About Toka Ebisu Shrine
Toka Ebisu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Ebisu, the god of fortune, located in Higashi Park, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. Ebisu is the guardian deity of fishing and navigation, and has long been revered by the people of Hakata as a god of business prosperity and good fortune.
Deities Enshrined
Main Deity:
- Kotoshironushi-no-Okami – God of fortune, known as Ebisu
- Okuninushi-no-Okami – God of matchmaking and abundant harvests
History of Founding
It is said that the shrine was founded in Kenji 2 (1276), when Takeuchi Goemon, a wealthy merchant of Hakata, invited Ebisu to the shrine based on a divine oracle from Kashii Shrine. For over 700 years since then, it has attracted the faith of Hakata merchants.
Toka Ebisu Grand Festival
Held annually from January 8th to 11th, the “Toka Ebisu Grand Festival” is a representative New Year’s festival in Fukuoka.
Festival Schedule and Contents
- January 8th – Hatsuebisu (Yo-ebisu)
- January 9th – Yo-ebisu
- January 10th – Shodaisai (Hon-ebisu)
- January 11th – Nokori-ebisu
During the festival, approximately 1 million visitors flock to the temple grounds, and around 500 stalls line the grounds.
Raffle and Lucky Bamboo Branches
Visitors try their luck with a “raffle” and receive “lucky bamboo branches” to pray for business prosperity. Lucky bamboo branches can be decorated with auspicious items such as “sea bream,” “gold coins,” and “treasure ships,” and it is believed that displaying them in shops or homes will bring good fortune for a year.
Points to Note When Visiting
How to Visit
- Purify yourself at the water basin – Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall – Follow the general etiquette for visiting a shrine.
- Receive a lucky bamboo branch – You can receive a lucky bamboo branch and other lucky charms at the shrine office.
- Stroke the Ebisu statue – It is believed that stroking the Ebisu statue on the shrine grounds will bring good fortune.
Recommended Time to Visit
- During the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival (January 8th-11th) – This is the most lively time to enjoy the festival atmosphere, but it will be crowded.
- The 10th of every month – A monthly festival is held, allowing for a relatively quiet visit.
- Weekday mornings – Recommended for those who want to visit at a leisurely pace.
Benefits
Toka Ebisu Shrine is known for the following benefits:
- Business Prosperity – Representative blessings of Ebisu:
- Family Safety – Protection of family health and peace
- Good Fortune and Prosperity – Bringing in good luck
- Protection of Fishermen – Safety of fishermen and those in the shipping industry
- Matchmaking – Blessings of Okuninushi-no-Okami
- Abundant Harvest – Blessings of agriculture and food
Many visitors are business owners, those starting new businesses, and those in sales positions.
Access
Access by Train
JR Kagoshima Main Line
- Get off at “Yoshizuka Station” (approx. 5-minute walk) (nearest station)
Fukuoka City Subway
- Get off at “Chiyo-Kencho-guchi Station” on the Hakozaki Line (approx. 5-minute walk)
- Get off at “Hakata Station” on the Airport Line (approx. 15-minute walk)
Access by Bus
Get off at “Higashi-Koen-mae” bus stop (Nishitetsu Bus) (immediately adjacent)
Access by Car
- Approximately 3 minutes from the “Chiyo Interchange” on the Fukuoka Urban Expressway
- Parking: Parking available for visitors on the temple grounds (limited number of spaces)
- Note: Traffic restrictions are in place during the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival, and surrounding roads become extremely congested. Using public transportation is strongly recommended.
Location
7-1 Higashi-koen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture 812-0045
Visiting Information
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from approximately 9:00 to 17:00)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Goshuin (Shrine Seal): Available (at the shrine office)
- Inquiries: 092-651-1563
Nearby Attractions
- Higashi-koen – A vast park adjacent to the shrine. Famous for its cherry blossoms.
- Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art – Approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Hakata Station – Approximately 15 minutes on foot. Enjoy shopping and dining.
