Toka Ebisu Shrine “New Year Grand Festival”

Located in Hakata, Fukuoka City, Toka Ebisu Shrine enshrines the deities Kotoshironushi no Okami (Ebisu) and Okuninushi no Okami (Daikoku). Its “New Year Grand Festival,” held annually from January 8 to 11, is a beloved seasonal event where worshippers pray to Ebisu for good fortune and prosperity in business for the year ahead.

During the four-day festival, a variety of ceremonies and festivities take place, including the “Kaiun Goza,” a ritual celebrating good luck for the New Year, and the traditional “kachi-mode,” in which geisha from the Hakata ticket office walk through the streets to pay their respects. There are also offerings of dance performances and poetry recitations, adding to the festive atmosphere.

After praying, visitors can try their luck at the lottery draws. Lucky charms such as “fukuyose” talismans and abacuses are guaranteed prizes, and joyful cries of “Big win!” echo throughout the shrine grounds. In addition to the lottery prizes, there are booths offering other auspicious items such as gold measuring cups and gold folding fans. Around 300 food and merchandise stalls line the grounds, drawing large crowds and making this the most vibrant time of the year at the shrine. Also popular are the unique “Ebisu-zeni,” an auspicious old coin lent by the shrine and returned the following year, as well as special goshuin stamps available only during the New Year Grand Festival.