The Happiness of the Seven Lucky Gods Tour: A Walk to Fortune
As the New Year dawns in Japan, a unique energy fills the streets. While many rush to department store sales, a quieter, yet equally spirited tradition takes place in temple districts across the country. This is the Shichifukujin Meguri, or the Tour of the Seven Lucky Gods. It is a pilgrimage of joy, a spiritual scavenger hunt, and a cultural phenomenon that promises happiness, longevity, and prosperity to those willing to walk the path.
A Syncretic Tapestry: The Origins
The concept of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) is a fascinating testament to Japan’s religious syncretism. Unlike many Western pantheons that remain distinct, Japanese folklore happily blended indigenous Shinto beliefs with Buddhism from India and Taoism from China.
The grouping of these seven deities solidified during the Muromachi period (1336–1573), popularized by merchants and later by urbanites in the Edo period. The number seven is considered auspicious in Buddhism, and the idea of touring their shrines likely evolved from older pilgrimage traditions. By visiting all seven, it is believed that seven types of misfortune are removed and seven types of happiness are granted.
The Legend of the Seven
To understand the happiness this tour brings, one must meet the divine cast. They are often depicted sailing together on the Takarabune (Treasure Ship), which arrives on New Year’s Eve to distribute fortune.
The Divine Roster
- Ebisu: The only figure of purely Japanese origin (often associated with the Shinto deity Hiruko). He is the god of fishermen and commerce, easily recognized by his fishing rod and sea bream.
- Daikokuten: Originally the Hindu warrior deity Mahākāla, in Japan, he evolved into a benevolent god of wealth and agriculture, standing on rice bales with a magic mallet.
- Benzaiten: The sole female deity, originating from the Hindu goddess Saraswati. She governs the flowing arts—music, eloquence, and water.
- Bishamonten: A fierce warrior god (Vaisravana) who protects against evil and brings victory.
- Fukurokuju: A Taoist hermit deity from China, representing wisdom, luck, and longevity. He is noted for his elongated forehead.
- Jurojin: Another Taoist figure often confused with Fukurokuju, he is the god of the elderly and longevity, usually accompanied by a deer.
- Hotei: Based on a historical Chinese Zen monk, he is the fat, happy buddha representing contentment and abundance.
Modern Culture: Collecting Luck
In modern Japan, the Shichifukujin Meguri has transcended simple prayer; it has become a popular recreational activity that promotes health and community. The “happiness” derived from the tour is twofold: spiritual reassurance and the physical satisfaction of completing a journey.
Participants usually purchase a shikishi (a decorative square board) at the first temple. As they hike from one shrine to the next, they receive a red stamp (goshuin) and calligraphy from temple staff. Watching the board fill up with black ink and vermilion stamps provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. It is a social event, often done with family or groups of friends, combining a healthy winter walk with the excitement of collecting blessings.
Traveler’s Tips for the Pilgrimage
If you wish to partake in this joyous tradition, keep these tips in mind to maximize your experience:
- Timing is Key: The official “tour” season is usually the first week of January (Jan 1st to 7th). While you can visit the temples year-round, the specific commemorative boards and full staff availability are often limited to this window.
- Choose Your Course: There are dozens of courses in Tokyo alone. The Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Tour is the oldest in Tokyo, offering a nostalgic walk through old downtown areas. The Kamakura course offers coastal views, while the Asakusa course is vibrant and bustling.
- Bring Cash: Stamps usually cost between 300 to 500 yen each, and the shikishi board costs around 1,000 to 1,500 yen. Small change is appreciated at busy temples.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: These courses often cover 5 to 10 kilometers. It is a hike, not just a stroll.
Conclusion
The Happiness of the Seven Lucky Gods Tour is more than superstition; it is a celebration of hope. In walking the route, you connect with centuries of history, enjoy the crisp winter landscape, and perhaps, invite a little extra fortune into your life for the year ahead.
Sources & Further Reading
- Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): For background on the Shinto origins of Ebisu (referenced as Hiruko).
- Japanese Journal of Religious Studies: Various academic articles regarding the syncretism of the Seven Lucky Gods.
- Kojiki: Ancient texts referencing the indigenous deities that were later harmonized into this tradition.