About Imamiya Ebisu Shrine
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ebisunishi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka City. It enshrines Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto as its main deity. Affectionately known as “Ebessan” by locals, it is visited by many worshippers, including Osaka merchants, as a deity of business prosperity, family safety, and fishing prosperity.
History and Origin
Founded in the 8th year of Emperor Suiko’s reign (600 AD), it is an ancient shrine with a history of over 1400 years. Originally, it is believed to have been established by Prince Shotoku as a guardian deity of the west when he built Shitennoji Temple. During the Edo period, it flourished as a center of “Ebisu worship” alongside the commercial development of Osaka, and even today it is known as one of Kansai’s leading shrines for business prosperity.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall and Worship Hall
The main hall is a traditional shrine building characterized by its sloping tiled roof, and the contrast between the vermilion pillars and white walls is beautiful. A large offering box stands in front of the worship hall, and there is a constant stream of worshippers.
Garden
The shrine grounds feature a well-maintained Japanese garden, a tranquil space with pine and plum trees. Its calming atmosphere makes it a perfect place to relax after visiting the shrine, allowing you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lucky Girls and Auspicious Charms
During the Toka Ebisu festival, “Kitcho” (auspicious charms) are given out, which are bamboo branches adorned with lucky charms. The sight of the selected “Lucky Girls” smiling and handing out the Kitcho to worshippers is a unique and memorable scene at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine.
Points to Note When Visiting the Shrine
Basic Method of Worship
- Purify at the Water Basin: Upon entering the shrine grounds, first purify your hands and mouth at the water basin.
- Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow: Place your offering in front of the main hall, bow twice, clap twice, and finally bow once.
- Rear Visit: At Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, there is a custom of “rear visit,” where you worship from the back of the main hall. In Osaka style, you go around to the back of the main hall, tap the wall, and say, “Ebisu-sama, please listen to my wish.”
Visiting the Toka Ebisu Festival
Every year, the Toka Ebisu festival is held for three days: January 9th (Yo-Ebisu), 10th (Hon-Ebisu), and 11th (Nokori-Fuku), attracting approximately 1 million visitors. During this period, the shrine is open 24 hours a day, allowing for overnight worship.
- 9th (Yo-Ebisu): Crowds begin to increase from the evening.
- 10th (Hon-Ebisu): The busiest day. Early morning or late night is recommended.
- 11th (Remaining Fortune): Many people visit to receive “remaining fortune.”
Recommended Visiting Times
- Weekdays: Quiet from 9 AM to around 4 PM.
- Toka Ebisu Period: Relatively less crowded from 5 AM to 8 AM or from 1 AM to 3 AM.
- First Three Days of the New Year: Due to crowds, it is recommended to visit from the 4th onwards.
Benefits and Items Offered
Main Benefits
- Business Prosperity: Success in business, increased sales.
- Family Safety: Health and happiness of the family.
- Fishing Prosperity: Prayer for a bountiful catch.
- Abundant Harvest: Abundant crops.
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: General improvement of luck.
Items Offered
- Fukuzasa: A lucky charm for wishing for business prosperity. Decorated with gold coins, rice bales, and sea bream (available only during the Toka Ebisu festival)
- Amulets: Various types available, including amulets for business prosperity and good fortune.
- Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp): Regular and Toka Ebisu limited editions available.
- Kumade (rake): A lucky charm for raking in good fortune.
Access Information
Access by Train
- Nankai Koya Line “Imamiya Ebisu Station”: Short walk (nearest station)
- Osaka Metro Midosuji Line/Sakaisuji Line “Dobutsuen-mae Station”: 6-minute walk
- Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line “Ebisucho Station”: 5-minute walk
- Hankai Tramway “Ebisucho Station”: 5-minute walk
During the Toka Ebisu festival, temporary ticket gates will be opened to alleviate congestion.
Access by Car
Approximately 5 minutes from the Hanshin Expressway Route 1 Loop Line “Namba Exit”. However, there is no dedicated parking lot, and surrounding roads will be closed to traffic during the Toka Ebisu festival, so we strongly recommend using public transportation.
Nearby Paid Parking
- Times Ebisucho Station: 3-minute walk, 300 yen for 30 minutes
- Shinsekai Parking: 5-minute walk, 200 yen for 30 minutes
Visiting Information
- Address: 1-6-10 Ebisunishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 556-0003
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (24 hours during the Toka Ebisu festival)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Goshuin (Shrine Stamp) Reception: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Inquiries: 06-6643-0150
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Tsutenkaku Tower: 5-minute walk. Osaka’s symbolic tower
- Shinsekai: 3-minute walk. A treasure trove of Osaka’s gourmet food, including kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers)
- Tennoji Zoo: 8-minute walk. Houses approximately 180 species and 1000 animals.
- Shitennoji Temple: 15-minute walk. An ancient temple founded by Prince Shotoku.
Points to note when visiting
- It gets extremely crowded during the Toka Ebisu period, so be careful with your valuables.
- Many food stalls will be set up, so it’s convenient to have some small change on hand.
- It gets cold at night in winter, so take precautions against the cold.
- Lucky charms such as Fukuzasa (bamboo branches) are large, so it’s a good idea to think about how you will carry them home beforehand.
