Touka-Ebisu Shrine

Tōka Ebisu (the “Toka Ebisu” Festival) is held at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine from January 9 to 11 to pray for prosperity in business. It is a winter tradition in Osaka that draws about one million visitors each year. Records suggest it was already being held in the 17th century. As the shrine grounds fill with the chant “Shōbai hanjō de sasa motte koi” (“For thriving business, bring your bamboo!”), Fukumusume (lucky shrine maidens) selected through a public contest bestow “Fukuzasa” bamboo branches and auspicious charms called “Kitchō.” Fukuzasa is said to have originated from Ebisu—the deity of business prosperity—who is depicted holding a fishing rod in his right hand. Along the route from the station to the shrine, stalls sell “Fukuzarae,” lucky decorations shaped like rakes or fans, which worshippers buy for good fortune. The final day, January 11, is called “Nokori Fuku” (“remaining fortune”), and some people even bargain for Fukuzarae. During the festival, there is also the Hōekago procession, in which geiko ride in palanquins accompanied by male entertainers (hōkan) shouting rhythmic calls as they visit the shrine. (In 2021, it was scheduled to be canceled.)