Seven Gods New Year Pilgrimage in Japan Will Bring You Luck for the Whole Year

This tradition roots from the Edo era (17th-19th century). There is a variety of routes throughout the country you can choose to complete your piligrimage. If you are anywhere around Tokyo or Yokohama, check out the Tsurumi route. In major part it follows the historic Tokkaido road which once linked Kyoto and old Edo (the present day Tokyo). It is mostly off the beaten track for foreign visitors, very atmospheric, full of ancient shrines and can be completed in the course of three hours.

Between January, 4 and January 12, printed itineraries can be bought at the first check-in stop on the route. As you proceed along the route, collect stamps at each of the seven stations to keep the itinerary as a memory of your journey.

The head of the route is located at Keikyu Tsurumi-ichiba station.
– The first stop is Yokohama Kumano Jinja, a ninth century shrine, where visitors can get a stamp for Fukurokuju, the god of happiness, wealth and longevity. 
– After crossing Route 14 the road brings you to Tsurumi Shrine and the second milestone. It is filled with historical artifact and is a place to get Jurojin, the god of longevity, stamp. 
– Sojiji temple complex is your next destination. It is a major site of Zen Buddhist learning founded in the 14th century. Collect your Daikokuten, the god of wealth, stamp and explore the scenic compound.
– A stamp of Lord Bishamonten, the god of war, can be collected at a little sweet temple of Tofukuji, on the other side of the hill. 
– Shosenji, a small Shingon sect Buddhist temple established in 1624, is where you get a stamp for Ebisu, the god of fishermen (it works for all, though, not only fishermen). 
– Anyoji temple used to be a common side stop for travelers on the Tokaido. Now you collect here a stamp for Benten, the goddess of fine arts and literature.
– The last milestone sits atop a hill – Shoinji temple boasts a lovely late afternoon atmosphere and gives you the seventh and final stamp for Hotei, the god of happiness and contentment (and alcohol).

The mission completed. Happy New Year!

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