Toka Ebisu Festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

Held annually from January 9th to 11th at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka’s Naniwa Ward, the Toka Ebisu Festival is a three-day event featuring the Yoi Ebisu (Pre-Ebisu), Hon Ebisu (Main Ebisu), and Nokori Ebisu (Last Ebisu). The event rings in celebrations at shrines across the Kansai region, all under dedication to prayers for business prosperity. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is one spot among them that enshrines Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto (Ebessan) and is said to hold one of the most prominent and historically significant ceremonies, famously depicted in the oldest illustrated map of Osaka, Ashiwakebune.

Known for the cheerful chant "Shobai hanjo de sasa motte koi!" ("Bring a lucky bamboo branch for prosperous business!"), the festival is famed for the colorful Fukuzasa—bamboo branches adorned with charms like gold coins and lucky mallets, which are bestowed to visitors. These are distributed by Fukumusume, young women dressed in matching kimono, gold eboshi hats, and chihaya robes. Around 50 Fukumusume serve each year during the festival. Special Toka Ebisu-limited goshuin (temple stamps) are also available only during the festival and the days immediately surrounding it.

Another highlight is the Hoe-kago Procession, a festive parade that originated in the Edo period. In older years, geisha from the flourishing South Entertainment District (Minami) would ride in decorative palanquins to receive blessings from the shrine. Today, the parade features floats carrying sea bream and notable figures, traveling from the famous Ebisu Bridge in Dotonbori, through the streets of Minami, and to the shrine, accompanied by the rhythmic chant “Hoe-kago, hoe-kago.”