Ebisudō was revered since ancient times as a god of commerce and was a source of emotional support for many townspeople.
This wasn’t just a shrine. It was home to the hopes and wishes of the people of Takehara. Countless people came here with a desire in their hearts and prayed to this shrine. Perhaps Rai Tadasuga prayed to Ebisudō, hoping his children would become academics. The hearts of the people of Takehara can also be found throughout the town and in the ways that they live.
Takehara is designated as a special area by the country of Japan, which means there can be no unauthorized repairs made, even on your own house. Residents receive assistance when making repairs, but the amount they receive has a different limit each year, and some people even have to wait on a list for their turn to be able to make changes to their homes. Though it makes things more complicated, the residents of Takehara continue to protect the original structures of the area.
Throughout your walk, you’ve surely noticed the dignified aesthetic sensibilities that permeate the townscape of Takehara. The lack of littering and the single flowers subtly decorating the front of people’s homes is a sign of the residents’ desire to treasure Takehara.
As you stand in front of Ebisudō, take a moment to look back at Honmachi-dōri. You can feel the residents’ of Takehara’s quiet efforts toward preserving the original state of this town, washing over your heart like a gentle sea breeze.
