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Visiting the Kiryu Shichifukujin (Seven Gods of Fortune)

Visiting the 7 temples which drive off 7 types of bad luck and give good luck to visitors.

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Starting from the Komyo-ji Temple (Benzaiten) located north of Kiryu Station, you will be visiting and worshiping the seven temples of each of the Seven Gods of Fortune, Myouon-ji Temple (Jurojin), Hokyo-ji Temple (Daikokuten), Shorenji-Temple (Fukurokuju), Kyusho-ji Temple (Ebisu), Hosen-ji Temple (Bishamonten), and Saiho-ji Temple (Hoteison) to gain luck.

The Seven Gods of Fortune have been worshiped since the late Muromachi Period (1336~1573), and were worshiped by especially farmers and fishermen. In 1989, the late Kawarai Genji, who was a famous collector from Kiryu City, founded the Kiryu Shichifukujin-Visiting Kenwa Gathering. This has been held by Kiryu City for more than 30 years. Not only was this meant to visit the Seven Gods of Fortune, but it also works as the best walking course spanning 7.5km to see the seasonal nature and historical buildings of Kiryu City. This is easily accessible the route only takes around 2 hours, so it has been popular not only among the local residents, but also among tourists who visit from afar to maintain their health.

Hosen-ji Temple which stands surrounded by rich green nature.
Hosen-ji Temple which stands surrounded by rich green nature.

The 6th temple among the Kiryu Shichifukujin course, the Hosen-ji Temple, which was made in 1574 and which houses the Bishamonten is said to have the power to provide unlimited treasure from its spear, and it is believed to have the power to protect warriors and install the power to hear the truth. Bishamonten is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune and as it is said to have the power to bring fortune, good luck, and academic achievement while warding off bad luck. It has been worshiped for a long time. There are also many other local tourist attractions. These include the grave of Yura Narishige, the lord of Kiryu Castle, which is a designated ruin by Kiryu City, and also the Great Hall which is an important cultural property of the city, the Sanmon Gate, and a rotating shelf for Buddhist sutras!

Bishamonten at the Hosen-ji Temple (God of well-being for families and warriors)
Bishamonten at the Hosen-ji Temple (God of well-being for families and warriors)

You will be sure to refresh your body and soul by visiting the temples surrounded in rich nature, far from the bustle of city life! By visiting the temples which house deities with many different powers, it is said that you will gain seven types of fortune and avoid seven types of bad luck from the Kiryu Shichifukujin!

The stamps (goshuin shikishi) which you will collect by visiting all seven temples will become a good souvenir from the trip
The stamps (goshuin shikishi) which you will collect by visiting all seven temples will become a good souvenir from the trip

Photos

  • Hosen-ji Temple which stands surrounded by rich green nature.

    Hosen-ji Temple which stands surrounded by rich green nature.

  • Bishamonten at the Hosen-ji Temple (God of well-being for families and warriors)

    Bishamonten at the Hosen-ji Temple (God of well-being for families and warriors)

  • The stamps (goshuin shikishi) which you will collect by visiting all seven temples will become a good souvenir from the trip

    The stamps (goshuin shikishi) which you will collect by visiting all seven temples will become a good souvenir from the trip

Reviews

1
  • 陳芯月

    七福神巡禮每個都去需要大量體力和時間,「弁財天」,據說可以求才和求財,所以這個才是重點~^_^

Details

Address
3-9-15 Miyamotocho, Kiryu City, Gunma (Komyo-ji Temple)
Telephone number
0277-22-4854 (Komyo-ji Temple), 0277-32-1177 (Office and Hosen-ji Temple)
Opening hours
The best time to visit will be in the morning (You will need to call in advance if you want to collect stamps)
Closed
No holidays
Fee
Visiting cost, card for the stamps 1,500 yen (The cards for the stamps are only sold at Komyo-ji Temple and Seiho-ji Temple)
Payment methods
Cash only
Access
Komyo-ji Temple, which is the starting point, is a 20 minute walk from Kiryu Station on the JR Ryomo Line.