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Yanaka | Walking Tours
Walking Tours of Yanaka - Tour 4
Shichifukujin Meguri, is a pilgrimage to meet Seven Lucky Gods.
Estimated time for the tour: 3 hours
Shichifukujin Meguri is a short pilgrimage
tour to visit temples and shrines of Shichifukujin, the Seven Deities
of Good Fortune.
Shichifukujin Meguri can be made anytime of the year, though it
is usually done during Oshougatsu, the beginning of the year (1st,
2nd and 3rd of January). It is where people wish for happiness
and good fortune in the New Year.
It has been said that this old custom started in the
early Edo period (about 400 years ago) and it is still popular
everywhere in Japan.
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Shichifukujin, or the Seven Deities of Good Fortune are 7 Gods that came
from India, China and Japan. The 7 Gods are:
Ebisu
The God of Success in Business
Daikokuten
The God of a Rich Harvest
Benziten
The God of Good Results in Learning and Fortune
Bbisyamonten
The God of Victory
Hotei
The God of Good Fortune, bringing good match, bringing healthy children
Fukurokuju
The God of Long Life and Wealth
Jurouzin
The God of long life and happiness
As each Shichifukujin had jovial characteristics and always with
a big smile on their face, this made people feel happy by looking at
them.
They not only had friendly personal characteristics, but also were symbols
of good luck. Shichifukujin have been popular for hundreds of years in
Japan. Since there are many temples and shrines enshrining the gods of
Shichifukujin throughout Japan, there are many tour routes for the Shichifukujin
Maguri. For example, there are 28 tour routes just in Tokyo!
The route we introduce here is called the Shichifukujin Meguri route
in Yanaka, starting from Tabata to Ueno. Although the temples and shrines
in Yanaka are small ones, not like the large temple in Asakusa, they
still retain a warm atmosphere, and loved by locals living
in the town.
*The photos in the slide show were taken on the New Year’s day,
1.Jan.2008.
These temples have crowds of visitors only during the beginning
of new year. They are usually quiet and don’t have many visitors.
(Except for Bentendo in Ueno Park). It is recommended you say hello
to the attendants to get permission to go inside, when you visit off
season at the Shichifukujin Meguri. At some temples, it is required to
take your shoes off to go inside the building.
 Toukakuji
Temple - Fukurokuju
Toukakuji Temple is also known for Akagami Niou, 2 stone statues of Niou,
that show many red papers. People suffering from a disease, put
a red paper on the body of Niou statue and pray for recovery.
 Seiunji
Temple - Ebisu
A small temple on a narrow street leading to a Yanaka shopping street.
It has been said this temple was established in the middle of the 18th
century.
 Shuseiin
Temple- Hotei
Shuseiin Temple is just 1 minute away from the Seiunji Temple on the
same road. A big Hotei statue set inside of the temple is known for its
remarkable looks.
 Tennouji
Temple - Bishamonten
Established in the 15th century, Tennouji Temple used to be a large temple
and included the Yanaka cemetery area, this was part of a temple from
the Edo period.
 Chouanji
temple - Juroujin
A small temple established in the middle of 17th century.
 Gokokuin
Temple - Daikokuten
Established in 1625, it has been said that the statue of Daikokuten in
this temple was dedicated by Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun.
 Shinobazu
Bentendou - Benzaiten
Shinobazubentendou is called Bendou, in short. It is located at the Shinobazu
pond. It always has crowds of people, as it is one of sightseeing spots
in Ueno.
to Print the Tour 4 Map of Yanaka
to Photo tour of Shichifukujin Meguri
RECOMMENDED
UENO
Visit historic in north of Tokyo
See here for various
Related Travel to Japan Blog Articles
YANAKA
Walking Tours of Yanaka | | |
See here for photos of the Yanaka neighbourhood | | |
Related Travel to
Japan Blog Articles
Read our article about and events in the Yanaka area.
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