The Tōka Ebisu Festival, held from January 8th to 12th, is Kyoto's first major festival of the new year, celebrating Ebisu, the god of commerce and prosperity. This event occurs at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine in the Gion area, drawing thousands of locals and tourists alike.

Highlights of the Festival

Prayers for Prosperity:
Visitors pray for success in business and purchase lucky charms to display in their workplaces for good fortune.

Sacred Rituals and Kagura Dance:
Shrine maidens perform sacred kagura dances to bless leafy green bamboo branches (fukuzasa) for parishioners. Charms such as red sea bream, money boxes, and rice granaries can be attached to the bamboo, symbolizing wealth and abundance.

Traditional Performances:
On select days, maiko (apprentice geisha) and actresses dressed in traditional clothing hand out the lucky bamboo. Visitors can also witness rituals like mochi-making, palanquin processions, and the presentation of a lucky fish.

Local Quirks:
A unique custom at the shrine involves gently tapping a wooden panel behind the altar after making a prayer. Legend says Ebisu is hard of hearing, so this ensures your wish is heard!

Festival Atmosphere:
The shrine grounds are filled with lively stalls offering festival foods, creating a vibrant setting as Ebisu's song plays intermittently. 

A Festival for Luck and Tradition

Tōka Ebisu is a perfect blend of spiritual devotion, cultural heritage, and festive joy, offering visitors a memorable way to start the year with blessings for prosperity and success.

Enjoy the short video so you can immerse yourself with this beautiful tradition.

Our sacred bamboo have house charm, business charm, food charm.