Ebisu-kou Festival (Kiryu Nishinomiya Shrine)

Kiryu Nishinomiya Shrine is a prestigious shrine authorized to use the title “Kanto Issha” as the only direct branch shrine in the Kanto region of Nishinomiya Shrine in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, the head shrine of Ebisu worship. Its annual grand festival, the Ebisu-kou Festival, is held every year on November 19 and 20.

As its name suggests, Ebisu-kou is a festival rooted in the worship of Ebisu. According to tradition, Ebisu does not travel to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine during Kannazuki, the 10th month of the traditional lunar calendar, but instead remains behind to protect people and their homes. Worshippers give thanks for the past year and pray for abundant harvests, plentiful catches, and business prosperity. In Kiryu, people say, “Tabi socks and kotatsu come out on the day of Ebisu-kou,” and the festival is cherished as a seasonal tradition marking the arrival of winter.

Kiryu Nishinomiya Shrine is actually located within the grounds of Miwa Shrine, which enshrines Daikoku. This makes Ebisu-kou a rare festival that brings together two major gods of fortune: Ebisu and Daikoku. More than 200,000 worshippers visit each year from across the Kanto region in hopes of receiving their abundant blessings. The yoimatsuri, or eve festival, begins early on November 19 and continues throughout the night, while the honmatsuri, or main festival, runs until 10:00 p.m. on November 20. The two days are packed with events, including ceremonial kagura performances, the dance of Princess Shirataki from a local weaving legend, Ebisu drumming, Kiryu mechanical puppet theater, and fukumaki lucky-item tossing. The lively atmosphere offers a full taste of a traditional Japanese festival. Hundreds of stalls selling lucky kumade rakes, other good-luck items, and food also crowd the shrine approach and surrounding streets, drawing so many visitors that it can be difficult to make your way through.

Ebisu is regarded as a leading figure among the Seven Gods of Fortune. He presides over commerce, fishing, and agriculture, and is revered for bestowing blessings equally on everyone, regardless of age or gender. As hopes for the coming year grow in late autumn, visit the festival and seek some good fortune of your own.