Nishinomiya Shrine (Nishinomiya Ebisu)
The head shrine of “Ebessan,” where people race to be the “lucky man”
The well-loved Nishinomiya Shrine is fondly nicknamed “Ebessan” by the people of Kansai. It is the head shrine of the Japanese shrines that worship Ebisu, the god of prosperous business who brings fortune. It is said that it originated long ago, and has a history of more than a millennium.
The main shrine on the grounds has an unusual construction known as “Nishinomiya-zukuri,” and has been designated a national Tangible Cultural Property. The sight of the numerous sake casks—offerings from sake brewers around the country—lined up around the bright red main shrine building is unique to Nishinomiya Shrine.
The Toka Ebisu Festival is held each year for three days from January 9, and is a quintessential part of winter in Kansai. During the festival, you’ll hear high-spirited calls of “Shobai Hanjo de Sasa Motte Koi!” (Bring a bamboo branch for a prosperous business) within the shrine grounds. The highlight of the festival is the Kaimon Shinji Fukuotoko Erabi, which takes place on January 10. At 6 am, people aiming to become the fukuotoko (“lucky man”) of the year race around 200 meters from the great front gate to the main shrine as the gates open: it’s a thrill to see their sincere efforts and the enthusiasm of the spectators that cheer for them.
Why not visit to secure a whole year of fortune?
Category
Relevant feature articles
- The Settsu (Hanshin) area! From popular sightseeing spots such as Takarazuka and the Koshien to specialty gourmet dishes
- https://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/world/feature/detail_20.html
Basic information
- Zip code
- 〒662-0974
- Address
- 1-17 Shake-cho Nishinomiya-shi 兵庫県
- Telephone Number
- 0798-33-0321
- Opening times
- [Shrine opening times]
[April to August] 05:00–19:00
[October to February] 05:00–18:00
[March, September] 05:00–18:30
*January 10 only: Open at 06:00
[Juyosho (Amulet Office)]
09:00–17:00 (prayers accepted until 16:30) - Access (car)
- From the Kobe area: Very close to the Nishinomiya exit on the Hanshin Expressway Kobe Route
From the Osaka area: Approx. 5 mins from the Mukogawa exit on the Hanshin Expressway Kobe Route - Access (public transport)
- Approx. 5 mins’ walk from Hanshin Nishinomiya Station
Approx. 10 mins’ walk from JR Sakurashukugawa Station
Approx. 15 mins' walk from Hankyu Shukugawa Station - Parking
- Regular cars: Approx. 50 (free)
*Advance reservations required for large buses
*Parking unavailable during the New Year and Toka Ebisu Festival
