Official Website | https://www.tooka-ebisu.or.jp/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of gods are enshrined at Toka Ebisu Shrine?
A: Two deities are enshrined: Ebisu-sama (Kotoshironushi no Okami) and his father Daikoku-sama (Okuninushi no Okami). Ebisu-sama is one of the Seven Lucky Gods and is widely worshiped as the god of business prosperity.
Q: When is the New Year Grand Festival held?
A: It is held every year for four days from January 8th to 11th.
Q: What do the names of each day mean?
A: January 8th is called “Hatsu Ebisu,” January 9th is called “Yoi Ebisu,” January 10th is called “Hon Ebisu,” and January 11th is called “Nokori Ebisu.” “Hon Ebisu” is considered the most important day.
Q: What time is it relatively less crowded?
A: It is always crowded during the period, but it tends to be relatively less crowded in the relatively early hours (in the morning) and on “Nokori Ebisu” on the last day compared to other days. However, please note that crowding is inevitable.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: There is no dedicated parking lot. As the surrounding coin parking lots are also very crowded, we strongly recommend using public transportation.
Q: How can I access the shrine?
A: It is approximately a 5-minute walk from Chiyo-Kenchoguchi Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Line and a 5-minute walk from JR Kagoshima Main Line Yoshizuka Station.
Q: Are there food stalls?
A: About 400 stalls line the street during the festival period, making it very lively. Various shops, including food and lucky charms, are lined up.
Q: What is the Fukubiki (lucky draw)?
A: The Fukubiki, where you can win lucky charms without fail, is one of the famous features of this festival. The shouts of “Atari!” (You win!) echo throughout the shrine grounds, enlivening the festival.
Q: Where can I receive the Fukuzasa (lucky bamboo branch)?
A: You can receive the Fukuzasa at the grant office in the shrine grounds. You can attach lucky charms (kiccho) to the Fukuzasa.
Q: What kind of clothes should I wear?
A: There are no particular rules, but comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to move in are recommended due to the crowds. As it is winter, be sure to take measures against the cold.
Q: Are there toilets?
A: Temporary toilets will be set up on the shrine grounds, but congestion is expected.
Summary
The Toka Ebisu Shrine New Year Grand Festival is a major event that colors the New Year in Fukuoka. Why not pray for business prosperity and family safety in a lively atmosphere?
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