The Ebisu Rock & Daikoku Rock, found in Hokkaido Prefecture, is an off-the-track scenic view in the outskirts of Yoichi, or about a 45-minute drive from the Otaru Canal. The Ebisu and Daikoku rocks are naturally occurring rock formations just offshore.
According to legend, the Ebisu Rock (Ebisu-Iwa) and Daikoku Rock (Daikoku-Iwa) get their names from their resemblance to the Japanese gods, Ebisu and Daikoku. Ebisu, the god of fishermen and good fortune, and Daikoku, the god of wealth and harvest. The Ebisu Rock is the more petite and more slender of the two, resembling the silhouette of a fisherman, and the Daikoku Rock is bulkier and broader, representing a rice bale, which aligns with the god Daikoku’s association with prosperity and food. A Shrine Torii gate crown Daikoku Rock.
The nearby sheer cliffs in the background and the calm, flat bay and beautiful beaches create a truly unique landscape. The Ebisu & Daikoku Rocks are a photographer’s paradise, as there is simply an astounding amount of natural beauty at the rocks. The way Ebisu and Daikoku rocks stand boldly in the ocean creates a magnificent site. It is best to visit during the peak daylight hours, as the sharp cliffs that line the area cast shadows on the rock in the early afternoon, well before sunset. The best viewing experience will be after sunset, until around 2-3 pm, depending on the season.
In the next bay, past the Ebisu & Daikoku Rocks, you can find Candle Rock. Candle Rock is similarly intriguing rock, seemingly juts out of the ocean near-vertically, resembling a candle. The Candle Rock is well worth the visit, especially since it is only a few minutes up the road past The Ebisu and Daikoku Rocks.
Hours and Admission
- Best visited during morning to mid afternoon
- Free
- Average Time Spent: 15-30 minutes
- Official Website
Accessing the Ebisu Rock and Daikoku Rock
Getting to The Ebisu & Daikoku Rocks can be tricky as public transport through rural Hokkaido is limited. The best way to access Ebisu & Daikoku Rocks is via a private/rental car. However, a bus service still departs roughly once every 1-2 hours from Yoichi City. Take the ‘20 Shakotan Sen’ bus line to Shiraiwacho bus stop (9 stops). This will take about 20 minutes and cost 380JPY, One way. From the bus stop, it is a 500m walk to the Ebisu & Daikoku Rocks. The same line can be taken back to Yoichi, but be mindful of the bus timetable to avoid getting stranded for long periods.
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