Take up the "Shinjuku Yamanote Shichifukujin Tour" challenge! Visit the seven deities of fortune in Shinjuku, in the central Tokyo area, and collect their "goshuin" stamps.

In Japan, it is customary to offer prayers to the "Shichifukujin," the seven lucky deities. This is especially true at the start of a new year, where people make the trip from January 1st to 7th so that they will be blessed with good luck for the entire year. This belief has its origin around 1400 AD, and it is said that doing this will prevent seven disasters and bring seven blessings.

There are shrines and temples all over Japan devoted to Shichifukujin. This means you can enjoy the "Shichifukujin Tour" even in Shinjuku, in the central Tokyo area, with skyscrapers dotting the landscape. During this course you will bring a special colored paper to each shrine and temple to collect "goshuin" stamps which prove that you visited each.

There is no special route, and you can travel as you please. The entire course takes around 150 minutes by foot. This upcoming course will begin at "Higashi-shinjuku Station" on the Tokyo Metro Oedo and Fukutoshin Lines.

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Leave "Higashi-shinjuku Station" (A1 exit) and head straight along the road until you reach "Kiojinjamae" Intersection. Turn left and you will find spot (1), "Inari Kio Shrine."

The deity enshrined here is "Ebisu." He is the deity of prosperous business, and is often depicted with lucky fish, sea bream and a fishing rod that symbolizes catching good fortune.

To pray, first purify your hands with water, give a bow before the deity, and then give a small offering in the "saisenbako" offering box in front of you. Put your hands together, pray, and then finally give one more bow.

After praying, make your way to the "shamusho" (the shrine office) to receive your Shichifukujin colored paper and "goshuin" stamp proving you visited. This completes your first visit.

Make your way back to Higashi-shinjuku Station, then turn right and follow Meijidori for about 10 minutes. You will see "Isetan Shinjuku Store" (2) on your right. If you're feeling thirsty, might we recommend stopping at "Premium MarioGelateria"? This Italian gelato shop is located on B1F of the building, along with plenty of other shops offering side dishes and sweets.

Their unique red peach juice is fresh and full of vitamins. Watch out: you may grow addicted to its syrupy sweetness!

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Why not head to the next spot as you enjoy your drink? Turn left at the intersection Isetan Shinjuku Store is on, and then turn left before the police box.

You will see (3) "Kakanzan Taisoji," the second spot on the Shinjuku Yamanote Shichifukujin Course.

Enshrined here is "Hoteiosho." He is depicted with a big belly and kind smile, and is holding a white sack filled with treasure. He is believed to be the deity of matrimonial happiness and treasured children.

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When you exit Taisoji and turn left you will see a narrow road. Continue to the right and you will end up at "Shinjuku Gyoen." This spacious garden is full of nature and is a popular tourist attraction. Why not take a walk inside? If you follow the road in the opposite direction for around 10 minutes, you will arrive at (4) "Nishimukiten Shrine."

You can receive here your third goshuin ("Benzaiten") before January 1st or after January 7th.

If you keep following the road, you will arrive at "Nukebenten" Intersection, where you will see (5) "Itsukushima Shrine." Enshrined here is the only female Shichifukujin: "Benzaiten." She is a water deity who is depicted holding a biwa--sort of a Japanese guitar. She is believed to be the deity of music and art.

Exit "Itsukushima Shrine" and cross the road to find yourself in the "Manekidori Shopping District." Sweet aromas are carried on the wind from small shops packed tightly together. (6) "Mineya" specializes in bread made from natural yeast and alcohol, and provides bread to over 100 restaurants and cafes in the metropolitan area. It is well-known to those in the know.

Natural yeast and alcohol provides this bread with a strikingly rich flavor. It is served toasted and topped with mayonnaise and a fried egg, and the egg yolk is surprisingly thick. They offer a wide selection of delicacies, such as French bread filled with red bean paste and butter.

(7) "Shunjizanhozenji" is located a little before "Mineya." Enshrined here is "Jurojin," He is the deity of longevity who holds the elixir of immortality. He is depicted as a long-bearded man holding a cane, accompanied by a deer symbolizing longevity.

Halfway done! Return back to "Itsukushima Shrine" and cross "Nukebenten" Intersection, and you will soon find yourself at (8) "Okubozan Eifukuji." Enshrined here is the deity "Fukurokuju," depicted as an old man. His name has special significance. "Fuku," "roku," and "ju" refer to the Japanese words for "happiness (kofuku)," "social status (mibun)," and "lifespan (jumyo)," respectively. He brings the blessings of happiness, riches, and virtue.

Both "Jurojin" and "Fukurokuju" are the deities of longevity. For Japanese people, longevity must have been the most important thing to wish for!

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Leave "Eifukuji," turn left, and continue toward "Wakamatsu-kawada" Station on the Toei Oedo Line.

Near the station is this historical Spanish-style building, (9) "Ogasawara Residence." Why not stop by?

Then, walk along the street until you reach "Ushigome-yanagicho Station" on the Toei Oedo Line.

You will see (10) "Daijozan Kyo-oji" on your right.

Enshrined here is "Daikokuten," the deity of agriculture. He is depicted as wearing a hood on his head and carrying "uchidenokoduchi," a legendary mallet the deity can create various things from by shaking it.

Kyo-oji also has a koduchi mallet. It is said that making a wish while you shake it three times will make your wish come true.

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You're almost finished! Continue along "Okubodori" in front of Kyo-oji, turn right at "Kagurazaka Ue" Intersection, and then enter "Kagurazakadori" to find your final destination, "Chingozan Zenkokuji."

You'll notice a distinct change of atmosphere, as this lively street is full of stylish stores.

The final spot, "Chingozan Zenkokuji," is found on the right side of the street.

Enshrined here is "Bishamonten." He is the deity of war, and is depicted suited in armor and helmet, and carrying a spear. He is believed to bring the blessings of military arts and protection from evil.

Once you have completed the "Shinjuku Yamanote Shichifukujin Course" you'll end up with this nice colored paper with goshuin from each shrine and temple you visited neatly arranged. Under the benevolent watch of the seven deities, you are sure to have a lucky year!