The Seven Lucky Gods are said to have originated in Kyoto during the Muromachi period, and pilgrimages to the “Miyako Shichifukujin” have been carried out for a long time.
The reason why we say “Miyako Shichifukujin” instead of “Kyoto Seven Lucky Gods” is because there was a capital (Miyako) in Kyoto for a long time.
t is said that the “Seven Lucky Gods” are now being visited in several areas throughout the country.
he seven deities of good fortune are the seven deities of Ebisushin, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jyuroushin, and Hoteison
The “Miyako Shichifukujin” are enshrined at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine (Ebisushin), Matsugasaki Daikokuten (Daikokuten), Toji Temple (Bishamonten), Rokuharamitsuji Temple (Bensaiten), Akayama Zenin (Fukurokuju), and Leather Hall (Jurojin). ), There are seven places in Manpukuji (Hoteison).
This time, I would like to introduce three of them.
〇 ”Kyoto Ebisu Shrine” enshrining “Ebisu God” famous for its prosperous business
A few minutes’ walk south on Yamatooji, you will find the Ebisu Shrine, which is familiar to people in Kyoto as “Kyoto Ebisu”. It is said that it was built as a guardian forest of Kenninji Temple in the 2nd year of Kennin in the early Kamakura period. As the guardian deity of “prosperity of business” and “Takamasa Ieun”, January 10th is crowded with many people.
Basic information
Shijo-dori, Yamatooji-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Visiting time 8: 30-17: 00
Goshuin reception time 8: 30-16: 30
〇 Matsugasaki Daikokuten (Myoenji Temple), which enshrines “Daikokuten”
It was erected in 1616 (2nd year of Genwa).
Matsuzakiyama Myoenji is the official name of the temple, but it is familiar to the people of Kyoto as “Mr. Daikoku of Matsugasaki”. The statue of Daikokuten, the principal idol, is a work of a missionary master and is widely worshiped as a god of good luck.
Basic information
31 Matsugasaki Higashimachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Visiting time 9:00 to 17:00
Goshuin reception hours 9:00 to 16:30
〇 Toji Temple (Kyooh Gokokuji Temple) enshrining Bishamonten, a famous god of learning
It was built by Kukai for national protection during the construction of Heiankyo, and the five-storied pagoda is considered to be the largest existing wooden building in Japan. Bishamonten was impressed by Kobo Daishi when he entered Tang, and he has gained faith in academic achievement and easy delivery with his innumerable wisdom.
Basic information
1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto
Visiting time: 8: 00-16: 30
Goshuin reception hours: 8: 30-16: 30
If you’re going to the “Miyako Shichifukujin Tour,” why not buy a colored paper called a talisman at the temple or shrine you visited first and get a red stamp at the place you visited?
In the next KoI newsletter, I will introduce the remaining 4 locations.
Please check the official website of each temple for the latest information before going out.
