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Welcoming Good Fortune for the New Year
Welcoming Good Fortune
The Joy of the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
As the New Year begins, do you wish to bring peace and happiness to yourself and your family? The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan—Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Jurojin, Fukurokuju, and Hotei—are symbols of good fortune in Japanese folklore. Representing wishes for happiness, wealth, and longevity, these deities are said to arrive on a treasure ship from across the sea, each with unique origins. Although the exact history of the Seven Lucky Gods remains unclear, their auspicious meaning has been cherished for generations.
The number seven carries special significance during the New Year, enhancing the charm of the Seven Lucky Gods. This has given rise to the tradition of the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage across Japan. In some regions, visitors can collect unique pilgrimage papers featuring temple stamps (goshuin), creating a memorable New Year experience. Among the many options, the Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage in Tokyo’s historic downtown stands out as one of the oldest and most popular, offering a blend of tradition and cultural richness.
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Explore Tokyo’s Hidden Gem
The Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
Start the New Year with a meaningful journey through the Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage. Stroll at a relaxed pace through historic temples and charming streets, soaking in the festive atmosphere and inviting good luck and blessings into your life. This route spans Tokyo’s Taito, Arakawa, and Kita wards, featuring seven temples, each dedicated to one of the Seven Lucky Gods. The entire walking route takes about 3 to 4 hours, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Temples Along the Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
- Tōkaku-ji （東覺寺）– Fukurokuju（福祿壽）
- Seiun-ji （青雲寺）– Ebisu（惠比壽）
- Shōshō-in（修性院） – Hotei（布袋尊）
- Tenno-ji（天王寺） – Bishamonten（毘沙門天）
- Chōan-ji（長安寺）– Jurōjin（壽老人）
- Gokoku-in（護國院）– Daikokuten（大黑天）
- Shinobazu Bentendō（不忍弁天堂） – Benzaiten（弁財天）
Embark on a Journey of Happiness
Route Overview
Tabata Station → 0.4 km / 7 minutes → Tōkaku-ji (Fukurokuju)
Tōkaku-ji → 1.0 km / 18 minutes → Seiun-ji (Ebisu)
Seiun-ji → 0.2 km / 4 minutes → Shōshō-in (Hotei)
Shōshō-in → 1.1 km / 21 minutes → Chōan-ji (Jurōjin)
Chōan-ji → 0.3 km / 6 minutes → Tenno-ji (Bishamonten)
Tenno-ji → 0.9 km / 17 minutes → Gokoku-in (Daikokuten)
Gokoku-in → 1.1 km / 21 minutes → Shinobazu Bentendō (Benzaiten)
Shinobazu Bentendō → 0.4 km / 7 minutes → Ueno Station
Whether you’re exploring history, enjoying the cultural charm, or simply wishing for good fortune, the Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage offers a delightful way to start the New Year.
Tōkaku-ji
東覚寺
Deity: Fukurokuju (福禄寿)
Blessings: Longevity, family prosperity, and the flourishing of descendants
Address: 2-7-3 Tabata, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Seiun-ji
青雲寺
Deity: Ebisu (恵比寿)
Blessings: Bountiful harvests, wealth, and business success
Address: 3-6-4 Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Shōshō-in
修性院
Deity: Hotei (布袋尊)
Blessings: Happiness, harmony, and prosperity
Address: 3-7-12 Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Chōan-ji
長安寺
Deity: Jurōjin (寿老人)
Blessings: Health, wisdom, and longevity
Address: 5-2-22 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tenno-ji
天王寺
Deity: Bishamonten (毘沙門天)
Blessings: Courage, good fortune, and wealth
Address: 7-14-8 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Gokoku-in
護国院
Deity: Daikokuten (大黒天)
Blessings: Wealth, agricultural abundance, and thriving businesses
Address: 10-18 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Shinobazu Bentendō
不忍池弁天堂
Deity: Benzaiten (弁才天)
Blessings: Wisdom, artistic talents, and financial success
Address: 2-1 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Ueno Kiyomizudō and Shinobazu Pond
Created in 1856 by Utagawa Hiroshige, Ueno Kiyomizudō and Shinobazu Pond is part of the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo and is now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. The artwork captures the natural beauty of Ueno Kiyomizudō and Shinobazu Pond from a high vantage point, with layered depth created by the branches in the foreground.
The Moon Pine at Ueno
In 1857, Utagawa Hiroshige completed The Moon Pine at Ueno, depicting the iconic “Moon Pine” at Ueno Kiyomizudō. The pine, known for its unique circular shape, dates back to the Edo period and remains a celebrated landmark. If you visit the area, don’t miss the chance to see the Moon Pine—it’s truly a sight to behold!
Navigation ⋮⋮ Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage｜Route Overview | Museums & & Resources
Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods and Nearby Art Museums
Tokyo Stroll
Take a leisurely walk through Tokyo’s alleys and immerse yourself in the rustic charm of Yanaka. Wander among ancient temples and art museums to experience the blessings of the Seven Lucky Gods alongside Tokyo’s artistic allure. Start with the Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage—a journey that blends good fortune and cultural enrichment—perfect for bringing positive energy into the new year.
After completing the pilgrimage, make time to visit nearby art stops like the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, and Ueno Royal Museum. These destinations offer a deeper dive into art and science, providing the perfect conclusion to your day of discovery.
May the blessings of the Seven Lucky Gods bring happiness and success to your year ahead!
Nearby Art Museums
National Museum of Western Art
- Address: 7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/index.html
- Hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
- Address: 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.tobikan.jp/
- Hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
National Museum of Nature and Science
- Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Ueno Royal Museum
- Address: 1-2 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Website: http://www.ueno-mori.org/
- Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Before visiting, be sure to check the respective websites for any changes in opening hours or closures. Enjoy your cultural and artistic adventure in Tokyo!
REFERENCE
- Hokusai, K. (1808–27). Seven Gods of Good Fortune. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/54439 - Hiroshige, U. (1856). Kiyomizu Hall and Shinobazu Pond at Ueno (Ueno Kiyomizudo Shinobazu no ike), from the series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei)”. The Art Institute of Chicago. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://www.artic.edu/artworks/88454/kiyomizu-hall-and-shinobazu-pond-at-ueno-ueno-kiyomizudo-shinobazu-no-ike-from-the-series-one-hundred-famous-views-of-edo-meisho-edo-hyakkei
- Hiroshige, U. (1857). The Moon Pine on the Temple Grounds at Ueno (Ueno sannai Tsuki no matsu), from the series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei)”. The Art Institute of Chicago. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://www.artic.edu/artworks/150329/the-moon-pine-on-the-temple-grounds-at-ueno-ueno-sannai-tsuki-no-matsu-from-the-series-one-hundred-famous-views-of-edo-meisho-edo-hyakkei
- Masahiro (late 18th century). Netsuke of Boat with the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/40012
CITATION
Art Learnings. (2025, January 29). Discover Tokyo’s Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods and Ueno Museums. Retrieved from https://artlearnings.com/art-learnings/discover-tokyos-yanaka-seven-lucky-gods-and-ueno-museums/
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