Seven Lucky Gods Circuit(Asakusa) 浅草名所七福神巡り

Many people circle Seven Lucky Gods during new year’s holiday( 1st Jan - 7th Jan).

In Japan,there are over 200 courses and even in or near Tokyo, there are many.I

t’s said that the seven lucky gods faith began in 14 century.

Then it was spread in Japan around 17th century.There is no exact definition of the root of this faith but it’s said that Chinese eight hermits is the one.

Each has a traditional attribute.Please click here(wikipedia)a for detail about Seven lucky gods.

One of the most famous circuit course is its in Asakusa.

It starts from Senso ji temple or Asakusa shrine.

Most of people buy a square piece of paper(¥600) to get signatures and stamps.

Usually seven lucky gods circuit is to visit seven shrines or temples but there are nine places(actually ten to circle and get stamps) to visit in Asakusa area.

Each places charges ¥300 to get a stamp and signature. But a completed paper is a good for memory or souvenir.

• Senso ji (浅草寺）- one of the oldest temples in Japan (Daikoku ten- Harvest & Good Fortune)

• Asakusa shrine（浅草神社） - Ebis(Health & Fortune for Family Businesses)

• Yasaki Inari (矢先稲荷神社） - Fuku roku jyu

• Otori shrine（鷲神社） - Jyuro jin

• Yoshiwara shrine (吉原神社）- Benten(Wisdom)

(Due to get stamp, people need to go to Senzoku shrine near Otori shrine.)

• Fudo-in(不動院） - Hotei (close at 16:00) (Peace & Luck)

• Ishihama shrine(石浜神社） - Jyuro jin(Harmony at Home and Longevity)

• Imado shrine（今戸神社） - Fukuroku jyu (close at 17:00) (Longevity and Fulfillment)

• Machiyama Seiten （待乳山聖天）-　Bishamon(Plenty and Courage)

[My comment] Going somewhere without any plan is sometimes very interesting.

Because I’ve been to Asakusa many times, I wanted to try new things in Asakusaand to get to know something about Tokyo.

Seven lucky gods circuit was very interestingand quite new for me because I needed to go to many places in Asakusa area where I had never been before.

In a guide map, it was said the circuit was taken two hours.

I, however, took three hours and half to finish in that there were many interesting places to see ,

such as Yoshiwara, Kappa bashi or Hisago street.

I walked too much with business shoes and got shoe sores. If you are curious to try this circuit , obviously walking shoes will be needed.

Collecting stamps is not a purpose. Please worship each shrine, when you visit.

Time when you start to circle is also very important. Starting at 14:30 maybe too late in that many shrines close around 16:30.