Kanto Goshuin Pilgrimage

Kamakura/Enoshima Seven Gods of Fortune: A Complete Lucky Journey in One Day

A lucky pilgrimage visiting 8 shrines and temples enshrining the Seven Gods of Fortune from Kamakura to Enoshima. Since there are two Benzaiten deities (Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Hatagami Benzaiten Shrine and Enoshima Shrine), there are 8 temples/shrines to visit. The official model course starts at Jochi-ji Temple (Hotei-son) in Kita-Kamakura, then proceeds through central Kamakura (Tsurugaoka Hachimangu = Benzaiten / Hokoku-ji Temple = Bishamon-ten / Myoryu-ji Temple = Jurojin / Honkaku-ji Temple = Ebisu), Hase (Goryo Shrine = Fukurokuju / Hasedera Temple = Daikokuten), and concludes at Enoshima Shrine, one of Japan's Three Great Benzaiten. Travel between shrines/temples is on foot, and the Enoden train is used for travel to Hase and Enoshima. Many spots are famous for seasonal flowers such as hydrangeas (June) and bush clover (early autumn), allowing for a leisurely one-day tour while collecting goshuin stamps. Please refer to each spot in the main text for visiting hours and fees.

Yanaka Shichifukujin Meguri

A tour of the 7 Shichifukujin (Seven Lucky Gods) in Ueno, Yanaka, Nippori, and Tabata, said to be the oldest Shichifukujin pilgrimage in Edo (approx. 250 years old). It is characterized by consisting entirely of temples. Starting from Tabata Station, you can visit all the gods in about 2-3 hours on foot, covering approximately 5.5-6 km to Ueno. Visiting in any order or splitting over several days is also possible. Shikishi (paper for calligraphy) and Goshuin (temple stamps) are generally only available during the New Year period (around January 1st to 10th). The offering fee and method vary by year, so please check the official website (visiting the temples is possible year-round). If your goal is Goshuin, visit during New Year; if you want to walk quietly, visit after the New Year period. Highlights at each temple include the Akagami Nio (red paper guardian kings) at Tokaku-ji Temple, the Hotei wall painting at Shuseiin Temple, and the site of the five-story pagoda at Tennoji Temple. You can record "Shichifukujin Complete" by checking in.

Nihonbashi Shichifukujin Meguri

A tour of 7 shrines in Tokyo Nihonbashi, visiting the Seven Gods of Fortune. It is characterized by being the shortest in Japan, consisting of all shrines, covering approximately 3.3km and taking about 50 minutes to 1 hour and a half on foot. You can walk through the downtown atmosphere of Ningyocho, Kakigaracho, and Hamacho, and visit all Seven Gods of Fortune at the 7 shrines. The nearest stations are Ningyocho Station and Suitengumae Station. Visiting in any order or splitting over several days is also fine. Shikishi (colored paper), treasure ships, and Goshuin (temple stamps) are generally only available during the New Year period (from New Year's Day to around January 7th). The method and offering fee vary by year, so please check the official website. (Visiting the shrines themselves is possible year-round). You can record your progress towards "Seven Gods of Fortune Complete" as you check in.

Tokyo Jissha Meguri (Tour of the Ten Shrines of Tokyo)

A list of tours of the 'Tokyo Jissha' (Ten Shrines of Tokyo), which originated from the semi-imperial shrines established in the first year of Meiji (1868) by Emperor Meiji to pray for the protection of Tokyo. You can visit 10 historic shrines in Tokyo's 23 wards, such as Kanda Myojin, Hie Shrine, Nezu Shrine, and Tomioka Hachimangu, on a map. A special Goshuincho (temple/shrine stamp book) is also available at each shrine. Please check the official website of each shrine for the latest information, as Goshuin授与 (granting) hours, fees, festivals, and the best times to see seasonal flowers may change. You can record your visits and aim to complete all ten shrines.