Guide
The Ebisu-sai Festival is one of the three major festivals in Hiroshima, centered around Ebisu Jinja Shrine in Naka-ku, Hiroshima City. This historic celebration, often called "Ebisu-ko," has been held since approximately 1600. It is a highly popular event where people gather to purchase "Kumade" (decorative hand rakes), which are traditional symbols of good fortune and business prosperity. During the festival, the main Chuo-dori street becomes a pedestrian-only zone, creating a lively atmosphere filled with street stalls and massive sales at nearby department stores and shopping districts.
The main highlight of this festival is the sale of "Kumade," beautifully decorated lucky charms used to attract wealth and success. The area around the shrine becomes incredibly bustling as people seek these auspicious items. Since Chuo-dori turns into a pedestrian zone, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll and street food stalls in an area that is usually filled with cars. In the evenings, the energy shifts as stage performances like Kagura (traditional dance) and Taiko drumming may take place, offering a different side of the festivities. Additionally, the festival is a great time for shopping, as local department stores and boutiques hold large-scale sales to coincide with the event.
The 2026 festival is scheduled to begin on November 18. Typically, this festival is held for three days starting from November 18 each year. Depending on the time of day, you can enjoy everything from the bright, energetic atmosphere of the daytime shopping streets to the more dramatic evening stage events.
The event takes place at Ebisu Jinja Shrine and the surrounding Chuo-dori area in Naka-ku, Hiroshima.
Because the Ebisu-sai attracts large crowds, it is important to prepare ahead of time. The area around the shrine becomes very congested due to the high demand for Kumade charms. Since Chuo-dori is a pedestrian-only zone, keep an eye on local traffic updates and bus diversions to ensure smooth travel. Planning your visit around both the festival atmosphere and the local shopping sales will make your experience even more rewarding.
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as the area around Chuo-dori becomes very crowded. It is also wise to carry cash (coins and bills) for street food stalls and local shopping. While there are no specific reservations required for the general festivities, please check official local sources if you are looking for specific stage event schedules. Please be aware that traffic regulations may change depending on weather conditions.