Shichifukujin Meguri, or visiting the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, is a custom unique to Japan where worshippers visit the temples andshrines of seven gods to wish for and receive wealth and happiness. The seven gods are of mixed origin, coming from India, China and Japan. Don’t you think this befits contemporary Japan where many beliefs such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, etc. peacefully co-exist? It -is a custom that spread throughout the country in the middle of the Edo period (17-19th century). In eastern Japan we practice Shichifukujin Meguri between January 1st and 7th.

The seven gods consist of Benzaiten (God of Fortune), Daikokuten (God of Wealth) and Bishamonten (God of Fortune) of Indian origin, Fukurokuju (God of Happiness), Jurojin (God of Health) and Hoteison (God of Wisdom or Cleverness) of Chinese origin, and Ebisujin (God of Success) of Japanese origin. There are many local clusters of temples and shrines of Shichifukujin in Japan. In Tokyo metropolitan area alone there are about twenty clusters, of which Yamanote Shichifukujin in the Meguro area is famous for being the oldest in Tokyo and is convenient for Meguro residents to visit. To visit Yamanote Shichifukujin, refer to the guide map below. Following are the addresses, access information ad possible good fortune you could receive by visiting each temple.

1. Ebisujin in Ryusenji Temple (Business prosperity and happiness)
   3-20-26 Shimomeguro, Meguro City
   Tokyu Meguro Line Fudomae Sta.
2. Benzaiten in Banryuji Temple (Wealth and improvement of musical skiills)
   3-4-4 Shimomeguro, Meguro City
   JR Yamanote Line Meguro Sta.
3. Daikokuten in Daienji Temple (Business prosperity and good harvest)
   1-8-5 Shimomeguro, Meguro City
   JR Yamanote Line Meguro Sta.
4. Fukurokuju and Jurojin in Myoenji Temple (Happiness, wealth, good health and long life)
   * These two gods are very similar in appearance.
   3-17-5 Shirokanedai, Minato City
   Metro Namboku Line & Mita Line Shirokanedai Sta.
5. Hoteison in Zuishoji Temple ( Happy home due to his plump figure and smiley face)
   3-2-19 Shirokanedai, Minato City
   Metro Namboku Line & Mita Line Shirokanedai Sta.
6. Bishamonten in Kakurinji Temple (Driving away misfortune and bring happiness and wealth)
   1-1-47 Shirokanedai, Minato City
   Metro Namnoku Line & Mita Line Shirokane-takanawa Sta.

To see the guide map, click here.

 

November 5th, 2018
Edited by: Meguro International Friendship Association(MIFA)