TOMO In Asakusa, there is an ongoing event called the “Shichifukujin Meguri,” which is a temple visitation tour often referred to as the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage. When you visit specific temples, you can purchase a special colored paper for 600 yen. With this unique colored paper, you can then go to designated temples and shrines, where they will write a seal or stamp using a brush for a donation, typically around 300 yen.
The Seven Lucky Gods, known as “Shichifukujin” in Japanese, are a group of gods traditionally revered in Japan for bringing seven different forms of fortune. Here’s a brief description of each deity:
1. Daikokuten – Brings prosperity and wealth, often depicted as a black deity with a big beard and a mallet in hand.
2. Ebisu – Brings good fortune, wealth, and business success, usually portrayed holding a fish.
3. Benzaiten – Protects wisdom, knowledge, and the arts, symbolized by playing a biwa (a traditional Japanese lute).
4. Fukurokuju – Symbolizes wealth and happiness, characterized by a long face and a large bag believed to contain wealth and fortune.
5. Jurojin – Brings long life and good health, depicted as an elderly figure with a staff.
6. Hotei – Believed to bring luck and happiness, known for his round belly and a large bag.
7. Bishamonten – A guardian deity of knowledge and battles, depicted wielding weapons.
These Seven Lucky Gods are particularly popular during New Year celebrations and for praying for business prosperity in Japan. Traditional events like the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage are held during the equinox and year-end holidays.
As I write this post, I am actually walking the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage myself.
The Asakusa area offers a convenient and extensive range of temples for the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage. It’s a great way to leisurely explore the area. On this website, I’d like to introduce you to the temples of the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage.