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About the
Hachifukujin Pilgrimage

The Origins of
the Hachioji Eight Lucky Gods,
Information about
the Pilgrimage Paper (Shikishi),
Goshuin Stamps,
and Each Temple Enshrining the Deities.

n the past, Hachioji was a post town located along the Koshu Kaido, the only transportation route connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Koshu. The town prospered greatly, and later flourished as a textile distribution center serving three regions: Kai (Koshu), Musashi (Bu), and Sagami (So).

The nickname “City of Mulberry” and the fact that Hachioji was the starting point of the “Silk Road” leading to the Yokohama International Market also attest to the city’s prosperity. Even today, there are many shops that proudly carry on this tradition.

The Hachioji Eight Lucky Gods are deities of good fortune, deeply rooted in the lives of the people of this thriving town.

The “Seven Lucky Gods,” on which the Hachioji Eight Lucky Gods pilgrimage is based, are seven deities of good fortune. It is said that the concept originates from a Buddhist phrase found in the Nio-kyo sutra from India: “Shichinan Sokumetsu, Shichifuku Sokusei,” meaning “Seven misfortunes eliminated, seven blessings born.”

Hachioji features Eight Lucky Gods. The group includes the goddess Kisshouten, with two goddesses and six gods in total — a formation inspired by the “hachi” (eight) in the name Hachioji.

Why not take a leisurely stroll visiting the Eight Lucky Gods of Hachioji, and also explore the many fine shops the city has to offer?

The Eight Lucky Gods and Their Enshrining Temples

Goddess of Prosperity and Blessings

Kisshōten

Enshrined at Kisshō-in Temple

A goddess of happiness and beauty, originating from the sea and of Indian origin.
Known in India as Lakshmi, she is also called Kudoku-ten (Goddess of Merit). She possesses the power to transform all misfortunes into auspiciousness and grants boundless prosperity. Through her compassion, she aids many people and bestows immeasurable blessings upon all beings.

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Goddess of Successful Relationships

Shingo Benzaiten

Enshrined at Ryōhō-ji Temple

Originally an Indian river goddess known as Sarasvati.
Revered as the deity of music and the arts, inspired by the enchanting sounds of the river. In addition to blessings for eloquence, wisdom, and academic success, Shingo Benzaiten also bestows virtues for child-rearing and fostering good relationships.

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God of Family Harmony

Hotei-son

Enshrined at Shinshō-in Temple

Hotei is the only figure among the Seven Lucky Gods who was an actual historical person.
He was a revered monk named Qiepi during China’s Later Liang period and served as the abbot of Yue Lin Temple.
Known for his generous, easygoing nature and said to possess the ability to foresee the future. Hotei embodies the virtues of charm and wealth, harmony and tolerance, and boundless generosity. He is also considered an incarnation of Maitreya Bodhisattva.

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God of Boundless Blessings and Longevity

Fukurokuju

Enshrined at Kongō-in Temple

Together with Jurōjin, Fukurokuju is a revered deity from the Taoist immortal realm of China, believed to govern good fortune and career advancement.
He is depicted as short in stature, with an elongated head and a white beard, and is considered an incarnation of the Southern Polar Star (Nankyoku Rōjinsei).

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God of Fortune and Victory

Bishamonten

Enshrined at Honryū-ji Temple

Also known as Tamonten, Bishamonten is a war deity of Indian origin and one of the Four Heavenly Kings, serving as the guardian of the north.
He is revered as a god of martial fortune who bestows courage and is known for his boundless virtues.
In addition to granting good fortune and victory, he bestows blessings of wealth and prosperity, earning him a place among the Seven Lucky Gods.

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God of Prosperous Business

Ebisu-ten

Enshrined at Denpō-in Temple

Ebisu is the only one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japanese origin.
He is sometimes identified as Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto or Hiruko-no-Mikoto.
Originally revered as the god of fishermen who promises abundant catches, he later became widely worshiped as the god of markets.
A leading deity of good fortune, Ebisu grants prosperity in business and abundant blessings of wealth and happiness.

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God of Health and Vitality

Hashiri Daikokuten
(Running Daikokuten)

Enshrined at Zenryū-ji Temple

Daikokuten is a deity of Indian origin, known as Mahākāla.
Originally revered as a god of grain and the kitchen, in Japan he became identified with Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto.
Hashiri (Running) Daikokuten is an active deity of good fortune, who brings happiness and blessings to households as he energetically runs about in his auspicious form.

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God of Longevity and Immortality

Jurōjin

Enshrined at Sōkaku-in Temple

Together with Fukurokuju, Jurōjin is of Chinese origin and is said to have once been the same star deity known as the Southern Polar Star (Nankyoku Rōjinsei), which governs longevity and blessings.
Jurōjin carries a staff tied with a scroll that records human lifespans, symbolizing his power to bestow health, longevity, and the blessing of a long life.

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How to Tour the Eight Lucky Gods

For the Hachioji Eight Lucky Gods Pilgrimage, we offer a “Pilgrimage Paper” (Shikishi) as a way to commemorate your visit. The color of the treasure ship design on the paper changes every year.

You can purchase the Shikishi at any of the Eight Lucky Gods temples. Please refer to the “Eight Lucky Gods Pilgrimage Map” and visit the temples in any order that suits your schedule.

In addition, we offer a free “Children’s Eight Lucky Gods Stamp Tour” for children in elementary school or younger. At the final temple, a commemorative gift will be presented — simply show your completed stamp sheet at the reception.

The pilgrimage period is from January 1 to January 10 each year.
Reception hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Please note: depending on the situation, we may run low on change, so we kindly ask that you prepare coins in advance.

Pilgrimage Paper (Shikishi) & Goshuin Stamp Donation Fees

Shikishi (Pilgrimage Paper)per sheet¥300
Stamp Feeper deity¥200
Calligraphy Stamp (with handwritten inscription)per deity¥500

Note: The date will be written on your Shikishi at the final temple you visit.

Gold Shikishi (Pilgrimage Paper)

Those who collect Shikishi from seven different years will receive a special commemorative “Gold Shikishi.”

Note: It is not necessary to collect them in seven consecutive years. As long as seven different years can be confirmed (based on the dates written on the Shikishi), the Gold Shikishi will be awarded. If you bring six years’ worth of Shikishi in your seventh year, the Gold Shikishi will be presented at the final temple you visit.

Important Notes

● The stamp on the pilgrimage sheet (shikishi) is different from the traditional goshuin stamp written in a stamp book. Please let the temple staff know if you wish to receive both.
● Reception hours and crowd levels vary by temple and day. Please allow plenty of time for your visit.
● If you are driving, check each temple’s parking information in advance and visit safely.
● Please remain quiet within temple grounds and take all your trash with you.

Frequently asked questions

Q、Is the pilgrimage held on rainy days?

A、Yes, it takes place even in the rain.

Q、Can I start the pilgrimage from any temple?

A、Yes, you can begin at any of the eight temples. Just remember to get the stamp sheet (shikishi) at your first temple.

Q、Can foreigners participate?

A、Yes, everyone is welcome to join. Please note that reception and signage are primarily in Japanese, so we recommend preparing a translation app or other means to assist with Japanese.

Q、Are there restrooms available?

A、Please refer to the temple layout diagrams on each temple’s page for restroom availability. Kindly note that some temples may not have restroom facilities.

主催 八王子七福神会
後援 八王子市・八王子市教育委員会・日本遺産「桑都物語」推進協議会・八王子観光コンベンション協会・八王子商工会議所