As the countdown to the new year approaches, grand celebrations are being prepared around the world. In addition to traditional customs, Japanese people also place great importance on visiting temples to pray for good luck in the new year. Wearing kimono or new clothes to visit shrines or temples at the start of the year is called “hatsumode” in Japan. Praying to the “Seven Lucky Gods” to welcome the new year is an especially important activity, particularly for those in business or with personal aspirations—visiting all seven is believed to bring immense blessings.
It is said that the Seven Lucky Gods originated in the Kansai region, based on the phrase from the Benevolent Kings Sutra: “When seven sufferings vanish, seven fortunes arise.” The Seven Lucky Gods are Benzaiten, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Jurōjin, Hotei, Ebisu, and Fukurokuju. Benzaiten governs wealth and happiness, Daikokuten grants wishes and attracts fortune, Bishamonten ensures the birth of all seven blessings, Jurōjin is prayed to for longevity and youth, Hotei fulfills various wishes, Ebisu brings prosperity in business, and Fukurokuju extends life, fortune, and longevity. Therefore, visiting shrines dedicated to each of these seven deities during the New Year period is considered a significant tradition.
Various versions of the Seven Lucky Gods can be found across Kyoto, but the most popular is the “Kyoto Seven Lucky Gods” within the city. To visit all seven temples, you can join the “Kyoto Seven Lucky Gods Tour” offered by the Kyoto Regular Sightseeing Bus. The seven temples are: Ebisu Shrine (dedicated to Ebisu), Myōen-ji Temple (Daikokuten), Tō-ji Temple (Bishamonten), Rokkaku-dō Temple (Benzaiten), Kurama-dera Temple (Fukurokuju), Kegon-in Temple (Jurōjin), and Manpuku-ji Temple (Hotei). The tour includes a nutritious and healthy “Seven Lucky Gods bento” and a protective amulet is given at each temple.
Additionally, Fushimi Inari Taisha and Matsunoo Taisha are two renowned shrines for praying for business prosperity. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan, famous especially for its thousands of vermilion torii gates spread across the mountainside. Walking through the gates and climbing the steps gives the feeling of getting one step closer to your wishes, as if momentarily leaving behind all worldly concerns and experiencing a sudden sense of clarity. Matsunoo Taisha is also highly esteemed as Kyoto’s oldest shrine. The shrine grounds are known for their pristine spring water, which is ideal for making fine sake—thus, the shrine is the guardian deity for those involved in the brewing industry. Upon entering the shrine grounds, you’ll see sake barrels offered by breweries from all over Japan, one of the most captivating sights at Matsunoo Taisha.
Kyoto Regular Sightseeing Bus “Seven Lucky Gods Tour”
Price: 8,200 JPY for adults, 5,200 JPY for children.
Schedule: Daily from January 1 to January 31, the entire tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours.
Website: https://resv.kyototeikikanko.gr.jp/Teikan/Web/Default.aspx
Read more: Daisenji Shrine in Shikoku (provided by Tripass Attractions)
