The Nihonbashi Ebisu-ko Bettara-ichi festival is held on October 19 and 20 around Odenma-cho, Chuo Ward. The fair started in 1606 when the expansion of the Edo castle made the village residents of Takarada-mura move to a new location, which became Odenma-cho. An Ebisu Statue was said to be a gift from General Tokugawa Ieyasu and a festival in honor of Ebisu is held by the Odenma-cho community. The markets are held the day before which became the "Bettara-ichi" or Pickle Fair.
This fair attracts many locals and even tourists around the area and it is a great way to experience Japanese festival culture. Around 30 food stalls sell street food, selling the local specialty, bettara pickles. Vendors may offer a sample of what they're selling and it is fun to just walk around tasting and buying local delights for a reasonable price.
At night, the large lantern in front of the Takarada Ebisu Shrine and over 1,500 lanterns throughout the area illuminate the landscape, drawing many people to the unique atmosphere of the night festival.
The Ebisu-ko ceremony is held on October 20 while food stalls start the day before (October 19).
