Asakusa, located near the Sumida River, is a famous tourist destination. In 2016, foreign tourists finally made up 57.8% of the total number of tourists for the year, making it a more popular international tourist destination than Japanese tourists. Among the shrines and temples in the Asakusa area, the most popular spot is Sensoji Temple, which is connected to the Kaminarimon Gate, but did you know that there are many other shrines and temples in the area? This time, we will introduce all of the Seven Lucky Gods at once. Come and enjoy sightseeing and discover the charm of Asakusa that is not limited to Sensoji Temple.

● Asakusa, where Edo atmosphere remains

Asakusa and Mukojima, walking along the Sumida embankment. These two areas on either side of the Sumida River were some of the most popular tourist destinations in Edo. Even today, there are still many temples and historical sites from the Edo period remaining, and the area still retains a strong Edo atmosphere.

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Taito Ward, is the well-known center of religious worship for the common people in the Kanto region. According to the Sensoji Engi, the oldest document relating to Sensoji Temple, the origins of Sensoji Temple date back to 628 during the reign of Empress Suiko. On March 18th of that year, two fisherman brothers, Hime Hamanari and Takenari, pulled up the principal image of the Bodhisattva Kannon from the riverbed near Komagata on the Sumida River. The village mayor, Tsuchiyama Nakatomo, enshrined the statue, and this is said to be the beginning of Sensoji Temple.

Senso-ji Temple enshrines a rich variety of gods and Buddhas, including Benzaiten, Daikokuten, Yakushi Nyorai, Jizo Bodhisattva, Ebisu, and Inari. "You don't need to go to other temples or shrines; you can get everything you need here." This tolerance has earned Senso-ji Temple its position as the head temple of the common people's faith in the Kanto region. However, the expression "many gods and Buddhas" is not limited to Senso-ji Temple.

●Seven Lucky Gods in 9 temples?

We will introduce one of these temples and shrines, Matsuchiyama Shoten, in detail. Its official name is Matsuchiyama Honryuin. As its name suggests, it is built on a small hill. According to the "Matsuchiyama Shoten Engi-roku," a mountain rose from the ground overnight on September 20, 595, and a golden dragon descended from the sky to announce the appearance of the principal image of Sensoji Temple. The principal image of Matsuchiyama Shoten is a large Doukiten (Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva), who is said to grant good fortune and marital harmony. The forked radish and purse seen here and there within the temple grounds are emblems that indicate the benefits of the principal image. The forked radish represents health, good relationships, and marital harmony, while the purse represents prosperity in business and wealth. This temple is also one of the "Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa." The Seven Gods of Fortune, which are said to have miraculous powers for bringing worldly benefits, have been worshipped since the Edo period and eventually became known as New Year's pilgrimages to the Seven Gods of Fortune. Even today, this is a New Year's event held all over Japan.
The Asakusa Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage, which was suspended due to the effects of the Pacific War, was revived in 1977. The following nine temples and shrines are dedicated to the seven gods and Buddhas.

○Daikokuten = Senso-ji Temple
○Ebisu Shrine = Asakusa Shrine
○Risamonten - Mt. Mt. Mt. Shoten
○ Fukurokuju = Imado Shrine
○ Hotei = Fudoin Temple (Hashiba Fudoin Temple)
○Jurojin Shrine = Ishihama Shrine
○Jurojin = Otori Shrine
○Benzaiten = Yoshiwara Shrine
○ Fukurokuju = Yasaki Inari Shrine
As you can see, there are nine temples and shrines with the Seven Lucky Gods. If you bring colored paper or other items with you during the New Year, you can receive a divine name and a red seal. The shrine that worships Jurojin is also famous for the Nishinoichi market, where lucky rakes are sold.

●Asakusa is not just a shrine or temple; it's a leisure spot

Asakusa is an area filled with gods and Buddhas, but it is also an area filled with entertainment. The area behind the main hall of Sensoji Temple has been a leading leisure spot since the Edo period, and is still home to the amusement park "Asakusa Hanayashiki," which opened in 1853. "Roku-ku," near this long-established amusement park, is one of Tokyo's most bustling districts, established in 1877. It was the first entertainment district in Japan to be equipped with an elevator, and was home to the building of Ryounkaku, affectionately nicknamed "the twelve stories." The hustle and bustle of the past continues to this day.

・Hanayashiki

Hanayashiki is the oldest amusement park in Japan. With a wide range of retro attractions, it has become a photogenic spot that still retains the atmosphere of the past, giving off a new charm.

The side of the attraction called Carnival has a pink and white striped pattern, and the wall of the attraction called Asakusa Daimeikyu Shinobi no Toride has a pop background with a blue sky. If you take a photo without telling anyone where it is, it's sure to become a topic of conversation. There are also plenty of photo spots, such as a row of large shoe flower beds made by the gardeners in the park.

・Rokuku Street

Roku-ku Street is a small street less than 100 meters long, but many famous people with ties to Asakusa have left their names on it. The street lamps have panels displaying the names of big stars from the Showa era, such as Kiyoshi Atsumi and Kinichi Hagimoto, as well as comedians who are still active today, and below the panels there is an explanation of the person's personality and their connection to Asakusa.

"Kissa Tengoku" is a newly popular photogenic spot on Roku-ku Street. The hotcakes and hotdogs are very cute and have the word "Tengoku" branded on them, and the atmosphere of a good old coffee shop remains. Please use this place as a resting spot during your sightseeing in Asakusa.

Summary

What do you think? We have introduced the shrines and temples known as the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa, as well as leisure spots in Asakusa. Both places are great spots to visit in a kimono, so if you're heading to Asakusa, be sure to stop by.

If you are looking to rent a kimono, we recommend Kimono Rental VASARA. We currently have three stores: Sensoji store, Asakusa main store, and Asakusa Shin-Nakamisedori store. All stores offer services that will satisfy you. Please feel free to use them.

For information on VASARA kimono rental stores, please click here.

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