Complete Guide to Fukutoku Shrine (Tokyo): A Hidden Power Spot in Nihonbashi Famous for Lottery Winnings
Fukutoku Shrine, located in Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is a historic shrine situated in the heart of the business district. Also known as “Mebuki Shrine,” it attracts many visitors seeking lottery winnings and increased financial luck. This article provides a detailed explanation of Fukutoku Shrine’s history, blessings, worship methods, access information, and other essential information before your visit.
History and Origin of Fukutoku Shrine
From Founding to the Present
Fukutoku Shrine’s origins date back to the Heian period. It is said to have been founded during the Jogan era (859-876), making it a venerable shrine with over 1000 years of history. During the Edo period, it was located in an area called “Fukutoku Village,” and records show that Tokugawa Ieyasu visited the shrine upon entering Edo.
Since the Meiji era, as the Nihonbashi area has developed, Fukutoku Shrine has experienced several relocations and reconstructions. It has also faced difficult times, particularly during the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II, which destroyed its main building.
Modern Fukutoku Shrine
The current shrine building was completed in 2014, redeveloped in conjunction with the construction of the skyscraper “COREDO Muromachi.” While maintaining traditional shrine architecture, its design harmonizes with the modern urban landscape, and it is affectionately known as an “urban oasis” by visitors.
The Meaning of the Alternate Name “Mebuki Shrine”
Fukutoku Shrine is also known by the alternative name “Mebuki Shrine.” This name is said to originate from the fact that there was once a “Kunugi (oak) forest” surrounding the shrine, and the sight of the trees budding all at once in spring was magnificent.
Furthermore, the word “bubuku” (芽吹く) also carries the meaning of new beginnings and rising fortune, making it a popular and auspicious name for worshippers praying for business prosperity and success.
Deities and Benefits
Deities
The deities enshrined at Fukutoku Shrine are as follows:
- Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto: God of abundant harvests and business prosperity
- Ame-no-Hohi-no-Mikoto: God of sincerity and trust
- Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto: God of matchmaking and national development
- Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto: God of medicine, hot springs, and sake brewing
- Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto: God of commerce and fishing
These deities have all been worshipped as gods deeply involved in people’s lives and businesses.
Main Benefits
Fukutoku Shrine is said to offer the following benefits in particular:
- Increased Financial Fortune and Wealth: Especially famous for prayers for winning the lottery.
- Business Prosperity: Revered by merchants since the Edo period.
- Business Success: Prayers for starting new businesses or expanding existing ones.
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Overall improvement of luck.
- Matchmaking: Good relationships and expansion of connections.
Especially during lottery season, many people visit before and after purchasing tickets for the Year-End Jumbo and Summer Jumbo lotteries.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall
The main hall, newly built in 2014, follows the style of traditional shrine architecture while incorporating modern technology and materials. The cypress wood structure exudes a solemn atmosphere despite its urban location.
Lottery Monument
Within the shrine grounds, there is a stone monument related to the “Tomikuji” (lottery) held during the Edo period. The Tomikuji can be considered the prototype of modern lotteries, and this monument reflects the historical background of why Fukutoku Shrine became known as a sacred place for praying for lottery winnings.
Mebuki Inari Shrine
Within the shrine grounds is the “Mebuki Inari Shrine,” which is also believed to bring good fortune in finances and business prosperity. It is recommended to visit this shrine along with the main shrine.
Shrine Office and Items
The shrine office offers Goshuin (stamped seals), amulets, and ema (votive tablets). Amulets for increasing financial luck and those for praying for lottery winnings are particularly popular.
Goshuin Information
Goshuin Reception
In addition to regular Goshuin, Fukutoku Shrine sometimes offers seasonal limited-edition Goshuin.
- Reception Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Subject to change)
- Offering Fee: Usually around 300-500 yen
- Pre-written Stamps Available: During busy periods or when the shrine priest is absent, pre-written stamps may be provided.
Goshuincho (Shrine Stamp Book)
Original goshuincho are also available, featuring designs based on the symbols of Fukutoku Shrine and the “budding” motif.
How to Visit and Etiquette
Basic Visiting Etiquette
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: Show respect for entering the sacred area.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Purify your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order.
- Pray in front of the main shrine: Pray using the two bows, two claps, and one bow method.
- Pray at subsidiary shrines: Don’t forget to visit subsidiary shrines such as the Mebuki Inari Shrine.
- Bow upon leaving: Turn around and bow before leaving the torii gate.
How to Pray for Lottery Winnings
The following methods are common when praying for lottery winnings:
- Praying before purchase: Visit the shrine before purchasing lottery tickets and pray for good numbers.
- Praying after purchase: Bring your purchased lottery tickets and pray for winning.
- Receiving Amulets: Receive amulets for increased wealth and lottery winnings.
- Thank-You Visit After Winning: If you win, it is important to always visit the shrine to express your gratitude.
Access Information
Access by Train
Fukutoku Shrine is within walking distance of several stations, making it very convenient to access.
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hanzomon Line “Mitsukoshimae Station”: 1 minute walk from Exit A6
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Tozai Line “Nihonbashi Station”: 3 minute walk from Exit B12
- JR “Shin-Nihonbashi Station”: 5 minute walk from Exit 5
- JR “Tokyo Station”: 10 minute walk from Nihonbashi Exit
The nearest station is Mitsukoshimae Station, and since it is located within the COREDO Muromachi complex, you can arrive without getting lost.
Access by Car and Parking
Fukutoku Shrine does not have its own parking lot. If you are visiting by car, you will need to use nearby coin parking. However, parking fees in the Nihonbashi area are expensive, so we recommend using public transportation.
If you are shopping at COREDO Muromachi, you can use the facility’s parking lot, but this is not applicable if you are only visiting the shrine.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday Mornings
Weekday mornings (around 8:00-9:00) are a relatively quiet time for worship, although you may see business people visiting before their commute. The sight of people working in the surrounding office buildings visiting as part of their daily routine is unique to shrines in the city center.
Lunch Break
Lunch break (12:00-13:00) is somewhat crowded as people working nearby visit the shrine. However, the turnover is quick, so you are unlikely to have to wait for a long time.
Evening
In the evening (after 17:00), worshippers visit after work. Please be aware of the shrine office’s operating hours.
Year-End and New Year Holidays
The shrine is extremely crowded during the year-end and New Year holidays, especially during the first shrine visit of the year (January 1st to 3rd) and the year-end Jumbo Lottery period. If you want to avoid the crowds, visiting after mid-January is recommended.
Annual Events and the Grand Festival
Grand Festival
The Fukutoku Shrine’s Grand Festival is held every October. It features a portable shrine procession and devotional performances, and is a beloved and important local festival.
First Shrine Visit of the Year
From New Year’s Day to the third day of the year, the shrine is bustling with many visitors. People from all over the country come to pray for increased wealth and business prosperity.
Other Events
- Setsubun Festival (February): Events such as bean-throwing
- Shichi-Go-San Festival (November): Prayers for the healthy growth of children
- Great Purification Ceremony (June & December): A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of impurities accumulated over the past six months
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
A long-established department store located right next to Fukutoku Shrine. This historic department store originated from the kimono shop “Echigoya,” founded in 1673, and the building itself is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Perfect for shopping after visiting the shrine.
COREDO Muromachi
A commercial facility located within the grounds of Fukutoku Shrine. It boasts a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it enjoyable in conjunction with a visit to the shrine. A popular new landmark in the Nihonbashi area.
Nihonbashi Bridge
A historical bridge dating back to the Edo period. It houses Japan’s road origin marker and is a classic Tokyo tourist spot. Approximately a 5-minute walk from Fukutoku Shrine.
Mitsui Memorial Museum
A museum exhibiting art collected by the Mitsui family. You can admire a valuable collection including national treasures and important cultural properties.
Bank of Japan Head Office
A historical building constructed during the Meiji era. Visits are possible by prior reservation (free of charge).
Fukutoku no Mori
A garden located on the rooftop of COREDO Muromachi. An oasis in the city, perfect for relaxation.
Nearby Gourmet Spots
Nihonbashi Dashiba
A dashi (broth) specialty shop located within COREDO Muromachi. It features a restaurant and shop where you can experience Japanese dashi culture.
Nihonbashi Suminoe
A long-established soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurant. You can enjoy traditional Edo-style soba.
Sushi-dokoro Yamazaki
A popular restaurant serving fresh Edo-style sushi. Affordable sets are available during lunchtime.
Nihonbashi Tendon Kaneko Hannosuke
A tempura rice bowl specialty shop featuring large shrimp tempura. A popular restaurant with long lines due to its high cost performance.
Points to Note When Visiting
Attire
There are no specific dress code requirements, but it is advisable to dress appropriately for a sacred place. As it is located in a business district, many visitors will be seen in suits.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but please be considerate of other visitors. Please refrain from taking photos inside the main hall or during religious ceremonies.
Handling Crowds
Crowds are expected during the New Year holidays and lottery sales periods. It is recommended to visit with ample time.
Shrine Office Hours
Goshuin (shrine stamps) and amulets are only available during the shrine office’s hours. It is recommended to check the latest information before visiting.
Reviews and Reputation of Fukutoku Shrine
Visitor Feedback
Many positive reviews include comments such as, “It’s a quiet shrine in the heart of the city, and it’s very calming,” “I always visit before buying lottery tickets,” and “The goshuin are beautiful, and I want to visit every season.”
Easy Access
Many visitors appreciate the convenient location, citing reasons such as “It’s close to the station and easy to visit” and “You can visit while shopping.”
Experience of Increased Financial Luck
Reports of improved financial and career luck have been received, including “I received unexpected income after visiting” and “I secured a business contract.” However, please understand that the effects may vary from person to person.
Relationship with Lottery Winnings
Why is it Famous for Praying for Lottery Winnings?
There are several reasons why Fukutoku Shrine has become famous for praying for lottery winnings:
- Edo Period Lottery: A history of lotteries being held on the shrine grounds.
- God of Financial Luck: The enshrined deities are gods related to financial luck and wealth.
- Location: Located in Nihonbashi, a commercial center.
- Word of Mouth: Reports from visitors who have actually won the lottery.
Nearby Lottery Ticket Outlets
There are several lottery ticket outlets around Fukutoku Shrine. Many people purchase lottery tickets after visiting the shrine, and long lines can form, especially during the year-end Jumbo Lottery season.
- Nihonbashi Takashimaya Chance Center
- Yaesu Underground Shopping Mall Chance Center
- Otemachi Chance Center
These lottery ticket outlets are all popular and have a track record of producing high-prize winners.
Summary: Points to Note When Visiting Fukutoku Shrine
Fukutoku Shrine is a charming shrine with a history of over 1000 years, harmonizing with the modern urban landscape. While known as a power spot for praying for lottery winnings and increasing wealth, it also offers various blessings, including business prosperity, success in ventures, and matchmaking.
Points to Note When Visiting:
- Excellent Access: Conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Mitsukoshimae Station.
- History and Tradition: A venerable shrine with a history dating back to the Heian period.
- Increased Financial Luck: Nationally famous for prayers for winning the lottery.
- Urban Oasis: A quiet space in the middle of the business district.
- Abundant Nearby Facilities: Plenty of things to enjoy after your visit, such as COREDO Muromachi and Mitsukoshi.
When visiting the Nihonbashi area, why not stop by Fukutoku Shrine and pray for increased financial luck and good fortune? If you pray with sincerity and proper etiquette, good fortune is sure to come your way.
Basic Information:
- Location: 2-4-14 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest Station: 1-minute walk from Exit A6 of Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro)
- Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours (Shrine office open approximately 9:00-17:00)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Official Website: We recommend checking the latest information before visiting.
Fukutoku Shrine attracts many people seeking increased wealth, business prosperity, and peace of mind. Why not visit this hidden power spot in Nihonbashi and attract new good fortune?
