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

◆Deity enshrined: Hotei-son (God of eternal youth and longevity, believed to be an incarnation of Maitreya Bodhisattva) ◆Pilgrimage: Starts in Kita-Kamakura (1/8). A Zen temple ranked fourth among Kamakura's Five Mountains (Rinzai sect Engaku-ji school) ◆Visiting hours: 9:00–16:30 / Adults ¥300, Junior high school students and younger ¥100 ◆Access: 8-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station ◆Highlights: Hotei-son statue nestled in a yagura (rock niche), moss-covered approach and the main gate which also serves as a bell tower

◆Deity enshrined: Benzaiten (Goddess of Performing Arts and Good Fortune). Benzaiten associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako ◆Pilgrimage: 2/8. The designated spot is the 'Hatagami Benzaiten Shrine' located on the island in Genji-ike Pond within the grounds ◆Visiting: Grounds free (Open 6:00–20:00) ◆Access: 10-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station East Exit ◆Highlights: Genji-ike Pond with white flags fluttering, 'Masako Stone' behind the main hall (a stone for praying for marital harmony)

◆Deity enshrined: Bishamon-ten ◆Pilgrimage: 3/8. Built to mourn the Hojo clan on the former site of their residence, known as the 'Temple of Bush Clover' ◆Visiting hours: April–September 9:30–16:30 / October–March 9:30–16:00. Adults ¥300, Junior high school students ¥200, Elementary school students ¥100 ◆Access: 13-minute walk from Kamakura Station ◆Highlights: White bush clover in early autumn (Temple of Bush Clover), and seasonal flowers such as spider lilies and plum blossoms

◆Deity enshrined: Jurojin (God of Longevity). Jurojin statue carved from a single zelkova tree ◆Pilgrimage: 4/8. Founded in 1385, retains the Gyohō-ike pond associated with the ascetic monk 'Nabokamuri Nisshin' ◆Visiting hours: 10:00–16:00 (January only 9:00–16:00) / Donation ◆Goshuin: Reception 10:00–16:00 (Closed 12:00–13:00) ◆Access: 10-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station East Exit

◆Deity enshrined: Ebisu (God of Commerce and Prosperity). Said to have been enshrined by Minamoto no Yoritomo as a protective deity for the back-northeastern direction of the shogunate ◆Pilgrimage: 5/8. The Ebisu-do hall is the designated spot, known as 'Higashi Minobu' of the Nichiren sect ◆Visiting: Temple office 9:00–16:00 / Donation ◆Access: 5-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station East Exit ◆Highlights: Bustling with visitors during the 'Hatsu-Ebisu' (First Ebisu) in the New Year and 'Hon-Ebisu' (Main Ebisu) on January 10th. Souvenir 'Nigiri-fuku' (clutching fortune)

◆Deity enshrined: Fukurokuju (God of Longevity and Family Prosperity). Enshrined in the treasure hall (Hōzōkō) ◆Pilgrimage: 6/8. The main deity is Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa ('Gongoro-sama') ◆Visiting: Grounds free. Treasure Hall 9:00–17:00 / Adults ¥100, Junior high/high school students ¥50 ◆Goshuin: Goryo Shrine offers Fukurokuju goshuin stamps at the shrine office ◆Access: 5-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden Line ◆Highlights: A popular photo spot where the Enoden train runs next to the torii gate, hydrangeas in June. *Photography is prohibited within the grounds

◆Deity enshrined: Daikokuten (Daikokuten who bestows wealth, success, and good fortune). Enshrined in the Daikoku-do Hall ◆Pilgrimage: 7/8. The principal image is an eleven-faced Kannon statue, 9.18m tall ◆Visiting hours: July–March 8:00–16:30 / April–June 8:00–17:00. Adults ¥400, Elementary school students ¥200 ◆Access: 5-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden Line ◆Highlights: 2,500 hydrangeas of 40 varieties (June), observation deck overlooking Yuigahama Beach (Sea View Terrace)

◆Deity enshrined: Benzaiten (Enoshima Benzaiten | Goddess of Money, Performing Arts, and Skill Improvement). One of Japan's Three Great Benzaiten. Enshrined in the Hoanden ◆Pilgrimage: 8/8 - Conclusion point. Hetsunomiya is the entrance to the three shrines (Hetsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya, Okutsunomiya) ◆Hoanden Visiting Hours: 8:30–16:30 / Adults ¥200, Junior high/high school students ¥100, Elementary school students ¥50 ◆Goshuin: Usually available. Limited edition stamps are added on 'Mi-no-hi' (days of the snake) ◆Access: Approx. 18-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Line (Approx. 23 minutes from Enoshima Station on the Enoden Line)