The Hidden Gem of Shibamata: The Unfathomable Power and Truth Behind the 'Bizarre-Looking Daikokuten' at Hosho-in Temple
When you think of Shibamata, you think of Tora-san from 'Otoko wa Tsurai yo'.
But in fact, Hosho-in Temple, which enshrines one of the Shibamata Seven Lucky Gods, 'Daikokuten', is a hidden, ultimate power spot.
The address is 5-9-18 Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo.
It is a 3-minute walk from Shin-Shibamata Station. The moment I stepped into this temple, which stands quietly in a peaceful residential area... I held my breath.
The principal image is Shusse Daikokuten (Success Daikokuten). It is a standing statue riding on rice bales, holding a large bag and a mallet of luck—a classic Daikokuten. However, the face is just too bizarre. Its expression is even described as 'quite a bizarre look' on local blogs. It is scary, yet somehow compassionate, with an intense presence. Photography is allowed, so I highly recommend seeing it for yourself.
The history is also amazing
Founded in the first year of Kanei (1624). During the Edo period, it moved from Kyobashi to Yanaka, then to Ikenohata, and after being destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake, it moved to Shibamata in the second year of the Showa era (1927). It is famous as the 'God of Success and Wealth' worshipped by the Shogun family since the Edo period, and it used to draw huge crowds on the day of Koshin.
What are the blessings?
・Improved financial luck and wealth ・Success and prosperous business ・Bountiful harvests and family harmony
Many people visit it as the third stop on the Shibamata Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage, and it is also the 50th temple of the Minami-Katsushika 88 Sacred Sites and the 21st temple of the Ofunai 21 Sacred Sites.
Honestly, at first, I thought, 'That's scary...' But after praying, my heart felt strangely clear. I felt that 'the fact that the face is bizarre is proof that it possesses such powerful energy.' If you visit Shibamata, please visit Hosho-in. You can experience a quiet and intense blessing that is the exact opposite of the bustle of the Tora-san statue and Taishakuten Temple.
Access
3-minute walk from Shin-Shibamata Station on the Hokusō Line. Admission is free, and Goshuin (temple seals) are available (including limited-time Seven Lucky Gods seals).
Once you see it, you will never forget it... that is the bizarre Daikokuten of Hosho-in. Your financial luck might just start changing from today.
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