By ando 
Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja (Kiryu Nishinomiya Shrine), located in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, is a highly prestigious jinja. It is the only directly branched-off shrine in the Kanto region to be recognized by Nishinomiya Jinja, the head shrine of Ebisu-no-miya in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, which is known as the kami of business prosperity. Locals even refer to it as “Kanto Issha” (The One Shrine of Kanto), and its “Ebisu-ko” festival, held in early winter, attracts over 200,000 visitors.
This time, we will delve into the inspiring story of resilience and reconstruction hidden within this jinja, recently popular Shinto rituals, and sacred site information that anime fans must see.
Basic Information
Location: 2-1-3 Miyamoto-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture
Enshrined Kami: Hiruko Okami (also known as Ebisu-sama)
Founded: Meiji 34 (1901)
Main Festival: Kiryu Ebisu-ko (November 19th and 20th)
—
“Turning Misfortune into Fortune” – A Jinja Built with 60 Million Yen in Donations
The founding of Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja is steeped in the incredible passion of Kiryu’s merchants.
Kiryu, once known as “Nishijin of the East” and a town that flourished with its textile industry, was struck by a great fire in Meiji 31 (1898), which burned down the city center.
Instead of despairing, the merchants, on the brink of ruin, rose up with the spirit of “Let’s use this disaster as a springboard to further prosper the town!” What they sought as their spiritual anchor was Ebisu-sama, the kami of business prosperity.
What is astonishing is the financial power they displayed. An incredible 3,000 yen at the time – equivalent to approximately 60 million yen today – was reportedly collected from the townspeople in just a few years. This fervor reached the head shrine, and in Meiji 34, a bunrei (divided spirit) was enshrined as the only directly branched-off shrine in Kanto. It truly is a jinja symbolizing an “indomitable spirit.”
—
200,000 People Thrilled! Kanto’s Largest “Kiryu Ebisu-ko”
Held annually on November 19th and 20th, the “Kiryu Ebisu-ko” is a winter tradition of Kiryu. Hundreds of stalls line the sando (approach to the shrine), and the path becomes so crowded with people buying glittering “kumade” (rake-shaped good luck charms) and “otakara” (treasures) that it is difficult to walk.
Officially Recognized by the Main Shrine! The Excitement of “Fuku-otoko and Fuku-onna Erabi”
When it comes to Nishinomiya Jinja, the “Kaimon Shinji Fuku-otoko Erabi” (Gate-Opening Ritual to Choose the Lucky Men) held at the head shrine in Hyogo is famous. However, the “Kiryu Fuku-otoko Erabi Shinji” (Kiryu Lucky Man Choosing Ritual) also started at Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja in 2023.
Furthermore, in 2024, the “Fuku-onna Erabi” (Lucky Woman Choosing Ritual) was held for the first time in Kanto. The sight of participants dashing approximately 230 meters along the sando towards the main hall at the 6 AM signal is truly impressive. This is the first time a Fuku-otoko Erabi has been officially recognized by the head Nishinomiya Jinja to be held at a branched-off shrine, and a new legend is now being carved in the land of Kiryu.
—
Mystery: Ebisu and Daikoku “Side by Side” – The Ultimate Power Spot
When visiting Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja, be sure to pay attention to its location. This jinja was actually built within the grounds of the pre-existing “Miwa Jinja.”
Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja: Ebisu-sama (Hiruko Okami)
Miwa Jinja: Daikoku-sama (Omononushi Okami)
This means that by visiting just this one location, you can worship both Ebisu and Daikoku, two of the Seven Lucky Gods, simultaneously. This is a rare arrangement nationwide and is believed to double the power for business prosperity and good fortune.
—
Pilgrimage: Kiryu’s Nostalgia Depicted in Anime
Kiryu City, with its nostalgic townscape, has become the setting for many anime works. The area around Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja is also cherished by fans as a spot where they can feel the atmosphere of these works.
The Flowers of Evil (Aku no Hana)
Set in Kiryu City, the hometown of original author Shuzo Oshimi. The sloped roads around the jinja and the somewhat melancholic yet beautiful town scenery are linked to the unique worldview of the work.
A Place Further Than the Universe (Yorimoi)
Kiryu City appears as the hometown of Shirase Kobuchizawa, one of the main characters. The depictions of Kiryu Station area and the city center in episode 2 and others are highly accurate, and many fans visit “Yorimoi” pilgrimage sites in conjunction with their visit to the jinja.
—
Kiryu Nishinomiya Jinja is filled with the power to overcome recessions and disasters.
You can experience the excitement of the Ebisu-ko festival in November, or receive the dual blessings of Ebisu and Daikoku in the quiet precincts on a normal day. Why not seize your own “good fortune” at this place, steeped in Kiryu’s history and the determination of its merchants?