Shichi-fukujin @ Yamanote (Shinjuku) area: Jan.12-13, 2013

Visiting Shichi-fukujin (Seven Gods of Fortune) is traditional Japanese custom at New Year season. Seven Gods include:


- Bishamon-ten (Vaiśravaṇa)：Indian origin. Guard the world with three other gods.
- Daikoku-ten (Mahakala): Indian origin. Save poor.
- Benzai-ten (Saraswati): Indian origin. Goddess of water and agriculture
- Fukurokuju: Chinese origin. God of wisdom and longevity
- Jurōjin: Chinese origin. God of longevity
- Hotei (Budai): Chinese monk. Re hold a bag of fortune.
- Ebisu: Japanese old god. Calls prosperity

Some gods are placed at shrines while others are places at temples. Buddhism and Japanese traditional Shinto religion were fused (syncretized) in some aspects in the middle age. The syncretism composes one of features of Japanese culture.

There are groups of Shichi-fukujin in various areas in Tokyo. They include Yamanote Shichi-fukujin (Shinjuku area), Yamaka Shichi-fukujin, Nihonbashi Shichi-ifukujin, Asakusa SHichi-fukujin, Meguro (Yamanote) Shichi-fukujin (and more).

Today, I walked Yamanote SHichi-fukujin in Shinjuku Area.

The picture from above shows:

- Bishamon-ten @ Zenkokuji Templs in Kagurazaka
- Hotei @ Taisoji Temple in Shinjuku
- Ebisu @ Inarikiou Shrine in Shinjuku
- Fukurokuju @ Eifukuji Temple in Shinjuku
- Benzai-ten @ Itsukushima Shrine in Shinjuku
- Jurojin @ Hozenji Temple in Shinjuku

- Daikoku-ten @ Keiouji Temple in Ichigaya Yanagicho