Things I didn't try early on: Seven Lucky Gods Tour

In Japan there is a fantastic pilgrimage you can do at shrines and temples to the "Seven Lucky Gods". It is something I didn't know about at all my first few years in Japan. Hence, it wasn't something I experienced in early on in Japan. It was only when I moved to Kawagoe that it came on my radar. 

The reason I became aware of it when I moved to the Kawagoe area is that Kawagoe City has a famous Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage, that is celebrating 40 years this year (2026). Each of the shrines and temples involved have great information on site. They are clearly marked, like in the signpost below. On visiting one of them (I can't remember which one) and seeing the sign, I was curious, so I researched about it and learned about the pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage, or tour, is on the first of every month.  You don't have to do anything particular to join. You can do it on your own, just research the temples and shrines involved and go visit them! Don't forget to put a contribution in the prayer box. Kawagoe isn't the only place you can do a Seven Lucky Gods tour; you will find tours and pilgrimages like it all over Japan.