Visiting Kyoto Ebisu Shrine right after the New Year was an experience steeped in tradition and cultural richness, embodying the spirit of 'Hatsumode,' the first shrine visit of the New Year observed by many Japanese. This time-honored practice felt even more special at Ebisu Shrine, known for its association with prosperity and good fortune, attracting visitors from all walks of life seeking blessings for the year ahead.
The atmosphere at the shrine was electric, filled with the anticipation and hope of the new year. Engaging in the traditional ritual of drawing omikuji (fortune-telling slips) added a personal touch to the visit, where I had the chance to contemplate my luck and prospects for the coming year. The experience was both humbling and exciting, offering a moment of reflection amid the festive buzz.
Adding to the charm of the occasion was the New Year's market set up on the shrine grounds. The market was a feast for the senses, showcasing an array of food stalls that offered everything from traditional Japanese New Year delicacies to street food favorites. Sampling the various offerings, each more delicious than the last, was a highlight of the visit, allowing me to indulge in the culinary delights that are a hallmark of Japanese New Year celebrations.
Kyoto Ebisu Shrine during the New Year period is more than just a place of worship; it's a vibrant cultural hub that brings together tradition, community, and gastronomy. Whether you're participating in Hatsumode, seeking a glimpse into your future through fortune-telling, or simply there to enjoy the festive market, the shrine offers a uniquely enriching experience that captures the essence of Japanese New...
Read moreWe visited the Jinja for Toka Ebisu Festival which is held on 10th January (Toka means 10th day of the month).One of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune, for Ebisu-sama. One of the features of the festival is a very big fresh tuna is dedicated to Ebisu-sama. ln here the good fortune ritual is in here, it is believed that if you succeed in throwing a coin into the rake or basket of on the second Tori Gate (through the entrance)where there is face of Ebisu-sama with a basket, your wish will come true. Unfortunately, since it was very crowded we couldn't do it. l keep it for next time. We just pray for Success as the rest of the People gathered on this day to pray for the success of their business. ln here people also buy lucky bamboo branches at the Toka Ebisu Festival as the symbol of rise of family fortune and thriving business, because bamboo trees grow straight to the sky, and they are so flexible that they don’t break easily as my friend and just shared...
Read more【日本三大えびす「えべっさん】 Kyoto Ebisu shrine (English bellows) 京都ゑびす神社は、京都市東山区に位置する神社で、商売繁盛や家運隆盛を祈願する人々から厚い信仰を集めています。1202年に栄西禅師が建仁寺の鎮守社として創建し、その後、応仁の乱を経て現在地に移転しました。主祭神は八重事代主大神、大国主大神、少彦名神で、笹が家運隆昌や商売繁盛の象徴とされています。神社には、本殿や拝殿、小松天満宮、白太夫社、岩本社、八幡神社など多くの施設があり、年間を通じて様々な祭事が行われています。特に「十日ゑびす大祭」は1月8日から12日に開催され、多くの参拝者が訪れます。神社は都七福神や京の七福神の一つであり、訪問者はこれらの巡礼地としても訪れます。
Kyoto Ebisu Shrine,
located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, is a shrine known for its blessings of prosperity in business and family fortunes. It was established in 1202 by Zen master Eisai as a protective shrine for Kennin-ji Temple. The main deities worshipped here are Yae-Kotoshironushi no Okami, Okuninushi no Okami, and Sukunahikona no Kami. The shrine is also famous for its use of bamboo as a symbol of prosperity and resilience. It features various structures including the main hall, worship hall, Komatsu Tenmangu Shrine, and several other smaller shrines. Kyoto Ebisu Shrine hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, with the most notable being the Toka Ebisu Festival from January 8 to 12, attracting many visitors. The shrine is part of the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage in Kyoto, making it a significant cultural and spiritual site for both locals...
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