Setting sail

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:11 JST, December 27, 2021

Shrine maidens are making treasure boats to carry statues of the seven gods of good fortune at Shirahige Shrine in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, on Monday. The boats are being prepared for the Sumida River seven gods of good fortune tour, which is a New Year’s event that began in the Edo period (1603-1867). It is believed to bring good luck to those who visit temples and shrines along the Sumida River from New Year’s Day to collect the statues of the seven gods of good fortune and place them on treasure boats to decorate their homes. Treasure boats and statues of the gods are sold at temples and shrines from New Year’s Day.