Hatsuka Ebisu Festival
During the Hatsuka Ebisu Festival, business people flock to Ebisu-jinja Shrine to buy fukuzasa, branches of bamboo festooned with miniature treasure ships, rice bales, gold coins and other lucky charms. This festival celebrates Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune and the patron deity of merchants.
During the festival ebisu-bayashi music wafts through the air of the shrine and knives produced by the Oima School, well known among elite chefs, are put on display. This festival originated in the Edo Period when Kyoto merchants returning from business trips to Edo would visit to give thanks for a successful journey. It is held only in Kyoto on October 19, 20, and 21.
