Ebisu-dori St decked out with streamers and decortions.

Ebisu-dori St decked out with streamers and decortions. (Photo: GetHiroshima)

Ebisuko Festival in Hiroshima

Hiroshima commercial district bustles with good fortune

Paul Walsh Nov 20, 2012 - 1 min read

Ebisu-dori St decked out with streamers and decortions.

Ebisu Shrine, usually quiet and unobtrusive, is packed for 3 days in November.

As is Ebisu-dori St shopping arcade.

Komazare bamboo rakes in all sizes to help rake in good fortune over the coming year.

Komazare bamboo rakes

Official registration point for komazare rake blessing.

Big rakes mean big fortune?

A huge wooden barrel collects offerings in front of the shrine.

Ebisu-dori St buzzes with activity and good cheer.

Rakes, rakes everywhere.

The main street is closed to traffic and it's kagura time

Half of the eight-headed serpent of Yamata-no-orochi

I'm not scared!

The hero prepares his strike.

Ebisu, bringer of good fortune and commercial success, is one of Japan's most popular gods. At one of Hiroshima three major annual festivals, held November 18-20, thousands converge on his shrine in the hope that some of his good fortune will rub off.

Paul Walsh

Paul Walsh @paul.walsh

A total of 18 years in Japan and still loving it. Co-founder of GetHiroshima.com and publisher of the GetHiroshima Guide Map. Lapsed Ironman triathlete. Now trying to fit a passion for ultra distance trail running between raising two kids and occasional sessions in the DJ booths of Hiroshima.