Osaki Jinja (Moka)

Located in Moka City, Osaki Jinja is an ancient shrine listed in the Engishiki records and said to boast more than 1,500 years of history. Its deities are Okuninushi no Okami, known as Daikoku, and Kotoshironushi no Okami, known as Ebisu, both beloved as gods of good fortune. The present shrine buildings are said to have been rebuilt during the Jingo Keiun era from 767 to 770, and the shrine has long drawn faith for blessings of business prosperity, wealth, and good matches. Known as a shrine where lottery wishes come true, it welcomes worshippers from across the country who come in search of luck.

Highlights

• A colossal statue of Ebisu at the adjoining Osaki Ebisu Shrine, said to be the largest of its kind in the country, watching over worshippers as it holds a fishing rod and a sea bream
• A solemn main hall adorned with richly colored carvings, with the main hall, offering hall, and worship hall designated National Important Cultural Properties
• The present main hall, said to have been built in 1707 in the mid Edo period, conveying the weight of its history

Enjoying the Seasons

The New Year period is especially lively, filled with people praying for protection from misfortune and for thriving business. Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green leaves, and the calm autumn precinct make for pleasant visits year round. Looking up at the towering Ebisu is striking in any season.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 937 Togo, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture
• Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Kita-Moka Station on the Moka Railway, or about one hour by Kanto bus from JR Utsunomiya Station
• Parking is available, making visits by car convenient
• Visiting is free. It is reassuring to check the reception hours for prayers and the amulet office in advance

Practical Travel Notes

Kita-Moka Station is about a 15-minute walk away, so access by rail is entirely possible. Those coming by car can use the free parking. Praying for wealth or business success, many worshippers seek out the special charms or the amulet known as a lottery holder. The Moka Railway is also known for running a steam locomotive, so timing a visit to an operating day makes the rail journey even more enjoyable. Roads nearby become congested during the New Year and festival periods, so set out with time to spare.

A Quick Tip

The giant Ebisu makes for great photos, but to truly grasp its scale you should stand close and look up. Be sure also to take a careful look at the carvings on the main hall. If you are praying for wealth or business success, consider taking home one of the special charms.

📚 Sources

This article is based on guidance published by Osaki Shrine and tourism information from Moka City and its tourism association. Notes on its standing as an Engishiki shrine, the important cultural property halls, the giant Ebisu statue at the adjacent Osaki Ebisu Shrine, and the Moka Railway steam train refer to shrine guidance and on-site explanations. Reception hours for prayers and the amulet office, and steam-train operating days, may change, so please confirm with the shrine or railway operator official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour for worship and viewing the giant Ebisu statue and halls.
• Route tips: About 15 minutes on foot from Kita-Moka Station; a maintained parking lot is available by car.
• Amulets: For wealth or business luck, some visitors seek the dedicated charms and offerings.
• Railway fun: Visiting on a Moka Railway steam-train day makes the trip more enjoyable.
• Crowd note: Roads get busy around New Year and festivals, so allow extra time.