The Seven Lucky Gods: Japan's Cheerful Gods of Fortune

Published October 15, 2026 at 11:57 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Seven Smiling Gods of Good Fortune

Walk into a shop at New Year, flip through a book of folk art, or browse the charms at a temple, and you may spot a cheerful crew of seven figures: one holding a fish, one with an enormous sack, another with a lute. They are the Seven Lucky Gods, known in Japanese as Shichifukujin, and they are among the most beloved symbols of good fortune in the country. Each one stands for a different kind of luck, from success at work to a long and healthy life.

This guide introduces all seven in a friendly way. We will see where they come from, what they are known for, and why their treasure ship is such a popular New Year image. Then we will cover how visitors can meet them in person, by joining a lucky-gods pilgrimage or simply by recognizing them in the wild.

The nicest thing about the Seven Lucky Gods is that they are cheerful. Their stories, shapes, and symbols bring a smile, which is exactly why generations of people have welcomed them into shops and homes.

Where They Came From

One fascinating fact is that the seven gods have many different backgrounds. Only one of them, Ebisu, is native to Japan. Others came from Buddhism and Hinduism in India, and from Taoism and Buddhism in China. Over time, the group came together in Japan as a single team of fortune-bringers, which makes them a charming symbol of how many traditions have blended in Japanese culture.

The group is said to have been mentioned as a set in 1420 in the Fushimi area, in a parade imitating a procession of daimyo (regional lords). Another well-known story credits the Buddhist priest Tenkai, who is said to have selected the gods after speaking with the shogun Iemitsu, who wanted figures representing ideal virtues such as long life, fortune, and generosity. The painter Kano Yasunobu was then commissioned to portray them.

The number seven also helps. In many cultures it feels lucky, and it appears often in Japanese customs, so a group of seven gods feels naturally auspicious.

Meet the Seven

Ebisu is the only god of purely Japanese origin. He is the patron of fishermen and of business prosperity, and he is usually shown smiling, with a fishing rod and a large red sea bream or sea bass. Folklore calls him the laughing god. He is often paired with Daikokuten, and his image appears on a well-known beer label.

Daikokuten has roots in Mahayana Buddhism, which reached Japan from China after beginning in India. He is the god of commerce and prosperity and is also a patron of cooks and farmers. Look for the bag of valuables he carries over his shoulder. Bishamonten comes from the Hindu god Kubera and is shown in armor, often holding a pagoda and a spear. He is associated with authority, dignity, and protection.

Benzaiten is the only goddess in the modern group. She comes from the Hindu goddess Saraswati and is a patron of music, art, and talent, and she is also connected with financial fortune. She is usually pictured with a biwa, a traditional lute. Fukurokuju comes from Chinese Taoism and stands for wisdom, luck, and longevity. He is usually shown with a cane and a scroll, sometimes accompanied by a crane, turtle, or deer.

Jurojin is also of Chinese Taoist origin. He is the god of the elderly and long life and is considered an incarnation of the southern pole star. Deer, cranes, tortoises, and peach trees often appear with him. Finally, Hotei is the plump, smiling figure who carries a bag of fortunes. He came to Japan through Buddhism from China, and he is a guardian of children and a symbol of contentment and popularity.

The Treasure Ship at New Year

One of the most delightful images connected with the group is the takarabune, or treasure ship. According to tradition, during the first three days of the New Year the Seven Lucky Gods pilot this ship across the heavens, bringing good luck to the world below. A picture of the ship has long been an essential part of traditional New Year celebrations.

Because of this link, you will often see the gods in New Year decorations, greeting items, and festive displays. They are shown together in the boat, smiling and surrounded by treasure, and the whole scene feels like a wish for the year ahead.

It is easy to enjoy this tradition as a visitor. If you are in Japan around the New Year, look for ship illustrations, lucky-gods figurines, and charms in shops and shrines. They make cheerful keepsakes and are a nice way to learn the characters.

A Lucky Gods Pilgrimage and Visiting Tips

The most active way to meet the gods is to take part in a Shichifukujin meguri, a pilgrimage in which visitors travel to seven temples or shrines, one for each god. The custom is said to date back to about the fifteenth century and became widespread in the nineteenth century. Many people begin the New Year by visiting a shrine or temple to pray for good fortune, and this pilgrimage fits perfectly with that spirit.

In Tokyo, a popular choice is the Yanaka Shichifukujin Meguri, which runs from Tabata to Ueno in the northeast of the city and takes about three hours to walk. Participants collect a stamp at each temple and can record the temple names and deities in a booklet. Walking the route is a lovely way to see a calm, old-fashioned part of Tokyo while you search for each god.

Similar pilgrimages exist in other regions of Japan, and the exact routes, dates, and offerings differ. If you would like to join one, ask a local tourist information office or check the official website of the temples involved.

A few simple tips make a pilgrimage enjoyable. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather, because winter days can be cold. Bring some coins for offerings, and keep your phone handy for maps. Plan for time at each stop so that you do not feel rushed.

At each temple or shrine, follow the usual manners. Greet the site quietly, offer a short prayer, and respect other visitors, especially at busy times of year. If photography is limited in some areas, follow the signs. You can also learn the gods' symbols in advance, such as the sea bream for Ebisu, the lute for Benzaiten, and the bag for Hotei, which turns the walk into a game of recognition.

Finally, remember that the gods are meant to be fun. Take your time, smile, and enjoy the neighborhood between temples, with its small shops and cafes.

Quick Takeaways

The Seven Lucky Gods are a joyful team of fortune: Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurojin, and Hotei. They come from Japan, India, and China, and each one stands for a different blessing, from prosperity to long life. Their treasure ship is a beloved New Year image.

You can meet them through decorations, charms, and pilgrimages such as the one in Yanaka. Approach it with a light heart, and you may find that the gods bring plenty of luck to your trip.