About Kyoto Ebisu Shrine
Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is a shrine located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, known as the god of business prosperity and family fortune. Its official name is “Ebisu Shrine,” but it is affectionately known as “Ebisu Shrine” or “Ebessan” by locals.
The enshrined deities are Yaekotoshiro-no-Okami and Sukunahikona-no-Kami. Kotoshironushi-no-Okami is the son of Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and has long been revered as the guardian deity of fishing and commerce.
It is said to have been founded around the Kenkyu era (1190), making it a venerable shrine with a history of over 800 years.
Points to Note When Visiting
Unique Offering Ceremony
The most distinctive feature of Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is the offering target set up in front of the main hall. Worshippers throw their offerings from a short distance away, aiming to get them through the lattice of the main hall into the offering box at the back.
This unique method of worship is considered a way to shorten the distance with the gods and convey one’s wishes. It is said that hitting the target will increase the blessings of business prosperity, making it a popular attraction for many worshippers.
Distribution of Fukuzasa (Lucky Bamboo Branches)
Another famous feature of Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is the Fukuzasa (lucky bamboo branches). Especially during the “Toka Ebisu Grand Festival,” held annually from January 8th to 12th, Fukuzasa are distributed to worshippers praying for business prosperity.
Auspicious items such as gold coins, rice bales, and sea bream can be attached to the Fukuzasa, and they are displayed in shops and offices to pray for prosperity throughout the year. During the festival, the shrine grounds are bustling with worshippers, chanting “Bring the bamboo branches for business prosperity!”
The “Striking Board” Behind the Main Shrine
A striking board is installed behind the main shrine. This is a custom based on the legend that “Ebisu (the god of fortune) is hard of hearing,” where people strike the board to let the god know their wishes will be heard.
The proper way to pray is to pray at the front of the shrine, then go around to the back of the main shrine, strike the board, and reiterate your wish.
Benefits
The main benefits of Kyoto Ebisu Shrine are as follows:
- Business Prosperity: This is the most famous benefit, and it attracts a constant stream of shop owners and self-employed individuals.
- Family Prosperity: Many visitors pray for the prosperity and peace of their families.
- Protection from Fisheries: This is because the enshrined deity, Kotoshironushi-no-Okami, is the god of fishing.
- Matchmaking: This is because Sukunahikona-no-Kami is also known as the god of matchmaking.
- Academic Success: This stems from Sukunahikona-no-Kami, who also has an aspect as the god of wisdom.
In particular, many business owners preparing for new business openings or expansions, and those praying for business prosperity at the beginning of the year, visit the shrine, making it an indispensable place of worship for those involved in Kyoto’s commerce.
Annual Events
Toka Ebisu Grand Festival (January 8th-12th)
This is the most bustling festival of the year. Tens of thousands of visitors come, especially on January 10th, the “Main Ebisu” day. Various Shinto rituals are performed, including the distribution of lucky bamboo branches, lucky rice cakes, and the Hōe-kago procession.
Hatsuebisu Festival (January 1st-3rd)
This festival, held during the first three days of the New Year, is a prayer for business prosperity in the new year.
Access
Access by Train
- Keihan Railway: Approximately 6 minutes on foot from Gion-Shijo Station
- Hankyu Railway: Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Kawaramachi Station
- City Bus: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Shijo Keihan-mae or Kawaramachi Matsubara bus stop
Address
125 Komatsu-cho, Shijo-sagaru, Yamatooji-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Visiting Hours
- Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office hours: 9:00-17:00)
- Extended hours during the Toka Ebisu Grand Festival
Parking
There is no dedicated parking lot. We recommend using nearby coin-operated parking lots or public transportation.
Nearby Attractions
Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is located in the Gion/Higashiyama area, and there are many tourist attractions nearby:
- Yasaka Shrine: Approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Kennin-ji Temple: Approximately 3 minutes on foot
- Hanamikoji Street: Approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Approximately 15 minutes on foot
We recommend visiting the shrine in conjunction with a stroll through Gion.
