"Shichifukujin-meguri (Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage)" is one of the New Year's customs in Japan.
This custom involves purchasing a colored paper and have it stamped at every temple.
Tradition says that praying to the seven gods of fortune, Ebisu, Daikoku, Bishamon, Benten, Fukurokuju, Jurojin and Hotei, will grant the worshiper blessings like longevity, business prosperity, good harvest and safety at home.
In Hachioji, there is another god, Kisshoten (the goddess of happiness and prosperity) as 8th god associated with the first Chinese letter of Hachioji (八王子, 八 means number 8 and it also means flourish), that is uniquely added to the Seven Lucky Gods.
Bishamonten, the god of fortune in wars and battles
Honryuji Temple
11-1 Ueno-machi, Hachioji
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The temple was originally built at the base of the Takiyama castle by Honryuin Nikken in 1566, then moved to at the base of Hachioji castle, and in 1596, it again moved to its present location upon orders by Hara Taneyori.
The graveyard includes the graves of Hara Taneatsu and Shinsuke brothers, and Mitamura Engyo, the history researcher of Hachioji Sennin Doshin.
Fukurokuju, the god of wisdom, luck, longevity, wealth and happiness
Kongoin Temple
39-2 Ueno-machi, Hachioji
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The temple was originally built by Buddhist Priest Shinsei in 1576. About 50 years later of its foundation, in 1631, Garan (a complex that contains a set of buildings forming an ideal Buddhist temple) was built in its present location during the era of Sadatsune the Third.
Kichishoten, the goddess of happiness and prosperity
Kichishoten Temple
58-3 Nagabusa-machi, Hachioji
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It is said that, the temple was established by the founder, Raigen Hoin during Oei era (1394-1427), and was restored by Hojubo Yukimori Hoin in 1602.
The temple was moved to its present location in 1954..
Jurojin, the god of the elderly and longevity
Sokakuin Temple
2-14-18 Sennin-cho, Hachioji
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This temple was renamed as Ryokai-san Sokakuin Templed by Eiun, the Sixth Buddhist priest of Kofukuji Temple (Higashi-asakawa-machi, Hachioji).
The graveyard includes the grave of Matsumoto Tokizo, the head of Hachioji Sennin Doshin.
Hashiri-Daikokuten, the god of health improvement
Zenryuji Temple
1-1-19 Motohongo-cho, Hachioji
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This temple used to be a Shingonshujiin Temple for the Shinto deity of the lord of the Takiyama Castle. It is said that it was re-founded as a temple of Nichiren Buddhism by Honmyoin Nichiei, and was restored by Butsujoin Nissei.
Ebisu, the god of prosperity and wealth in business
Denpoin Temple
4 Minamishin-cho, Hachioji
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This temple was built in a location known today as Hiyoshi-cho in 1751, and was moved to its present location in 1865 and became the Narita-san shrine.
Hoteison, the god of harmonious family
Shinshoin Temple
3-18-28 Dai-machi, Hachioji
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It is said that the foundation of the temple arose from when Takeda Shingen's fifth daughter, Matsuhime, took refuge from Shingennin Temple to the Soan (thatched hut) in Goshomizu, Hachioji (present: Dai-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo) in 1590.
The rear of the main temple houses her grave.
Shingo Benzaiten, the goddess of marriage and success
Ryohoji Temple
2-1 Hiyosh-icho, Hachioji
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It is said that this temple was founded for Keiun Nichijo Shonin to stay after his retirement in 1498.
In the present, it is famously known around Japan as "Moe-Dera (moe temple)".
