If you know the answer, you can prove you’re a true Nishinomiya expert in our “Nishinomiya Quiz” corner.
This article is brought to you by “ALBOBBY,” a salon that supports Nishitsu.
Apparently, there are more than 3,000 shrines across Japan that enshrine Ebisu-sama!
I always think it’s something to be proud of that the head shrine is located right here in Nishinomiya City. Ahem✌
And at one of those shrines, “Nishinomiya Shrine” in Nagano Prefecture, during the “Hatsu Ebisu” festival held every year on January 19 and 20, people apparently borrow “a certain item” from the shrine for one year to pray for prosperity in business…
Here’s today’s quiz:
What is the “certain item” lent out for one year at Nishinomiya Shrine in Nagano?
a. A kumade rake
b. An ofuda amulet
c. Money
d. A sea bream figurine
Nishitsu correct answer rate: 0%
If you haven’t seen the answer yet, give it a try♪
- 熊手28.1%(16票)
- おふだ7%(4票)
- お金14%(8票)
- 鯛の置物50.9%(29票)
Somehow, all of them sound possible… 🤔
The correct answer is…?
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
Believe it or not!?
It was money, called Otanesen!!
and if you receive blessings, you return it the following year with at least double the amount.
※Screenshot from the Nagano Ebisu Nishinomiya Shrine website
The Ebisu-sama at Nishinomiya Shrine in Nagano Prefecture
is apparently one of the Seven Lucky Gods of the famous “Zenkoji Temple”.
In Nagano, the “Zenkoji Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage” seems to be a popular sightseeing route.
※Screenshot from Explore Freely: Zenkoji Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage | Kokon Tozai: Travel Around and Experience Nagano website
Final Thoughts
Borrowing money from a shrine!? It’s a blessed custom that makes you do a double take for a moment 😊
In a typical year, people apparently line up for about two hours to receive it. That must be tough in the cold! (This year, it seems things were shortened as a COVID-19 precaution.)
I’d love to try the “Zenkoji Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage” once COVID settles down, too〜!!
