On the finish of yearly in Japan, varied traditions are dusted off and trotted out, traditions calculated to make sure that the approaching yr is an efficient one. A type of traditions is to finish a pilgrimage to honor the seven fortunate gods of Japan as early as potential within the new yr, accumulating crimson stamps for every god on a shikishi piece of white cardboard designed for that particular function. There are over 240 such pilgrimages throughout the nation.
Get a crimson stamp on a shikishi at every pilgrimage cease as proof of your go to. Picture: Vicki L Beyer
A Japan At present new yr’s custom is to offer readers with particulars on one such stroll on the finish of December, in order that they’ll undertake the stroll to realize luck and keep off evil. For 2026, we suggest the Kameido Seven Fortunate Gods stroll, a straightforward stroll by means of the Kameido neighborhood in northeastern Tokyo, an older space of town located between the Sumida and Arakawa Rivers within the shadow of Tokyo Skytree. The shitamachi neighborhood has a retro ambiance, with a number of quaint conventional eateries, retailers with quirky souvenirs, and small workshops the place Edo Kiriko lower glass continues to be being made by hand.
This stroll requires visits to solely six locations (4 temples and two shrines), as two gods reside in a single shrine on the midway level. Thus the stroll may be accomplished in lower than two hours. After ending, it’s a straightforward stroll to Tokyo Skytree, or spend extra time meandering the again streets of Kameido to take in the ambiance. A lot of the shrines and temples are open from 9:00am to 4:30pm from New 12 months’s Day till January 7, however one temple, Togakuji, is just open to pilgrims on this stroll till January 3 (so plan to finish this stroll early within the new yr!), whereas one other temple, Jokoji is open to pilgrims till January 15.
Click on right here to see a map of the route.
Begin from JR Kameido Station (11 minutes stroll to the primary cease, Jokoji) or Kameido Suijin Station on the Tobu Kameido line (6 minutes to Jokoji). The stroll from Kameido Station, though a bit longer, takes you thru some slender laneways of eating places and bars which can be in keeping with the retro air for which Kameido has change into recognized.
Jokoji (Jurojin)
This Buddhist temple was based in 737 by Gyoki (668-749), a Buddhist priest from the Osaka space who believed that Buddhism ought to serve not solely the emperor and social elites but in addition the frequent individuals. An ideal temple for this working class neighborhood. Though the present temple constructing is a contemporary postwar construction, its main treasure is an Amida Buddha statue stated to have been carved by Gyoki himself.
Though housed in a contemporary constructing, Jokoji has practically 1,300 years of historical past. Picture: Vicki L Beyer
The fortunate god to honor at Jokoji is Jurojin, the god of longevity, particularly applicable for such a venerable temple, the oldest temple on this stroll. Jurojin is commonly depicted carrying a scroll which is claimed to include the key to an extended and joyful life.
Togakuji (Benten)
Togakuji, a Shingon Buddhist temple housing a statue of Dainichi Nyorai as its principal treasure, was based in 1531. In a single nook of the temple floor, simply to the correct as you move by means of the gates, is a small shrine to Benzaiten (aka Benten), the goddess of music and high-quality arts. Benten is the one feminine of the seven fortunate gods. She is often enshrined close to a pond or different physique of water, so her dwelling right here is considerably uncommon.
This small shrine to the goddess Benten is uncommon insofar as it’s not surrounded by water. Picture: Vicki L Beyer
Katori Jinja (Ebisu and Daikoku)
This shrine is among the oldest on this a part of Tokyo, having been based by a member of the Fujiwara clan in 665. In the midst of the tenth century, when Taira no Masakado led a riot towards the central authorities of Kyoto, Toda Hidesato, the overall who in the end defeated Masakado, prayed right here for victory. After prevailing over Masakado, Toda enshrined an arrow right here in recognition that his prayers had been answered. Primarily based on this legend, the shrine grew to become often known as a spot to wish for army or strategic success, which, in our trendy instances, as morphed into success in sports activities. It’s stated that many athletes go to the shrine to wish for a win.
Two of the seven fortunate gods are right here, the daddy and son Daikoku and Ebisu. Daikoku is the god of wealth, farms, and the kitchen, whereas Ebisu is the god of commerce, fishermen and luck. It’s simple to determine which is which. Daikoku is often proven standing on two bales of rice (an historic depiction of wealth) and Ebisu invariably holds a fishing pole and has a fish tucked beneath his arm.
Pour some water over the heads of Daikoku and Ebisu to figuratively give them a drink. Picture: Vicki L Beyer
Katori Jinja can be the house of the “Turtle Effectively” from which the neighborhood of Kameido takes its identify. For bonus factors from the gods, pour some water over the heads of the figures of Daikoku and Ebisu to the correct of the steps resulting in the shrine constructing. This figuratively offers them a drink, a sort gesture that’s nicely appreciated.
The slender avenue simply outdoors Katori Jinja on the best way to the following cease is lined with conventional retailers and eateries.
Fumon-in (Bishamonten)
Fumon-in is a quiet, wooded web site that nearly feels deserted for many of the yr. Though the Buddhist temple was initially situated in Chiba Prefecture, it was moved to this location in 1616. Its graveyard is dwelling to the graves of many well-known individuals, maybe the very best recognized being Sachio Ito (1864-1913), a literati whose well-liked 1906 novel “The Wild Daisy” has been made into motion pictures 3 times (1955, 1966, and 1981).
The fortunate god to be honored right here is Bishamonten, the god of conflict and warriors. He’s housed in a considerable construction to the left of the method to the principle temple.
Bishamonten, the god of conflict, has his personal sub-temple at Fumon-in. Picture: Vicki L Beyer
In your approach to the following cease, Ryugenji, Tokyo Skytree will come into sight.
Ryugenji (Hotei)
Ryugenji is well-known for its backyard of hagi (bush clover) that was developed round 400 years in the past. The temple itself dates to 1395. The backyard with its trellises for the bush clover and fairly little stone markers, in addition to the varied quaint sub-temples on its grounds, give this temple a sweetly serene ambiance. One stone monument comprises a haiku by famed poet Matsuo Basho, who as soon as lived close to the Sumida River, simply to the southeast.
The god Hotei, leaning his left elbow on his bag of limitless items Picture: Vicki L Beyer
It’s applicable that the fortunate god right here is Hotei, the god of happiness and contentment. Hotei is often depicted with a bag slung over his shoulder or at his ft, a bag that comprises a endless provide of items.
Tenso Jinja (Fukurokuju)
The ultimate god, Fukurokuju, is to be discovered at Tenso Jinja, a shrine based on the finish of the sixth century, just a few many years earlier than Katori Jinja. Though the shrine was derelict for a time, the encompassing group rebuilt it in 1403 and have cared for it since. The shrine particularly gained recognition from the top of the sixteenth century when an epidemic broke out domestically solely to abate after an envoy from Oda Nobunaga gave a horseback archery exhibition on the shrine. In honor of that healing efficiency, a kids’s archery occasion is held on the shrine in September.
The identify Fukurokuju actually interprets to “fortune, happiness, and longevity,” that are this god’s sacred attributes. Fukurokuju can be recognized for his knowledge, which is depicted by his excessive brow.
Tenso Jinja sits amid lush bushes and shrubs, giving it a comfy feeling. Picture: Vicki L Beyer
Your shikishi ought to now include stamps of all seven of the fortunate gods, making certain you the perfect fortune in 2026. From Tenso Jinja, it’s a straightforward stroll to Tokyo Skytree, with loads of fascinating picture ops alongside the best way and loads of trendy bustle when you get there. Or head again within the route of Kameido Station and discover extra of this fascinating and atmospheric neighborhood. There are many different shrines and temples, in addition to retailers, workshops, bars and eating places to take pleasure in. No matter you do subsequent, have an important 2026!
Vicki L. Beyer, a daily Japan At present contributor, is a contract journey author who additionally blogs about experiencing Japan. Comply with her weblog at jigsaw-japan.com.
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