In Tokyo, it's prudent to pray to the Great Black One if you want to improve your financial outlook for the coming year. Putting in a good word for U.S. President-elect Barack Obama wouldn't hurt as well, once you arrive at the Slope of the Great Black One, or Daikokuzaka, a back street minutes from Azabu Juban.
First, a little history. In the 17th century, the Japanese culled an assortment of seven deities, three from India and three from China plus one of their own, and dubbed them the Shichifukujin, or Seven Gods of Good Fortune. They are often depicted packed together on a little boat, and that's one ship you hope comes in. Ebisu is the god everyone associates with business success, but ask Ebisu, "Who's your daddy?" and the answer would be Daikoku, god of wealth and worldly endeavors. Shrines dedicated to Daikoku are numerous in Tokyo, but Daiho-ji is the only one perched on an eponymous street. That's got to be doubly lucky.
I escalate up to Exit 4 of Azabu Juban Station on the Nanboku Line, and the road diverges before me. Roppongi Hills looms in the distance off to the right, but I walk the less-traveled path on the left, toward Daikokuzaka.