Toka Ebisu Shrine is usually one of the more quiet shrines in Fukuoka, but that changes during the new year festival called “Toka Ebisu”, held from January 8th to 11th. Over a million people come to visit the shrine and wish for success in business or family prosperity.

In addition to that, you will also find hundreds of stalls set up during the festival. You can also buy lottery tickets and win something if you are lucky enough. The festive atmosphere can be heard from far away. Phrases like: “Oatari! (lottery win)” or “Suehirogari! (becoming prosperous)” are things you will hear before even entering the shrine grounds. For many people, the climax of the festival is on the 9th of January at 3:00 pm.
Famous Geisha performers dressed in formal kimono pay visit to the shrine. This event is called “Kachimairi”.
Of course, you can also join the crowds doing hatsumode, the year’s first visit to a shrine or temple. You can experience a festive atmosphere with food stands and many people lining up for a prayer at the main hall, purchasing lucky charms for a fortunate new year and disposing of lucky charms of the past year.

Event details

※All the information above has been drafted on December 1th, 2019.