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Shichifukujin: Japan's Seven Lucky Gods and Shrines to Visit

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Shichifukujin: Japan's Seven Lucky Gods and Shrines to Visit

Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, or Shichifukujin, are seven deities of good fortune. Visiting shrines and temples associated with them is said to bring good luck. Read bout their features and places to enjoy Shichifukujin tours in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

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Lives in Tokyo. My hobbies are traveling and appreciating art. I have an eye for delicious food, and after living in Beijing, China for five years, I discovered the deliciousness of hot pot.

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Shichifukujin: The Seven Lucky Gods

About Japan's Seven Gods of Fortune
Shichifukujin Meguri: Visiting the Seven Lucky Gods
1. Shichifukujin Temples and Shrines in Tokyo
- Asakusa Shichifukujin
- Nihonbashi Shichifukujin
- Yanaka Shichifukujin
2. Koedo Kawagoe Shichifukujin Tour
3. Osaka Shihifukujin Tour
4. Nagoya Shichifukujin Tour

Japan's Seven Gods of Fortune

Seven Lucky Gods

Photo by Pixta
The Seven Lucky Gods, or Shichifukujin, are seven deities of fortune derived from Japanese mythology, Buddhism, and Taoism.

Many of these gods are closely associated with daily life, such as deities of the kitchen and prosperous business, making them beloved among the common people.

Here are the characteristics and benefits of each Shichifukujin:

- Ebisu - The god of prosperous business and good fishing, known for his appearance with a fishing rod and sea bream.

- Daikokuten - A god who brings abundance and prosperity of descendants. He is rooted in the Hindu god Shiva and is known as the god of the kitchen.

- Bishamonten - God of warfare and financial fortune, characterized by his armor and spear.

- Benzaiten - The goddess of arts, learning, and financial fortune, known for her appearance with a biwa (Japanese lute), also worshiped as a deity of music and wisdom.

- Fukurokuju - A deity who brings longevity, health, and wealth. Said to be rooted in a Chinese sage, he is unique for his long head.

- Jurojin - God of longevity and wisdom, often depicted similarly to Fukurokuju and frequently accompanied by a deer.

- Hotei - A god that symbolizes contentment, believed to be based on a real Zen monk from China. He is characterized by his gentle appearance and constant smile.

treasure ship

Photo by Pixta

The Seven Lucky Gods are believed to arrive on a "bounty ship" filled with treasures. Because of this, they are often depicted alongside a treasure ship.

Shichifukujin Meguri: Visiting the Seven Lucky Gods

In Japan, there are many shrines and temples dedicated to the Seven Lucky Gods.

Shichifukujin meguri, or the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage, is a New Year’s custom where people visit these places to receive blessings.

It is said to have begun in the latter half of the Edo period (1600–1868) when the cultured people of Edo (Tokyo) took strolls to enjoy the scenery while participating in this pilgrimage.

Afterward, visiting the shrines of the Seven Lucky Gods became popular nationwide, but it is still particularly active in Tokyo and eastern Japan today.

Visiting the Seven Lucky Gods during the New Year period known as "Matsu no Uchi" (which varies by region, lasting until January 7 or 15) is believed to bring good fortune throughout the year.

How to Enjoy a Shichifukujin Tour

Ebisu

Ebisu. Photo by Pixta
There are no special rules regarding how to visit the Seven Lucky Gods' shrines. In some regions, guided tours are available, but there is no specific order required for visiting the shrines.

One of the enjoyable aspects is receiving the goshuin (shrine stamp) at each temple. Since the goshuin serves as a commemorative record of the visit, be sure to collect it after you pay your respects.

Some shrines also offer ema (wooden votive tablets) and amulets related to the Seven Lucky Gods, as well as special color paper for stamping as a memento of your visit.

Next, we will introduce some representative Seven Lucky God shrine tours that can be enjoyed in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Shichifukujin Temples and Shrines in Tokyo

Here are three particularly famous spots for the Seven Lucky Gods' shrine tours in Tokyo.

Asakusa's Famous Shichifukujin

Matsuchiyama Shoden

The Asakusa Shichifukujin tour involves visiting nine temples and shrines.

One of the unique features is the opportunity to collect goshuin with illustrations of the Seven Lucky Gods, as well as to enjoy other auspicious items not commonly found in other regions, such as the Fukusasa, where ema (votive tablets) are decorated and displayed on bamboo branches.

The nine temples and shrines include Tokyo's iconic Sensoji Temple, the Imado Shrine known for its blessings in love and relationships, and the Matsuchiyama Shoden, which has been believed to offer protection to the Asakusa area for centuries.

The estimated time to complete the pilgrimage on foot is about four hours. You can also explore famous Tokyo landmarks like the Sumida River and the Tokyo Skytree along the way.

We suggest starting at Sensoji Temple near Asakusa Station, allowing you to efficiently receive blessings while enjoying the history and culture of Asakusa.

Recommended Route

Sensoji Temple (Daikokuten) → Asakusa Shrine (Ebisu) → Yasak Inari Shrine (Fukurokuju) → Ootori Shrine (Jurojin) → Yoshiwara Shrine (Benzaiten) → Hashiba Fudoson (Jurojin) → Ishihama Shrine (Hotei) → Imado Shrine (Fukurokuju) → Matsuchiyama Shoden (Bishamonten)

The Seven Lucky Gods in Nihonbashi

nihonbashi shichifukujin

The Nihonbashi Shichifukujin tour involves visiting seven shrines located close together, making it one of the shortest Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimages in Japan, taking about 50 minutes to complete.

Koami Shrine, which enshrines Fukurokuju, is a very small shrine but is well-known as one of the top power spots in Tokyo. It is said that washing money with the water from this shrine will enhance financial luck.

Nihonbashi was once a flourishing castle town, and even today, remnants of Japan’s old townscape can be seen. Why not enjoy the beautiful streets of Japan alongside your pilgrimage to the Seven Lucky Gods?

Recommended Route

Sugimori Shrine (Ebisu) → Kasama Inari Shrine (Juroujin) → Suehiro Shrine (Bishamonten) → Matsushima Shrine (Daikokuten) → Suitengu Shrine (Benzaiten) → Chanoki Shrine (Hotei) → Koami Shrine (Fukurokuju)

Yanaka Shichifukujin

Shinobazu Pond Bentendo

The Yanaka Shichifukujin is said to be one of the oldest Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage routes in Tokyo.

The seven temples are concentrated within a five-station area from JR Ueno Station to Tabata Station, making it easy to visit either by train or on foot.

At the famous Ueno landmark, Shinobazu Pond, you will find Shinobazu Pond Bentendo, which enshrines Benzaiten.

While the typical Benzaiten is depicted holding a biwa (Japanese lute), the statue of Benzaiten at this temple is said to possess eight arms, each holding weapons to destroy worldly desires. This statue is usually not on public display and can only be viewed once a year during the Minarukane Grand Festival in September.

Planning your pilgrimage during this time could be a wonderful idea!

Recommended Route

Togakuji Temple (Fukurokuju) → Seiunji Temple (Ebisu) → Shuseiin Temple (Hotei) → Tennoji Temple (Bishamonten) → Choganji Temple (Jurojin) → Gokokuin Temple (Daikokuten) → Shinobazu Pond Bentendo (Benzaiten)

Koedo Kawagoe Shichifukujin

kitain temple

"Koedo" refers to areas that retain old townscapes reminiscent of the Edo period (1603-1868). Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture is a historic town known for its traditional kura (storehouses) and is therefore called "Koedo Kawagoe."

Kawagoe is home to numerous historic temples, and among them, the course for the Koedo Kawagoe Shichifukujin includes seven temples associated with the Seven Lucky Gods located in the town's central area.

The entire route is about 6 kilometers long, making it possible to complete the pilgrimage in approximately half a day. You can start your journey from Kawagoe Station.

Near Rengeiji Temple, you'll find Kawagoe's iconic Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), and close to Kenryuuji Temple, there is a street lined with traditional candy shops in Kashiya Yokocho, adding an enjoyable aspect to your Kawagoe sightseeing experience.

Recommended Route

Myozenji Temple (Bishamonten) → Tennoji Temple (Jurojin) → Kita-in Temple (Daikokuten) → Naritasan Temple (Ebisu) → Rengeiji Temple (Fukurokuju) → Kenryuji Temple (Hotei) → Myoshoji Temple (Benzaiten)

Osaka Shichifukujin

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

In Osaka, which prospered as Japan's leading merchant town, the New Year is bustling with festivities for Toka Ebisu, a celebration wishing for prosperous business.

Held annually from January 9th to 11th at shrines enshrining Ebisu, one of the most famous locations is Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, which is part of the Osaka Shichifukujin tour.

Participating in the Osaka Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage during this time allows you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Toka Ebisu, enhancing the sense of vitality in the area. However, since it is expected to be crowded, it's advisable to allow extra time for your visit.

The shrines dedicated to the Osaka Seven Lucky Gods are located in the heart of the city, featuring many temples and shrines that are conveniently close to train stations.

Although it can be challenging to visit all the sites in one day, an efficient route is recommended, starting from Sankō Shrine, which is close to Tamatsukuri Station on the Osaka Loop Line, and then heading toward JR Tennoji Station.

Recommended Route

Sanko Shrine (Jurojin) → Chokyuji Temple (Fukurokuju) → Hoanji Temple (Benzaiten) → Daijobo (Bishamonten) → Okuninushi Shrine (Daikokuten) → Imamiya Ebisu Shrine (Ebisu) → Shitennoji Hoteison Hall (Hotei)

Nagoya Shichifukujin

The Nagoya Shichifukujin tour consists of seven temples located within Nagoya City.

Although the tour can be done year-round, if you visit all seven temples within January and receive the goshuin (shrine stamps) on a special designated color paper, you will receive a commemorative item (limited quantity).

Since the temples are spread across a wide area of Nagoya, it is advisable to use a car, bus, or train for your pilgrimage.

Starting at Fukumatsuin Temple or Hoshoin Temple, both of which are near Nagoya Station, can make your journey easier to navigate.

At Shofukuji Temple, the Roku no Ichi market is held on days that include the number six each month, attracting many people who come to enjoy the outdoor stalls.

Why not take the opportunity to experience the local culture while visiting local temples?

Recommended Route

Fukushoin Temple (Bishamonten) → Hoshoin Temple (Hotei) → Manpukuin Temple (Fukurokuju) → Kojoji Temple (Jurojin) → Shofukuji Temple (Ebisu) → Bentenji Temple (Benzaiten) → Hoshuin Temple (Daikokuten)

Discover Japan through the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage!

The Seven Lucky Gods' shrine tour is a unique activity that allows you to learn about the history of temples and shrines through your visits, experience Japanese culture, and rediscover the charm of each city.

While it is a tradition perfect for the start of the year, you can enjoy this shrine tour freely at any time, so feel free to give it a try.

Main image by Pixta

Lives in Tokyo. My hobbies are traveling and appreciating art. I have an eye for delicious food, and after living in Beijing, China for five years, I discovered the deliciousness of hot pot.

more
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