ElizabethTravel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about immersing yourself in new experiences and cultures. For families who love to blend adventure with education, Tokyo offers a unique and enriching experience: the Seven Lucky Gods Walk. Yesterday, along with my friend Amy from Amy’s History Walks, I embarked on this fascinating journey in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
The Seven Lucky Gods, or Shichifukujin, are a group of deities from Japanese folklore believed to bring good fortune. The walk, which can be done at various locations throughout Tokyo, involves visiting temples and shrines dedicated to each of these gods. Unlike other versions of this walk which are typically done during the New Year period, the Shinjuku route can be enjoyed year-round, offering flexibility for families like ours.
Embarking on the Seven Lucky Gods walk in Shinjuku is like stepping into a living tapestry of culture, history, and myth. This journey, while popular among locals and in-the-know travelers, remains a hidden gem for many. The walk takes you through a series of temples and shrines, each hosting a different deity from the group known as the Seven Lucky Gods. These gods are deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and are believed to bring good fortune, health, and longevity.
The Seven Lucky Gods Walk in Shinjuku takes around 180 minutes if you walk it. You can cut that to 90 minutes by hopping on the subway between temples. At each stop you will want to budget time to explore the temple plus, if you so desire, some time to collect your Goshuin stamp and doll.
One of the highlights of this cultural expedition is the collection of Goshuin stamps. At each temple, for 400 yen, you can receive a unique stamp that is then beautifully calligraphed over by the temple staff. These stamps are not just souvenirs; they’re works of art. I framed mine, and it now holds a special place in our home, reminding us of our journey through the streets of Tokyo.
For those deeply interested in Japanese culture, there’s also the tradition of maintaining a Goshuin book, a collection of these stamps from various temples across Japan.
As we navigated our way through Shinjuku, collecting stamps, and learning about each of the Lucky Gods, we were also able to purchase small statues of these deities and a miniature ‘treasure ship’ for 500 yen and 1,000 yen respectively. If you are into that sort of thing, it can be a fun reminder of your journey.
The Temples & Shrines
Although you can start this walk anywhere you want. I think it makes the most sense to start at Shinjuku Station. The travel information booth, just outside the station, can give you an English-language pamphlet and send you off in the right direction.
Our first stop was Kasumisekizan Taisoji Temple. This is a more modern-looking temple with a large Edo-period bronze Buddha at the entrance. Here we received Hoteison – The God of Contentment. The older-looking temple building on your left is the shrine of Datsueba, the god of commerce in brothels during the late Edo-period. This temple is also known for being a home for the local start cats!
The next stop is Inari Kio Shrine, where we received Ebisu, often depicted with a fishing rod and a sea bream. Ebisu, the god of fishermen and luck. This shrine was older-looking and tucked between modern buildings. Near where you receive your Goshuin, there is a small statue set on the ground. It looks like a demon snail with googly eyes and tank tread. I was fascinated with him and found this article from Atlas Obscura explaining what is known about the Eye-Eating Demon of Inari Kio.
The next set of stops (Nishimuki Tenjinsha, Eifukuji Temple, Itsukushima-Jima Shirne, and Hozenji Temple) are all quite close together. Google Maps did us wrong here a few times sending us down streets that didn’t connect so double-check your directions and look at the map. Except January 1-7, you have to also visit Nishimukiten-jinja Shrine to collect Benzaiten.
At Eifukuji Temple you receive Fukurokuju, the God of Wealth and Longevity. At Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, you learn about Benzaiten, the Goddess of Eloquence, Music and Art and at Hozenji Temple you get Jurojin, The God of Longevity.
The easiest order is to do Eifukuji to Itsukushima-jinja, to Hozenji, and finally through the cemetery to Nishimuki Tenjinsha.
The next stop is Kyooji Temple, where you will receive Daiokuten, The God of Wealth. Its a bit of a walk to this temple, and you’re going to pass a few other shrines and temples. The one you are looking for is just past the train station.
Your final stop is Zenkokuji Temple where you receive Bishamonten, The God of Warriors and Treasures. If this is your last stop they will also offer to write the date of your visit on the top of your Goshin. Now all you need to do is pop it into a frame for an amazing souvenir. I picked up this cheap frame at Daiso… but it will do for now!
The nice part about ending in this direction is you are now in a great shopping and dining area. We grabbed some sushi, but take your pick of any of the great local restaurants.
While the Seven Lucky Gods walk in Shinjuku offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing families to explore a variety of temples and discover new facets of the neighborhood, it’s just one of many such walks available throughout Tokyo. Each walk provides its own distinct glimpse into the cultural and spiritual heart of the city, presenting opportunities to see different temples and parts of Tokyo. However, the Shinjuku walk stands out for its accessibility and the diverse array of temples it encompasses, making it an excellent starting point for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, embarking on this journey can open your eyes to the beauty and serenity of Tokyo’s spiritual landscape.
