The Seven Gods of Fortune Pilgrimage in the Capital
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The Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage, said to be the oldest in Japan and originating in Kyoto. You will visit all Seven Gods of Fortune at 7 temples and shrines: Ebisujinja Shrine, Matsugasaki Daikokuten, Toji Temple, Rokuharamitsuji Temple, Sekizanzen-in Temple, Kado, and Manpukuji Temple. You can visit them year-round, not just during the New Year, and it is said that the merits are greater during the New Year period when it is particularly lively. The temples and shrines are widely dispersed from Northern Kyoto to Uji, and you can visit them in any order from any starting point (if efficiency is prioritized, North to South is one example). Completing it on foot in one day is difficult; using a combination of trains and walking or cars is more realistic. The central Kado, Ebisujinja Shrine, and Rokuharamitsuji Temple do not have dedicated parking. Please check the official website for details on how to receive Goshuin (temple stamps), Shikishi (large amulets), and Ojiku (scrolls), as well as their prices and reception hours. You can record your 'Seven Gods of Fortune Completion' upon check-in.
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A shrine said to have been founded in 1202 by Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai sect, as a guardian shrine for Kenninji Temple. It is one of the 'Three Great Ebisu Shrines of Japan', alongside Nishinomiya and Imamiya Ebisu, and is affectionately known as 'Ebessan' by locals. It is a place of worship for prosperity in business and is also known for the custom of notifying your visit by tapping the board next to the main hall. Located in Higashiyama Ward, about a 6-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, in the Gion area. *Please check the official website for Goshuin, reception hours, and prices.
A temple of the Nichiren sect, said to have been founded in 1616, with the official name Myoenji. The principal image, a statue of Daikokuten, is said to be a work by Dengyo Daishi Saicho, and is affectionately known as 'Matsugasaki no Daikoku-san'. The temple is also known for the '法' character lit on the mountain behind it during the Gozan no Okuribi (Five Mountains of the Daimonji Festival). The festival day is every 60th day, the day of the Kinshi. Located in Sakyo Ward, about a 10-minute walk from Eizan Railway's Shugakuin Station. *Please check the official website for Goshuin, reception hours, and prices.
Founded in 796 and granted to Kobo Daishi Kukai in 823, it is the head temple of the Shingon sect and a UNESCO World Heritage site, 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto'. The five-story pagoda, about 55 meters high, is a National Treasure and is known as the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. The temple is also famous for the National Treasure 'Tobatsu Bishamonten' statue brought from Tang China. Located in Minami Ward, about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Toji Station, near Kyoto Station. A Kobo-san market is held on the 21st of every month. *Please check the official website for Goshuin, visiting hours, and prices.
A temple of the Shingon-Chisan sect, said to have been founded in 951 by Kuya Shonin, who was known as 'Ichibyo'. It is known for housing the statue of Kuya Shonin (Important Cultural Property, by Kounsho) with six Amida Buddhas emerging from its mouth, and the seated statue of Taira no Kiyomori (Important Cultural Property) in the Treasure Hall. The temple enshrines Benzaiten, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune in the Capital. Located in Higashiyama Ward, about a 7-minute walk from Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, in the Kiyomizu/Gion area. *Please check the official website for Goshuin, visiting hours, and prices.
A Tendai sect temple founded in 888 by the dying wish of Jikaku Daishi Ennin, and a sub-temple of Hieizan Enryakuji Temple. The principal image is Taizan Fukun (Sekizan Daimyojin). It is located at the northeastern 'omote kimon' (front鬼門) from Kyoto Imperial Palace and is worshipped as a deity for warding off misfortune. A divine monkey, guarding the kimon of the Imperial Palace, is enshrined on the roof of the worship hall. It is also known as 'Momiji-dera' (Maple Temple), a famous spot for autumn foliage. Located in Shugakuin, Sakyo Ward, about a 20-minute walk from Eizan Railway's Shugakuin Station. *Please check the official website for Goshuin, reception hours, and prices.
Japan, 〒604-0991 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Nakagyo Ward, Teramachi-dori Takeya-cho Agaru Ganyoji Monzen-cho 17
A Tendai sect temple opened in 1004 by En'en Shonin, with the principal image being Senju Kannon (Thousand-armed Kannon). Because En'en always wore deerskin, he was called 'Kawa-no-Hijiri' (Saint of Leather), and the temple is also commonly known as 'Kado' (Leather Temple). It is the 19th temple on the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, and the temple enshrines Jurōjin, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune in the Capital. The current main hall was built in 1815. Located along Teramachi Street in Nakagyo Ward, about a 15-minute walk from Subway Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station. *Please check the official website for Goshuin, visiting hours, and prices.
The head temple of the Obaku Zen sect, founded in 1661 by Ingen Ryuki, who came from Ming Dynasty China. Its characteristic feature is the temple buildings in the style of Ming Dynasty China, and the Kingo-den, Daiyu-hōden, and Hōdō are National Treasures. The Kingo-den enshrines a statue of Hotei Son (Miroku Bosatsu). Ingen is also known for introducing Chinese culture such as Fucha cuisine, sencha (green tea), and ingen beans to Japan. Located in Uji City, about a 5-minute walk from JR Nara Line and Keihan Uji Line's Obaku Station. *Please check the official website for Goshuin, visiting hours, and prices.
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