You Must Visit the New Year Festival in Osaka!

📍 Osaka · 👁 1046 reads

Visit "Ebisu～♪" at the start of the new year

When it comes to the most anticipated event at the start of the new year in Osaka, it has to be the "Toka Ebisu" at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine!

"Toka Ebisu" is a festival held for three days from January 9 to 11 each year, praying for prosperous business in the commercial city of Osaka. Locals affectionately call it "Ebisu," and it has been loved by people since ancient times.

The specialties of Toka Ebisu include "Fukusasa" (lucky bamboo branches) and "Kumade" (rakes) decorated with lucky charms.

The bamboo branch for "Fukusasa" is given out for free, and you only need to choose ornaments called "Kichō" to decorate it, creating a one-of-a-kind Fukusasa♪ People keep the Fukusasa and Kumade purchased at Toka Ebisu as amulets for business prosperity, displaying them in shops or companies throughout the year.

During Toka Ebisu in Osaka, you can hear the slogan "Bamboo brings fortune!" all day long. You must come and experience this lively atmosphere✨

Another feature of Toka Ebisu is the "Fukumusume" (Lucky Maidens)!

"Fukumusume" refers to shrine maidens who act as a bridge between the deities and worshippers. During the three days of Toka Ebisu, they bestow the blessings of the deities on the people, holding a very important role.

When you go to buy the "Fukusasa" and "Kumade" introduced above, be sure to meet the Fukumusume and ask them to tie the Kichō ornaments onto the bamboo branches～♪

The gorgeously decorated Fukusasa and Kumade. The exceptionally beautiful Fukumusume, each one a standout.

In short, it is energetic, splendid, lively, and full of Osaka's unique character—that is the Toka Ebisu festival.

And then there's another thing to look forward to. That is the street stalls stretching for about one kilometer from the shrine area to Namba Station!

From common street foods like takoyaki and cotton candy to Osaka's specialty grilled squid, there is a wide variety of easy-to-enjoy snacks. Festival food is also a perennial delight! Why not wander among the rows of stalls and try your favorite snacks♪

At izakaya-style street stalls where you can sit and relax, a cup of warm sake and hot oden is absolutely amazing!

The nighttime atmosphere with lanterns lit up is also wonderful. Toka Ebisu is bustling from morning till night.

The reception for Fukusasa and prayers is open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Also, you can visit the shrine for worship 24 hours a day during Toka Ebisu!

However, the reception for Fukumusume and fortune slips closes earlier, so if you want to see the Fukumusume or draw a fortune slip, we recommend going early!

It is said that in past years, the Fukumusume are available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and fortune slips can be drawn from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM♪

We recommend enjoying the street food stalls on your way back as you slowly walk to Namba Station.

Be sure to experience the incredibly lively "Toka Ebisu" at the start of the new year!

Travelogue Table of Contents

1. ● The New Year Festival "Toka Ebisu" Held at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

2. ● The Stunningly Beautiful Fukumusume

3. ● Street Stalls Stretching About 1 Kilometer from Namba Station

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