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Nishinomiya Shrine

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Have you ever heard of a god who started life adrift at sea? Here at Nishinomiya Shrine, we celebrate just such a deity. Nishinomiya Shrine is the head shrine of the Ebisu sect of Shinto. It’s said there are about 3,500 Ebisu shrines across Japan, all looking back to this one. Locals affectionately call this shrine “Ebessan.” Ebisu himself is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, revered as the god of fishing and commerce. His origin story is quite unique. He was born to the deities Izanagi and Izanami, but because they didn’t follow the proper rituals, Ebisu was born without bones or limbs. Placed in a basket, he was set adrift on the ocean. Some stories say he floated all the way to Hokkaido, where he was raised by the Ainu people. Another version connects him to Kotoshirunushi, son of Okuninushi, and claims Miho Shrine in Shimane as his true origin. Regardless of his true birthplace, he found his home here, at Nishinomiya Shrine. The shrine’s history stretches back to at least the Heian Period, though its exact founding date remains a mystery. Back then, it was called Ebisu-sha and was already drawing crowds of worshippers. The shrine has three inner shrines, each dedicated to different deities. The first, of course, is Ebisu. The second houses Amaterasu and Okuninushi. The third is dedicated to Susanoo. Nishinomiya Shrine is renowned for its Toka-Ebisu festival, held every January 10th. The most thrilling part is the “Lucky Men” race. Just imagine thousands of people gathered before dawn at the main gate. At 6 a.m., the shrine’s drum echoes, the gates burst open, and the runners sprint 230 meters to the main hall. The first three to arrive earn the title of “Lucky Men,” with the winner crowned the “Luckiest Man.” The race can attract over 6,000 participants. So, as you stand here at Nishinomiya Shrine, remember the remarkable journey of Ebisu. From a child adrift at sea to a beloved god of fortune, his story is a testament to resilience and the enduring power of faith.

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