Focus on
おみくじと願い事
fortunes and charms
A little bit of luck
A common sight at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, charms and fortunes can be purchased by anyone in need of a little extra luck from the gods. The most eye-catching talismans are the colorful omamori, small, silky cloth bags containing a prayer that has been blessed by a priest. Encouraging good fortune for everything from health and wealth to good test results and safe driving, they can be worn next to the body or placed somewhere relevant—but it is vital not to open the bag to read the charm or it will not work. Other popular options include ema, small wooden votive plaques on which a prayer or wish is written before being hung at the temple or shrine for the kami (deity) to see and—hopefully—make come true. They are often printed with vibrant illustrations of auspicious animals and folk gods connected with the shrine.
Those seeking more immediate influence on their fate can draw an omikuji (fortune-telling slip). Usually this works by pulling a random stick out of a bundle, and then selecting the printed fortune slip that corresponds to the number on the stick; alternatively, you might get your fortune from a vending machine. Beware that not all fortunes are good—if you get a bad one, it’s traditional to tie the slip to a pole or pine tree at the shrine to prevent the bad luck from following you.
Be More Japan fortunes and charms
mixed fate
Omikuji are classified into different rankings, ranging from Dai-kichi (excellent luck) to Kyo (bad luck).
local designs
Fox-shaped ema are popular at Inari shrines because of their link to the fox messenger of the kami Inari.
Use-by DATE
Omamori usually expire after a year, at which point they should be disposed of in a sacrificial fire.
Be More Japan fortunes and charms
D Clockwise from top left: An omikuji; omamori for sale; drawers containing omikuji; omamori come in brightly colored bags; ema plaques at Rokuharamitsu-ji, Kyoto; fox-shaped ema