Shinagawa – A Town Where Leisurely Strolls Are Fun
Shinagawa City Walking Map ~ My Leisurely Stroll No. 4
Ebara Shichifukujin Course
In this month’s issue, “Shinagawa City Walking Map ~ My Leisurely Stroll” spotlights a New Year’s tradition known as shichifukujin meguri (visiting the Seven Lucky Gods). According to legend, visiting the gods that bring seven types of happiness at the beginning of the New Year helps you avoid disasters and gain seven different benefits for the year. Shinagawa has Shichifukujin in the two districts of Tokai and Ebara. Here we describe those in Ebara.
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MAP 1
Oi-Zao Gongen-jinja Shrine
According to legend, the tengu (long-nosed guardian) of this shrine protected the local community from disaster during the Edo Period. During the Tengu Festival in April, a portable shrine bearing the tengu’s face is carried around.
Location: 1-14-8 Oi
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MAP 2
Tokoji Temple
Within a hall in this temple’s grounds, Ususama Daimyouou is honored as the deity named Tosu that purifies toilets. Honoring this god reportedly prevents diseases of the lower part of the body.
Location: 1-14-16 Futaba |
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MAP 3
Yogyokuin Nyoraiji Temple
This temple has five statues of Buddha known as “the Great Buddhas of Oi.” The temple is popular for the beautiful natural scenery it offers during each season.
Location: 5-22-25 Nishi-Oi |
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MAP 4
Kami-Shinmei Tenso-jinja Shrine (Hebikubo-jinja Shrine)
During a great drought in 1322, people prayed to Ryujin (the dragon god) for rain. This Tenso-jinja Shrine, which honors Ryujin and Shirohebi (the white snake god), was built to show their gratitude for the gift of rain they received.
Location: 4-4-12 Futaba |
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MAP 5
Horenji Temple
This temple is related to the Minamoto clan, who developed the mountain during the Kamakura Period. In the neighboring area is a trace of an ancient place name remaining, “Genji-mae.”
Location: 3-6-18 Hatanodai |
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MAP 6
Mayaji Temple
Queen Maya, the mother of Buddha, is enshrined in Maya Hall. Many visitors also come to Mayaji Temple for its Buddha’s birthday festival, which takes place every May.
Location: 7-6-9 Ebara |
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MAP 7
Koyama Hachiman-jinja Shrine
Located on the only relatively high vantage point in the city (thirty-five meters above sea level), this hill is said to be the reason the area was named Koyama (small mountain). This shrine’s wonderful view was selected as one of the One Hundred Views of Shinagawa. On the left of the shrine at the top of the stairs is a hall for Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods.
Location: 7-5-14 Ebara |
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Total walking distance: 6.7 km (about 8,375 steps)
Total walking time: About 2 hours and 3 minutes
Calories burned: 555 kcal
From “Shinagawa City Walking Map” |
Start Oimachi Station central exit |
About 7 minutes |
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0.3 km |
❶ Oi-Zao Gongen-jinja Shrine |
About 14 minutes |
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0.7 km |
About 26 minutes |
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1.5 km |
❸ Yogyokuin Nyoraiji Temple |
About 16 minutes |
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0.9 km |
❹ Kami-Shinmei Tenso-jinja Shrine |
About 17 minutes |
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1.0 km |
About 27 minutes |
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1.6 km |
About 4 minutes |
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0.1 km |
❼ Koyama Hachiman-jinja Shrine |
About 12 minutes |
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0.6 km |
Goal Nishi-Koyama Station |
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Walking Map Inquiries: Health Care Services Section
(Tel: 03-5742-6746, Fax: 03-5472-6883)
| Tokai Shichifukujin Course |
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❶ Shinagawa-jinja Shrine
Location: 3-7-15 Kita-Shinagawa
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❷ Yoganji Temple
Location: 2-3-12 Kita-Shinagawa
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❸ Isshinji Temple
Location: 2-4-18 Kita-Shinagawa
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❹ Ebara-jinja Shrine
Location: 2-30-28 Kita-Shinagawa
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❺ Honsenji Temple
Location: 3-5-17 Minami-Shinagawa
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❻ Tenso Suwa-jinja Shrine
Location: 1-4-1 Minami-Oi
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❼ Iwai-jinja Shrine
Location: 2-20-8 Omori-Kita, Ota-ku
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～Little Column～
Shichifukujin refers to the Seven Lucky Gods: Daikokuten (god of prosperity and good luck), Bishamonten (god who repels evil and brings treasures), Ebisu (god of prosperous business), Jurojin (god of longevity and good health), Fukurokuju (god of treasures, popularity, and success in life), Benzaiten (goddess of wisdom, treasures and matchmaking), and Hoteison (god of longevity and treasures). |
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