Ebisu Grand Festival (Ebisu-ko / Ebessan)

About this event

An autumn grand festival praying for business prosperity that heralds the arrival of winter in Hiroshima. A traditional event continuing for over 400 years at Ebisu Shrine in Ebisucho, Naka Ward, it is affectionately known locally as "Ebessan." A highlight is the "komazarae" (bamboo rakes), lucky charms purchased by people wishing for prosperous business. The shopping streets of the surrounding Ebisu-dori and Chuo-dori bustles with the large "Seimon-barai" clearance sales, and on the final day, Chuo-dori becomes a pedestrian-only zone with night kagura performances and more. Its history is said to date back to 1603 (Keicho 8) when the deity Ebisu was enshrined to pray for the prosperity of the town, making it one of Hiroshima's Three Great Festivals. Even after the shrine pavilion was burned down in the atomic bombing, it holds a history of resuming the festival just over two months later by erecting a temporary hall. Strolling through the covered shopping arcade while browsing the stalls and rakes is a classic tradition, remaining lively well into the night with worshipers stopping by after work.

Venue

Ebisu Shrine

5-14 Ebisucho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima 730-0021