Temple of Good Luck

The Shotendo in the corner of Suo Kokubunji Temple compound in Shimonoseki enshrines Shoten, a deity offering health, business success, harmonious marriage, and general good fortune. The original structure dates to 1702, built by local lord Mohri Yoshihiro; the current building was completed in 2008. Shoten derives from the Indian god Ganesha, transformed by Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, from a destructive to a protective figure. The exterior features carved lion-dogs and elephants. Inside the entrance, gold bars, a key, and prayer beads symbolize prosperity, and the ideogram above them reads 'fuku,' meaning luck.