One of Fukuoka’s most iconic New Year events, the Toka Ebisu Shogatsu Taisai takes place annually from Jan 8 to 11 at Toka Ebisu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of business prosperity. For many in Fukuoka, it marks the “first day of work” following hatsumode (New Year shrine visit), drawing large crowds—especially local merchants and businesspeople.
A highlight is the fukubiki lottery, where every ticket wins a lucky charm, such as a zodiac hariko figure or other auspicious items. On Jan 9, the traditional Kachi-mairi procession features Hakata geigi (geisha) in formal kimono visiting the shrine, adding a distinctively local touch to the celebration.
Opening hours vary daily, with the shrine open overnight from Jan 9 to 10. Yoi Ebisu (Jan 9): 9:00–around 6:00 the next morning; Syogatu Taisai (Jan 10): 6:00–around 1:00 the next morning; Nokori Ebisu (Jan 11): until around 16:00. Around 300 vendor stalls line the surrounding area, offering lucky items like maneki-neko and daruma, as well as classic festival food.
• 1/8 (Thu.) ~ 1/11 (Sun.) *Lottery time for each day
Jan 8 (Hatsu Ebisu) 10:00~23:00
Jan 9 (Yoi Ebisu) 9:00~6:00 (next day)
Jan 10 (Main Festival Day) 6:00~1:00 (next day)
Jan 11 (Nokori Ebisu) 9:00~16:00
• Toka Ebisu Shrine
• 7-1 Higashi-koen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.tooka-ebisu.or.jp/newyear/specialguide/
• https://www.instagram.com/tookaebisu_official/
