Asakusa Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage

Details about the pilgrimage route, visiting procedures, and estimated duration.

The Asakusa Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage is a popular sightseeing course that visits seven shrines and temples in Asakusa, Tokyo.

The Seven Lucky Gods are seven deities who bring good fortune, and different deities are enshrined at each shrine and temple.

This pilgrimage is a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture and history, and it is visited by many tourists.

You don’t have to visit all the shrines and temples of the Asakusa Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage in one day. You can divide it into several days.

Goshuin (temple/shrine stamps) are available at each temple and shrine.

You can start your pilgrimage from any of the temples and shrines, but we are introducing an easy-to-walk route this time.

You can enjoy it at your own pace.

visiting procedures　

Goshuin is a special stamp given at Japanese temples and shrines.

To start, I would like to purchase a shikishi for the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage.
This shikishi is specifically for collecting stamps from each of the Seven Lucky Gods.

How to Visit a Shinto Shrine

Bow once before passing through the torii gate.

A torii gate marks the boundary between the sacred ground of a shrine and the secular world where people live.

Since the temple or shrine grounds are considered the dwelling place of deities, please bow before entering the premises.

Purify your hands at the temizuya.

I would like to purify my hands at the temizuya.
Temizu is a ritual purification performed before visiting a Japanese shrine.

Sando＆Koro

Since the temple or shrine grounds are considered the dwelling place of deities, please bow before entering the premises.

Walk along the sando, keeping to the side.
The center of the sando is reserved for the gods.

Incense burners are usually found at Buddhist temples.

If there is an incense burner, offer incense.

Light the incense and gently place it in the burner.

Aiming for the main hall

I respectfully bow at the main hall and place a monetary offering in the offering box.
A monetary offering is a way to show gratitude to the gods.
At a Shinto shrine, you ring the bell before making a monetary offering.

The general way to worship at a shrine is to bow twice, clap twice, and bow once.
At a temple, put your hands together in prayer, bow once, offer a silent prayer, and then bow once again.
Unlike shrines, you do not clap your hands at temples.
Temples are Buddhist places of worship, while shrines are Shinto places of worship.

Let’s receive a Goshuin stamp

You can receive Goshuin at the shrine office, which is marked with a sign that says ‘Goshuin.’ At the first temple or shrine you visit, you can also get a colored paper (shikishi) along with the Goshuin.

The goshuin office is where you can receive goshuin stamps at temples and shrines.
There is usually a fee of around 300 yen to receive a goshuin.
The shikishi paper also costs 300 yen.

Exiting the shrine/temple

Passing through the torii gate/sanmon gate.

Turning back and bowing.

As a matter of courtesy when visiting a shrine or temple, do not forget to show respect to the gods or Buddha even when leaving the grounds.

pilgrimage route　

The first access station for the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage

Asakusa Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
Asakusa Station (Toei Asakusa Line)

Senso-ji Temple　浅草寺

Senso-ji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo.
It is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu.
There are many attractions such as Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise-dori Street.

Since Senso-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple, you should bow and put your hands together in prayer (gassho) when you worship. Please do not throw your monetary offering into the offering box.

I will go to the Goshuin office and the Yo-go-do「影向堂」 Hall.

At the first temple or shrine you visit, you’ll receive a special colored paper (shikishi) for the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. Since it also includes the first Goshuin stamp, the cost will be 600 yen.

The Goshuin at Sensoji Temple is for Daikokuten.

Asakusa Shrine　浅草神社

It is located to the east of the Senso-ji Temple main hall.
It enshrines the three people who were involved in the founding of Senso-ji Temple.

At the shrine, I will perform the traditional Shinto worship of two bows, two claps, and one bow.

I would like to receive Ebisu’s goshuin at Asakusa Shrine.
The shrine office is located on the right side of the main hall.

Matsuchiyama Shoden　待乳山聖天

Matsuchiyama Shoden is one of the branch temples of Sensoji Temple.
It enshrines Kangiten (Shoten).
Radishes and kinchaku (drawstring pouches) are its symbols.

Since Matsuchiyama Shoden is a Buddhist temple, I will worship with a bow and gassho (putting hands together in prayer).

I would like to enter the main hall and receive Bishamonten’s goshuin.

Imado Shrine　今戸神社

Imado Shrine is famous as a shrine for matchmaking.
It is said to be the birthplace of the beckoning cat (maneki-neko).
It enshrines the married gods Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.

At the shrine, I will perform the traditional Shinto worship of two bows, two claps, and one bow.

I would like to receive Fukurokuju’s goshuin.
The shrine office is located on the right side of the main hall.

Hashiba Fudōson　橋場不動尊

Hashiba Fudōson is a Tendai Buddhist temple.
It enshrines Fudō Myōō (Acala).

Hashiba Fudōson is a Buddhist temple, I will worship with a bow and gassho (putting hands together in prayer).

I would like to receive Hotei’s goshuin.
The shrine office is located on the right side of the main hall.

Ishihama Shrine　石浜神社

Imado Shrine is famous as a shrine for matchmaking.
It is said to be the birthplace of the beckoning cat (maneki-neko).
It enshrines the married gods Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto.

At the shrine, I will perform the traditional Shinto worship of two bows, two claps, and one bow.

I would like to receive Fukurokuju’s goshuin.
The shrine office is located on the right side of the main hall.

Yoshiwara Shrine　吉原神社

Yoshiwara Shrine was built as the guardian shrine of the Yoshiwara red-light district.
It is said that they grant various wishes of women, such as matchmaking, giving children, safe childbirth, and improvement in performing arts.

At the shrine, I will perform the traditional Shinto worship of two bows, two claps, and one
I would like to receive Benzaiten’s goshuin.

Ōtori Shrine　鷲神社

It is famous for the Tori-no-ichi fair held every November.
There is a large Okame statue in the main hall, and it is said that you will receive blessings if you rub the part you are concerned about.
Okame is a representation of the shape of a Japanese woman’s face and is considered a lucky charm that brings good fortune.

At the shrine, I will perform the traditional Shinto worship of two bows, two claps, and one

I would like to receive Jurojin’s goshuin.

Yasaki Inari Shrine　矢先稲荷神社

It enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto.
It is famous for the 100 ema plaques depicting the history of Japanese horseback riding, which are dedicated on the ceiling of the main hall.
The ema plaques on the ceiling of Yasaki Inari Shrine’s main hall depict the history of Japanese horseback riding and have historical value.

At the shrine, I will perform the traditional Shinto worship of two bows, two claps, and one

I would like to receive Fukurokuju’s goshuin.
The shrine office is located on the right side of the main hall.

Once you have received all the Goshuin stamps…

For your return trip, you can use either Asakusa Station or Ueno Station.
Both stations are about a 15-minute walk.

Asakusa Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
Asakusa Station (Toei Asakusa Line)

JR Ueno Station

estimated duration＆Map　

It takes about 3 hours to walk around all the shrines and temples, while worshiping and receiving goshuin stamps.

It’s about a 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station to Kaminarimon.
The Nakamise shopping street, which stretches about 250 meters, runs from Kaminarimon to the main hall.
It is lined with various souvenir shops and restaurants, and is crowded with many tourists.
I think it will take about 5 to 10 minutes.

The time it takes to reach Senso-ji Temple’s main hall varies from person to person.

As Asakusa Shrine is within the same grounds as Senso-ji Temple, it’s about a 2-3 minute walk.

After visiting Asakusa Shrine, please head towards the Nitenmon Gate on the east side.

The Nitenmon Gate is located on the east side of Senso-ji Temple and is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Turn left onto Basha-michi Street (the main street) and head northeast.
You’ll reach Matsuchiyama Shoden in about 10 minutes.

Imado Shrine is located on the north side of Matsuchiyama Shoden.

You’ll pass Keiyo-ji Temple along the way, but please continue further north as it’s not Imado Shrine.
It takes about 5 minutes.

This is a great spot to see the Tokyo Skytree beautifully.
The scenery is even more beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Turn left at Imado Shrine and head north on the large street along the Sumida River. Hashiba Fudoson will be on your left.
It’s about a 20-minute walk.

After leaving Hashiba Fudoson, continue heading north on the same main street.
After crossing the intersection, Ishihama Shrine is located in the back of the park.

The willow tree at the turning point where you reluctantly look back when leaving Yoshiwara.

The longest distance on this route is from here to Yoshiwara Shrine.
You’ll be walking for about 30 minutes.
Please walk towards the west.

Turn left at Yoshiwara Shrine and there’s a park. Walk through the park and head west.
When you reach the main street, you should see a torii gate on your right. That’s Ōtori Shrine.
It’s about a 5-minute walk.

A large kumade (rake) is located to the left of the torii gate.
Kumade are Japanese lucky charms that are said to rake in good fortune.

After exiting the torii gate of Otori Shrine, turn left and walk south along the main street.
Please head towards Kappabashi Kitchen Town.
Kappabashi Kitchen Town is a famous shopping district for kitchenware.
You can find many unique kitchen tools and restaurant supplies there.

It’s about a 20-minute walk.
This area is also very popular with tourists, especially international visitors.

If you head east from Yasaki Inari Shrine, you’ll find the first Asakusa Station.
If you’d like to explore Asakusa again, please head this way.
There is also the Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station along this route.

If JR Ueno Station is your destination, please head west from Yasaki Inari Shrine.
Ueno Station is a major railway station in Taito-ku, Tokyo, operated by JR East. It serves as a key transportation hub with multiple JR lines, as well as Tokyo Metro lines. It’s known as the northern gateway to Tokyo, providing convenient access to areas in the Tohoku and northern Kanto regions. The station is also famous for its proximity to Ueno Park, which houses Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum, and other cultural facilities.

locations of the temples and shrines　

Here’s an introduction to the nine shrines and temples you’ll be visiting.
This is a tour of nine of Asakusa’s most beautiful shrines and temples.

Sensoji Temple　Daikokuten

Sensoji Temple has its origins in 628, when two brothers, Hinokuma Hamanari and Takenari, enshrined a statue of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) that they found caught in their fishing net. Later, in the early Heian period, the monk Cikaku Daishi built the Kannon Hall, and during the Edo period, the temple flourished as a prayer hall for the Tokugawa family.
Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is one of Tokyo’s most colorful and popular temples.

The main hall is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (from 6:30 AM between October and March).
The main hall of Sensoji Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (6:30 AM to 5:00 PM from October to March).

Sensoji Temple is a fascinating tourist spot where you can experience Japanese history and culture.

After passing through the Hozomon Gate, you’ll find a purification fountain on your right, where incense is sold. It’s said that if you light the incense and bathe in its smoke, you’ll receive blessings that heal your ailments.
When you visit Sensoji Temple, why not experience bathing in the incense smoke and receive its blessings?

Asakusa Shrine　Ebisu

Asakusa Shrine, located to the east of Sensoji Temple, enshrines the Hinokuma brothers, Hamanari and Takenari, and Haji no Nakatomo, who were instrumental in the founding of Sensoji Temple.

The Sanja Matsuri, held every May, is a festival of Asakusa Shrine, where people carry mikoshi (portable shrines) and the area is bustling with crowds.

Matsuchiyama Shoden　Bishamonten

Matsuchiyama Shoden, officially known as Honryuin, is a branch temple of Sensoji Temple located in Taito-ku, Tokyo. It is said to bring blessings for matchmaking, marital harmony, and business prosperity.
Radishes and kinchaku (drawstring pouches) are the symbols of Matsuchiyama Shoden. Within the temple grounds, you can see radish-shaped offerings and kinchaku-shaped decorations.

The temple grounds also offer a scenic view overlooking the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree.

Imado Shrine　Fukurokuju

Imado Shrine, located in Imado, Taito-ku, Tokyo, is a shrine known for its matchmaking deity.
Imado Shrine is famous for enshrining Izanagi and Izanami, the first married couple in Japanese mythology, and is believed to bring good luck in finding a partner.
It is also known as the birthplace of the ‘Maneki-neko’ (beckoning cat) and you can find many cat-themed charms and decorations within the shrine.
The shrine’s ema (votive plaques) are uniquely round, symbolizing ‘en’ (connection) and ‘en’ (circle).

Hashiba Fudoson　Hoteison

Hashiba Fudoson, officially named Sunaozan Hashibaji Fudoin, is a Tendai sect Buddhist temple. It is said to have been founded in 760 and has long been a place of faith for many people.
The principal image is Fudo Myoo (Acala), and it is believed to bring benefits especially for protection against evil and fire. A goma fire ritual is held on the 28th of every month, attracting many worshippers.
It is an ancient temple with a history of over 1200 years, and it gathered the faith of the common people during the Edo period. Within the temple grounds, there are buildings and stone monuments that convey a sense of history.
Within the temple grounds, there is a large ginkgo tree over 700 years old, which is one of the highlights.

Ishihama Shrine　Jurōjin

Ishihama Shrine, located in Minami-Senju, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, is a shrine said to have been founded in 724. It is situated on the banks of the Sumida River and has long been a place of faith for many people.
Ishihama Shrine enshrines Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami, and it has been known as a shrine of Ise worship since ancient times.
It is said to have been founded in 724 by the imperial wish of Emperor Shomu. It is also known for Minamoto no Yoritomo praying for victory during his campaign in Oshu.
In the Edo period, it gathered the faith of the common people and was affectionately known as ‘Ishihama no Shinmeisama’.
Within the shrine grounds, there are centuries-old trees and historical stone monuments. You can enjoy a view of the Sumida River, creating an open and welcoming atmosphere.

At Ishihama Saryo, located within the grounds of Ishihama Shrine, you can enjoy coffee brewed with the shrine’s sacred water.
The coffee brewed with the shrine’s sacred water is known for its mellow and delicious flavor.

Yoshiwara Shrine　Benzaiten

Yoshiwara Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo. It is situated in the former Yoshiwara pleasure quarter, which flourished during the Edo period, and continues to be a place of faith for many people.
Yoshiwara Shrine was established as the guardian shrine of the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter and has a history intertwined with it. Although it was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake and wartime fires, it has been rebuilt each time, with the current shrine building constructed in 1968.
The main deities enshrined are Uganomitama-no-mikoto and Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto. In addition, Yoshiwara Benzaiten and five Inari shrines that were within the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter are also enshrined together.
It is believed to bring a wide range of blessings, including business prosperity, family safety, matchmaking, and improvement in the performing arts. It is particularly revered by those involved in the entertainment and hospitality industries.

Otori Shrine　Jurōjin

Otori Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo. It is known for bringing good fortune in business and general luck. Especially, the Tori-no-ichi fair held every November is famous for its lively atmosphere with many people.
Otori Shrine enshrines Amenohiwashi-no-mikoto and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.
The Tori-no-ichi fair is held on the days of the rooster in November every year, and stalls selling lucky charms called ‘kumade’ line the streets. Kumade are believed to bring good luck in business and general fortune, and many people buy them. The Tori-no-ichi fair is a traditional festival that has been held since the Edo period, and it is crowded with many people.
There is a statue of Okame in the precincts, and it is said that the benefits vary depending on where you rub it. It is said that rubbing the forehead makes you smarter, rubbing the nose brings you good luck with money, and rubbing the right cheek facing you brings you success in love.

Yasaki Inari Shrine　Fukurokuju

Yasaki Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo, and was founded in 1642. It enshrines Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa.
The shrine originated in 1642 when Tokugawa Iemitsu built the Asakusa Sanjusangendo Hall and enshrined Inari as its guardian deity. It came to be called ‘Yasaki Inari Shrine’ because it was dedicated to the target of the Asakusa Sanjusangendo Hall archery practice range.
There are horse ema (votive tablets) on the ceiling of the main hall.

precautions and manners

• Respectful Attire:Dress modestly and respectfully, as you are visiting sacred places.
• Quiet and Reverent:Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor within the temple or shrine grounds.
• Purification:Purify your hands at the provided water basin before entering the main hall.
• Offering:Make a small monetary offering at the offering box.
• Prayer:Offer a silent prayer or wish.
• Photography:Follow the temple or shrine’s rules regarding photography. Some places may prohibit it.
• Stamp Collection:If you are collecting stamps, do so at the designated area and be mindful of others.
• No Littering:Do not litter. Dispose of trash in designated bins.
• Respect for Others:Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking their path or disturbing their prayers.
• Temple/Shrine Rules:Follow any specific rules or guidelines provided by the temple or shrine.
• Visiting Order:There is no specific order for visiting the temples and shrines, but some people prefer to follow a traditional route.
• Respect for Each Deity:Show respect to each of the Seven Lucky Gods and their respective temples or shrines.

Let’s follow these manners and enjoy the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage with a pleasant feeling.
The Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage is a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture and history.

Before passing through the torii gate of a shrine and entering the shrine grounds, bow once. Also, after leaving the grounds, turn back and bow once again.
The torii gate acts as a boundary, separating the sacred grounds of a shrine from the outside world. Bowing before and after passing through the torii gate is a sign of respect to the gods.

You don’t have to visit all the shrines and temples of the Asakusa Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage in one day. You can divide it into several days.

Goshuin (temple/shrine stamps) are available at each temple and shrine from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

You can start your pilgrimage from any of the temples and shrines, but we are introducing an easy-to-walk route this time.
You can enjoy it at your own pace.