Ebisu Taishai Festival

Event Overview

The Ebisu Taishai Festival is one of Hiroshima's three major festivals, centered around Ebisu Shrine in Ebicho, Naka-ku. This historic celebration has been held since approximately 1600 and is affectionately known by locals as the 'Ebisu Ko.' The festival is famous for the sale of 'Kumade' (ornamental rakes), which are traditional symbols of good fortune and business prosperity. During the event, the Chuo-dori area becomes a lively pedestrian zone, creating a massive street festival atmosphere integrated with major department stores and local shopping districts.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main attraction is the sale of 'Kumade,' beautifully decorated lucky charms used to attract wealth and success. You will see crowds gathering around the shrine to find the perfect charm. Since Chuo-dori becomes a pedestrian-only street, you can enjoy a unique atmosphere of walking through street food stalls and exploring the city without vehicle traffic. In the evenings, the atmosphere shifts as stage performances like Kagura (traditional dance) and Taiko drumming may take place, offering a different kind of excitement compared to the daytime. Additionally, the surrounding department stores and shopping streets hold large-scale sales, allowing you to combine traditional festival-going with modern shopping.

Schedule

The festival is scheduled to begin on November 18, 2026. Typically, this event is held for three days starting from November 18 every year. Depending on the time of day, you can enjoy everything from the bustling daytime shopping atmosphere to the more rhythmic evening stage events.

Venue & Access

The event takes place at Ebisu Shrine and the surrounding Chuo-dori area in Ebicho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima.

• *By Streetcar (Hiroshima Electric Railway)**: Get off at 'Hatchobori' or 'Ebicho' station. It is a short walk from the stop. From Hiroshima Station, take the line toward Hiroshima Port (Ujina) for about an 11-minute ride.
• *By Bus**: Please note that traffic regulations are in effect during the festival. Some routes, such as the Hiroden Bus Line 12, may be diverted. We recommend checking the latest transit information in advance.

Tips for Visitors

As the Ebisu Taishai attracts large crowds, preparation is key. The area around the shrine becomes extremely crowded as people gather to purchase 'Kumade' charms. Since Chuo-dori is a pedestrian-only zone, being aware of the road closures and bus diversions will help your travel go smoothly. We recommend planning a day that includes both the festival atmosphere and shopping at the nearby stores for a full experience.

What to Bring & Etiquette

Please wear comfortable walking shoes, as the area around Chuo-dori becomes very crowded and you will be walking through pedestrian zones. It is also practical to carry cash or coins for street food stalls and local shopping. While there is no specific reservation required for the general festival, please check official sources if you are looking for specific stage event details. Note that traffic regulations may change depending on weather conditions.