Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is a historic and revered shrine whose founding is said to date as far back as the year 600 during the reign of Empress Suiko, when Prince Shotoku established Shitenno-ji Temple and enshrined a guardian deity to its west. Today, it is widely worshipped as the home of deities for prosperous business and good fortune. The annual “Toka Ebisu” festival held every January—affectionately called “Ebessan”—draws large crowds seeking blessings for success and prosperity.

The main hall enshrines Amaterasu-omikami, Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto (commonly known as Ebisu), Susanoo-no-mikoto, Tsukuyomi-no-mikoto, and Wakihime-no-mikoto. In the adjacent Okuninushi Hall (Daikokusha), Okuninushi-no-mikoto and the Gonan-Sannyo-Yahashira are enshrined. Despite its city-central location, the shrine grounds including main hall, Daikokusha, and Inari Shrine—exude a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

A traditional custom remains for those who enter through the East or North gates: after praying at the front of the main hall, visitors also make a second prayer at the back, striking the copper gong in what’s known as the “Uramairi” or “Nenchoshi Mairi” (rear visit or follow-up prayer).

Among the shrine’s popular items are the “Enman Joju Ema,” a wish plaque featuring a colorful seven-hued pouch and a transparent acrylic prayer tablet, and charms such as the gold-plated card-type “Kin’un Mamori” for wealth, and the “Shinen Mamori” woven with gemstone thread. The shrine also offers limited-edition goshuin (temple stamps) decorated with gold leaf during seasonal events like Toka Ebisu, attracting regular visitors year-round.