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- Event date:January 9, 2026 at 12:58 am
- Event end:January 11, 2026 at 12:58 am
Every January, the heart of Osaka comes alive with the Toka Ebisu Festival, a vibrant and historic celebration dedicated to Ebisu, the Shinto god of commerce, wealth, and prosperity. Taking place at the Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, the festival draws over a million visitors each year—many of them businesspeople and merchants hoping to start their year with good fortune and success.
Festival Overview
The Toka Ebisu Festival spans three days, from January 9 to 11, 2026, and is filled with lively processions, sacred rituals, and traditional charm.
At the core of the festivities is the ritual of purchasing bamboo branches (fukuzasa) adorned with various lucky charms, which are believed to attract business success. These are distributed by fukumusume, or “lucky daughters”—50 young women chosen annually to represent luck and goodwill.
Adding to the excitement, a grand parade winds through the city featuring geisha, local celebrities, and performers, turning the streets surrounding the shrine into a dynamic celebration of Osaka’s merchant culture. Food stalls line the streets offering iconic Osaka street foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and grilled seafood, ensuring a feast for all the senses.
Festival Schedule (January 2026)
- January 9 – Yoi Ebisu (Eve of Ebisu):
The festival kicks off with evening festivities, a bustling crowd, and the arrival of lucky bamboo branches. - January 10 – Hon Ebisu (Main Festival Day):
The most important day of the festival, featuring traditional jukusen food offerings to Ebisu at dawn. Offerings include:- Red rice
- Sake
- Miso-steamed yellowtail
- Salted Spanish mackerel and abalone
- Raw clams, namasu (pickled daikon and carrot)
- January 11 – Zanko Ebisu (Final Day):
Visitors come for last-chance blessings and to collect any remaining lucky charms. The energy is slightly more relaxed, but the charm and tradition remain strong.
Location:
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine
1-6-10 Ebisu Nishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 556-0003
Admission:
Free to enter and enjoy the festival grounds. Bring yen for offerings, charms, and food.
Getting There:
- By Train:
- A short walk from Imamiyaebisu Station (Nankai Line)
- Or from Daikokucho Station (Midosuji and Yotsubashi Lines)
- Easy access from central Osaka by local subway or JR lines.
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A Living Tradition
The Toka Ebisu Festival is more than a vibrant street celebration—it’s a 1,400-year-old tradition rooted in Osaka’s identity as a city of merchants. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply seeking good fortune in the year ahead, this festival offers a meaningful and festive way to begin your journey.
Don’t miss this powerful blend of Shinto ritual, Osaka culture, and community spirit in the heart of the city.
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