For our first visit in Hokkaido out of Sapporo, we decided to go and check out the two rocks called Ebisuiwa and Daikokuiwa. Iwa means rock in japanese.
Ebisu and Daikoku are gods. Ebisu is the one for fishers, merchants and prosperity. Daikoku on the other hand, is the god of weatlh, business and trade. The pair brings good fortune. The provide and protect merchants. They also belong to the Seven deities of Fortune.
Many shrines accross the country are dedicated to them. Many stations, street, bridges or city districts are named after these two gods.
Ebisu is often pictured with a fish under his left arm and a fishing rod in his right hand. Daikoku is a fat and smily man sitting on rice bags with a hammer in his hand and a bag full of money on his back.
The rocks are named after Ebisu and Daikoku because of their resemblance to the gods… Well, you need to have a lot of imagination to see it. Maybe if you close one eye and try to squint…
The two spirits are very close to the shore and are quite small. I was expecting to see two big fat rocks a bit farther away in the sea. I couldn’t be more wrong ! Nevertheless, I was very impressed. Especially by the one on the left, Ebisuiwa. It is very weird how they can stand on a so tiny and narrow base.
Little disappointment though : the environment around. The rocks are beautiful and impressive, unfortunately I couldn’t enjoy the place to its fullest. The place is not the most welcoming ever. There is a lot of pollution, a concrete dike between the beach and the road and there are some big construction work a few meters away. Far from a dream place. Even though Ebisuiwa and Daikokuiwa are nice to see, I don’t think they’re worth a 12€ and 2hour bus trip (return ticket) from Otaru.
Au gré du vent 
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