Nestled in the heart of Nagano, Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s most revered spiritual sites. However, beyond the grand temple, a hidden pilgrimage awaits those seeking both adventure and blessings. The “Shichifukujin Meguri” (Tour of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune) leads you through seven temples, each dedicated to a different deity of fortune. It ends at Zenkoji, where you can have the final stamp. Collecting stamps from these shrines is believed to bring prosperity, longevity, and happiness. Let’s embark on this journey together, discovering the gods and temples along the way!
Nagano Station
While not a temple or shrine, it is important to start our journey here! Visit the Tourist Information Center to recieve your stamp board and information about the stamp rally. If you can’t speak Japanese, don’t fret! Usually, there is someone who speaks English at the desk who can help you! You’ll find this office near the train line entrances and the ticket counters. The board is ¥800 and you will recieve some information about the stamp rally.
Nagano Station is the main transportation hub in Nagano City, offering convenient access to the region’s cultural and natural attractions. As a gateway to Zenkoji Temple and nearby ski resorts like Hakuba, it is a bustling station serving both locals and tourists. The station connects major train lines, including the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which offers direct access to Tokyo, and JR East services.
1) Saikoji Temple – Jurojin (寿老人)
Our journey begins at Saikoji Temple, home to Jurojin, the god of longevity and wisdom. Jurojin is often depicted as an elderly man with a long beard, holding a staff and scroll, symbolizing knowledge and the secrets of long life.
It’s only a 5 minute walk from the station and tucked away on a busy shopping street. Go to the right stide building, call the staff over, and pay the ¥100 for your stamp.
2) Okuninushi Shrine – Daikokuten (大黒天)
Next, we head to Okuninushi Shrine, dedicated to Daikokuten, the god of wealth, farmers, and abundant harvests. Daikokuten is known for his cheerful demeanor, often carrying a sack of treasures and standing on bales of rice, symbols of prosperity.
This shrine is about a 9 minute walk from the previous temple. It’s located near the Prefectural Government Office. The temple itself is located near a parking lot and the walk isn’t as scenic or bustling as many of the other shrines. There is no attendant at this shrine, so pay your ¥100 in the donation box and stamp your board yourself.
3) Akiba Shrine – Fukurokuju (福禄寿)
Our third stop is Akiba Shrine, where you will find Fukurokuju, the god of happiness, wealth, and longevity. Fukurokuju is easily recognizable by his long forehead, which symbolizes wisdom. He embodies the balance between material wealth, happiness, and good health, reminding visitors of the importance of these three aspects in life.
This shrine is about an 8 minute walk away from the previous one. This one is tucked away behind some buildings, so it might take you a moment to find the entrance! Again, there’s no attendant at this shrine, so pay your ¥100 in the donation box and stamp your board yourself. The stamp box was a bit difficult to find as well. It’s located by the right-hand side of the main building.
4) Ojoin Temple – Benzaiten (弁財天)
The fourth stop takes us to Ojoin Temple, dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of knowledge, art, and beauty. Benzaiten is the only female deity among the Seven Lucky Gods and is often associated with music, poetry, and learning. Artists and students come here to seek her blessings for creativity and success in their studies.
This one is only a 5 minute walk away! From here, you’ll be walking north towards Zenkoji for a while. While you’re on the main street, you’ll make a right turn onto the Nagano Gonda Shopping Street. It’s a covered walkway filled with shops. The temple will be on your left. There is no attendant at this shrine, so pay your ¥100 in the donation box and stamp your board yourself.
5) Fujiya Gohonjin (Shrine) – Hotei (布袋)
A little more than halfway through the tour, we arrive at Fujiya Gohonjin, where Hotei, the god of happiness and contentment, resides. With his big belly and ever-present smile, Hotei radiates joy and laughter. He is also known as the patron of children and fortunetellers.
Fujiya Gohonjin is a big, art-deco style building near Zenkoji. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the previous temple and you will walk past many souvenir shops and restaurants that you can stop at! This stop on the stamp tour is a little strange. Outside the building, to the right of the entrance, there is a small wooden shrine with the stamp box. There is no attendant at this shrine, so pay your ¥100 in the donation box and stamp your board yourself.
6) Nishinomiya Shrine – Ebisu (恵比寿)
Nishinomiya Shrine is where you’ll meet Ebisu, the god of prosperity, fishermen, and good fortune. Unlike the other deities, Ebisu is unique to Japan, symbolizing domestic success. He is often depicted with a fishing rod and a large sea bream, which represents abundance.
This stop will lead you away from the main road leading to Zenkoji, but don’t fear! The next stop will lead you back. It’s about a 4 minute walk down some of the side streets. This shrine does have an attendant! Go to the back of the complex (to the right of the shrine building after praying) and call the attendant with the doorbell if they’re not there. Pay your ¥100 for the stamp.
7) Sessonin Temple – Bishamonten (毘沙門天)
Our final stop before Zenkoji is Sessonin Temple, where Bishamonten, the god of warriors and protector of the righteous, is enshrined. Bishamonten is often portrayed in armor, holding a spear, representing strength and justice.
This stop is a 5 minute walk away from the previous stop. It was a bit challenging to navigate to, but very easy to spot! It’s tucked away on a side street around the Zenkoji complex. Inside the temple there is a souvenir shop. Don’t forget to take off your shoes before you go inside! I would recommend picking something up here while you wait in line! The temple attendant will take your ¥100 for your stamp (and you can purchase whatever goods you choose from them as well).
Zenko-ji Temple
Zenkoji Temple is one of Japan’s most significant and historically rich Buddhist temples, located in Nagano City. Founded in the 7th century, the temple has a history that spans over 1,400 years. It was originally constructed to house what is believed to be Japan’s first Buddhist statue. Zenkoji is unique because it is a non-sectarian temple, welcoming followers from all branches of Buddhism. The temple has been rebuilt several times due to fires, with the current structure dating back to 1707. One of its most fascinating features is the “okaidan meguri,” a dark underground passage beneath the main hall where visitors can touch a key said to lead to salvation.
When you’ve collected your seven lucky stamps, it’s time to seal in all that luck! Go to Zenkoji’s goshuin stand to get the final stamp in the center of your board. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the previous temple. This stamp will be ¥200. And, if you missed any of the previous stamps for whatever reason, you can recieve them here as well.
Be aware, if you’re visiting on a particularly busy weekend (like I was!), prepare to be in line for a while here.
And there you have it! You’ve completed the Shichifukujin Meguri and you’ll be lucky for the next year.
The entire walking tour took me about an hour an a half from start till I got in line at Zenkoji’s goshuin stand. It’s about 3.1 km (1.9 miles) so wear your walking shoes! Be aware that most of the temples and shrines close at 4pm, so get your stamps in before that.
Sid in Japan 
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