Even in a small town like Fuse there are many opportunities for local sightseeing. This is something great and unique in Japan. Wherever you go, you can find interesting places like the Ebisu Shrine in Fuse, just 5 minutes walk from the Smith’s English conversation school in Fuse! I have already visited the Shrine a couple of times.
The Ebisu festival in January
Certainly, the best time for local sightseeing of the Ebisu Shrine in Fuse is from January 9th to 11th. At that time, the Ebisu festival takes place. There are many stalls selling food and other things from the station to the shrine. Visitors can also watch parades and buy the good luck charms for businesses, because Ebisu is the Japanese god of commerce.
About Ebisu
The Japanese good luck god Ebisu often carries a carp and a very broad smile, like the statue of him at the shrine does. In Fuse, he also carries a long fishing rod which was to long to fully fit into the photo! Be sure to take a photo when you come for your local sightseeing!
A little history for local sightseeing
The shrine looks quite new. It is already on an old map of the year 1801. Actually, it is probably much older. How old is not know because a flood in the 19th century completely destroyed it with all recordings and treasures. But the village people of Ajiro, the name at that time, immediately rebuilt it. It must have been very important for them. If you come here on your local sightseeing trip, you will find the name of Ajiro still on the maps. The address of the Smith’s English conversation school in Fuse is also Ajiro.
Here is the link to the homepage of the shrine (Japanese only).
Another blog about the Yebisu Festival in Osaka
More about shrines: Hanazono Shrine in Tokyo
It’s nice that your school is so close to the shrine. You and your students can enjoy the shrine and the food stalls!