Omae Ebisu Shrine

Omae Ebisu Shrine

Omae Ebisu Shrine is a shrine located in Mooka City, southeastern Tochigi Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan. It was established on December 9, 1989. The massive Ebisu statue enshrined within the shrine stands 20 meters tall and is said to be the largest Ebisu statue in Japan. Ebisu (also called Ebisu-sama) is the sea god in Japanese mythology, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and the only one among them that originates from native Japanese beliefs. He is commonly depicted wearing a formal court cap (eboshi), a traditional hunting robe (kariginu), holding a fishing rod in his right hand and a red snapper (tai) in his left.

While most Ebisu statues depict the deity holding a red snapper, the one at Omae Ebisu Shrine uniquely holds a carp, giving it a distinctive charm. The shrine grounds are serene and classic in style, exuding an atmosphere of peace and harmony. From late December to late March each year, the precincts are covered in blooming red plum blossoms, making it a renowned spot for plum blossom viewing. Additionally, Omae Ebisu Shrine holds two major annual festivals: the "Hatsu Ebisu Matsuri" (First Ebisu Festival) on January 10 and the "Tsu Ebisu Matsuri" (Final Ebisu Festival) on December 10. On these festival days, the shrine displays a hanging scroll featuring the two lucky deities — "Daikokuten and Ebisu" — and offers sacred rice ears (hatsuhō) along with live male and female crucian carp as offerings, praying for wealth, business prosperity, health, longevity, and protection from misfortune.

Osaki Ebisu Shrine

Must-visit reason: One of the most important shrines in Tochigi Prefecture

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan

Prefecture/state where the attraction is located: Tochigi Prefecture

City where the attraction is located: Mooka