Since ancient times in Japan, Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, has been revered as the ultimate “god of fortune.” Known for holding a fishing rod in his right hand and a sea bream in his left, his plump, cheerful face is sure to bring comfort to anyone who gazes upon it.

As you can imagine from the sea bream and fishing rod, Ebisu was originally considered the "god of fishing." The belief that he is the "god of business prosperity" became widespread after the Seven Lucky Gods faith was established in Japan during the Muromachi period.

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, located in Naniwa Ward, Osaka, enshrines Ebisu and is known for bringing blessings of business prosperity and overall happiness (福徳円満).

The shrine was founded in the year 600 (Emperor's reign 1260). It is said to have been established during the reign of Empress Suiko when Prince Shotoku built Shitennoji Temple and enshrined Ebisu as a guardian to the western side of the temple.

The deity enshrined is Ebisu, also known as "Kotoshiro-nushi-no-mikoto." In addition to him, there are many other gods enshrined, including the supreme god of the eight million gods and the ancestor of the imperial family, "Amaterasu Omikami," and the Three Other Gods ("Susanoo-no-mikoto," "Tsukuyomi-no-mikoto," and "Wakahime-no-mikoto").

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is one of Kansai's premier power spots where you can encounter some of the most powerful deities! A single visit to this shrine is sure to bring a variety of blessings your way.

By the way, the "Toka Ebisu" (Ten-day Ebisu) Festival, held annually from January 9th to 11th, is widely covered in the media and frequently shared on social media.

The most famous blessing of Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is "business prosperity and business expansion." It is highly recommended for business owners, salespeople, employees who are required to deliver results, and freelancers. In addition to business prosperity, did you know that Ebisu also offers the blessing of "Fukutoku Enman"?

"Fukutoku Enman" means a state where both fortune and virtue are fully filled, with nothing lacking. It refers to being happy and abundant. In other words, Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is a powerful spot where, along with the blessing of "Fukutoku Enman," you can also achieve "happiness of the heart."

The "Toka Ebisu" festival, held for three days every year, is so popular that it attracts over a million visitors.

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is especially famous for the "Toka Ebisu," which is held for three days from January 9th to 11th each year.

"Toka Ebisu" is a traditional event in Kansai, where Ebisu, the god of fishing, business prosperity, and good fortune, is enshrined and celebrated.

The 9th is known as "Yoi Ebisu" (the eve of Ebisu), the 10th as "Hon Ebisu" (main Ebisu), and the 11th as "Nokori Fuku" (leftover luck). "Hon Ebisu" is the main day of the festival. The event kicks off with the "Yoi Ebisu" festival on the night before, and the "Nokori Fuku" festival is held afterward. During this period, the shrine is filled with people praying for their happiness in the coming year.

Interestingly, around 50,000 visitors come for New Year's Day prayers, but during "Toka Ebisu," around 1 million people gather, which is 20 times the number of New Year's visitors! This immense popularity reflects the area's long history as a commercial town, where many people gather to pray for business prosperity.

And when we think of Toka Ebisu, we can't forget the lively chant "Shōbai Hanjō de Sasa Motte Koi!" ("Bring the bamboo for business prosperity!"). Yes, many visitors aim to get the "Fuku Sasa," a bamboo branch decorated with various good luck charms (such as rice bales, mallets, and lucky rakes), symbolizing business prosperity. During the festival, people crowd together to obtain these "Fuku Sasa" with no room to spare.

As the cheerful chanting "Shōbai Hanjō de Sasa Motte Koi!" echoes through the area, vibrant stalls selling colorful decorations line the paths. Walking through the shrine surrounded by brilliant colors feels like stepping into another world. If you're a fan of power spots, the excitement will be overwhelming.

The biggest mission of Toka Ebisu is to obtain the "Fuku Sasa," a lucky bamboo associated with business prosperity. The bamboo is distributed for free within the grounds of Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, and after tying a decoration called "Kicchou" (a good omen) to the tip of the bamboo with the help of a "Fuku Musume" (a lucky maiden), the "Fuku Sasa" is complete.

The "Kicchou" at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine includes auspicious items like abalone with rice cakes, lucky bags, koban (old Japanese coins), and mallets, all gathered together in one decoration, so you don't have to buy each one separately. What's more, despite the various items included in the "Kicchou," the suggested donation for the first offering is 2,000 yen, making it quite affordable.

In addition to these, items symbolizing business prosperity, such as "kobans," "Ebisu's sea bream," and "treasure ships" with rice bales, are also available. You can also purchase additional items that match your specific wishes.

The "Fuku Sasa" can be returned at any time, not just during the Toka Ebisu period. The return box is located a few meters from the main hall and is a white box.

However, the return time is limited to between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, so if you are returning it directly to the shrine, be careful not to miss the closing time.

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is not only known for its blessings but also for its great accessibility, being within walking distance from "Namba" Station and "Tennoji" Station.

･Address
556-0003 Osaka, Naniwa-ku, Ebisu Nishi 1-6-10, Japan
･By Train
The closest station to Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is the "Nankai Koya Line Imamiya Ebisu Station." After exiting the station, it is a 2-minute (170m) walk to the shrine.

There are many other stations nearby with convenient access, including the following:

･Nearest station: "Nankai Koya Line Imamiya Ebisu Station" (immediately upon exiting)
･Subway Midosuji Line: 5-minute walk east from Exit 3 of Daikokucho Station
･Subway Sakaisuji Line: 5-minute walk west from Exit 5 of Ebisucho Station
･Hankai Line: 5-minute walk west from Ebisucho Station
･JR Shin-Imamiya Station: 10-minute walk north, or transfer to the Nankai Koya Line at JR Shin-Imamiya Station and get off at Imamiya Ebisu Station

At the start of the new year, many people wish to pray for business prosperity and financial success. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine offers not only blessings for "business prosperity and business success" but also for "complete happiness and fulfillment" (福徳円満).

In addition, the "Toka Ebisu" festival, which honors Ebisu-sama, the god of business prosperity and happiness, is held in early January every year and attracts many visitors. It is the perfect time to renew your spirit and make your prayers. Why not visit and experience it for yourself?