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Kofu Ebisu-ko Festival

Guide

Kofu Ebisu-ko Festival

6 min read

Event Overview

The Kofu Ebisu-ko Festival is a traditional celebration dedicated to Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods and the deity of business and prosperity. The tradition began in the early Showa era, organized by the Kofu Chamber of Commerce to express gratitude for successful business. Historically, this was a bustling time when people gathered to prepare for the New Year after the rice harvest. Today, the festival transforms the central Kofu shopping district into a high-energy event featuring portable shrine (mikoshi) processions, stage performances, and numerous food stalls.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The greatest charm of this festival is the incredible energy of the entire community coming together. Watching the grand, decorated mikoshi (portable shrines) being carried through the streets is a breathtaking spectacle that radiates power and tradition. The local shopping district also joins in the fun, with many shops offering special seasonal menus or limited-edition products just for this day. You can also enjoy stage events, traditional dances, and various festival stalls (yatai) that offer something for everyone, from children to adults. It is a perfect way to experience the heat and passion of a traditional Japanese festival while enjoying local delicacies.

Schedule

This event is held annually on November 23.

Venue & Access

The festival takes place across a wide area centered around the central district of Kofu city.

  • *Main Venues**: Kofu Central Shopping District, Kasuga Mall Paraca Parking, Prefectural Government Fountain Plaza, Maizuru Castle Park Lawn Area, etc.
  • *Nearest Station**: Approximately a 12–15 minute walk from JR Kofu Station (JR Chuo Main Line).
  • *By Car**: Approximately 20 minutes from the Kofu-Minami IC on the Chuo Expressway.

Tips for Visitors

The streets of Kofu become very crowded during the festival. To get a close-up view of the powerful mikoshi parades, we recommend arriving early at the main shopping streets. Many local shops also host special events, so wandering through the streets to soak up the atmosphere is one of the best ways to enjoy the day.

Essentials & Etiquette

  • *Clothing**: As you will be walking through crowds and outdoors, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing.
  • *Payment**: Please prepare cash, as many food stalls and local shops may only accept cash for small purchases.
  • *Etiquette**: Traffic restrictions will be in effect during the shrine processions. Please stay aware of your surroundings and be mindful of the event flow to ensure safety and a smooth experience for everyone. For the latest rules and details, please check the official website.