Kyoto Ebisu Shrine｜京都ゑびす神社

One of the Shichifukujin (Seven Gods of Fortune), Ebisu is the patron god of business and fishermen.  Signs of Ebisu worship can be found all over this shrine, including statues of the smiling fisherman on the shrine’s sandō entrance path and a depiction of his happy face mounted on the torii gate and in the kaguraden.    

On the center of the shrine’s second torii is a depiction of Ebisu’s face looking down cheerily at those who pass.  Interestingly enough, there’s also a kumade (rake) beneath Ebisu’s depiction, one you might see has collected quite the collection of coins.  It’s a local tradition to toss spare change up at the rake in the hopes of getting it in the basket there, the rake itself symbolizing “raking in fortune”.  It is said that if you successfully toss a coin in your wish may come true.  If you have some cash on hand, why not give it a try yourself?

Since the tradition of Ebisu’s lucky bamboo being used to attract good fortune to businesses originated at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine, their Tōka Ebisu Festival in January when the bamboo is available is exceedingly popular.  People come from all over to purchase these fukuzasa, which are blessed by shrine maidens performing a kagura dance and handed out by geisha apprentices or actresses in traditional dress.  Luck-seekers can purchase various charms to hang from their fukuzasa in the hopes of attracting even more fortune, and each charm carries its own lucky meaning in Japanese culture.  The red sea bream often seen on Ebisu’s hook is eaten at celebrations, the shrine maiden’s bell calls luck to you, the storehouse “stores” luck for you, the traditional cash boxes indicate wealth… feel free to mix and match while creating your custom lucky bamboo at this famous Kyoto festival!

Due to being considered something of an elder deity, Ebisu is thought to be hard of hearing.  In order to make sure their prayers are properly heard, some constituents choose to go around to the left of the main sanctuary after praying in front.  Once there, worshipers rap their knuckles on the wooden panel and then repeat the prayer again in the hopes that it will get Ebisu’s attention and increase the chances of their prayer being heard.  However, please don’t bang on this board- knock politely, or you might make irritate Ebisu instead!