Omikuji are little slips of rectangular paper at shrines and temples.
And as fortune telling is big business here, you’ve more than likely seen them if you’ve been to Japan.
They are popular year-round, but particularly on New Year’s Day to test luck.
For some they are a bit of fun.
For others, they truly believe what these papers say.
The other day, my family and I popped to a local temple as my daughter wanted to get one.
If you plan to visit a shrine or temple when you are in Japan, then this article will provide all you need to know about them.
What are omikuji?
Omikuji are Japanese fortune-telling slips of paper found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. For a small donation of 100 to 200 yen, visitors receive a randomly drawn slip that predicts their overall luck for the coming year, alongside specific advice regarding money, health, personal relationships, and business
Omikuji Corner
Temples and shrines sell omikuji alongside other lucky charms.
While omikuji tell your fortune, if you want a charm to actively protect you, you should look into buying an omamori (a personal pouch to carry) or an ofuda (a talisman to protect your house)
When you visit a shrine or temple, you must first wash your hands to purify yourself.
From here, you go up to the main part of the temple and pray.
People throw a coin as a donation.
Then you pop to a counter.
To the non-initiated, it looks like a small souvenir shop.
Pay the charge, which is usually between 100 and 200 yen, to a temple or shrine staff.
You’ll often be given a tube or box after payment.
These are full of sticks.
Each omikuji stick has a number.
Shake the tube box to get a stick.
Tell the shrine lady your number on the stick.
Or show her if you cannot read it.
She will then present you with a fortune slip.
So, what does it all mean?
On the Omikuji result sheet, words like 大吉 “daikichi” and 小吉 “shōkichi” show your overall luck.
More reading will reveal your luck in love, health, and money.
This is where you’ll need someone who can read Japanese.
A few prominent shrines and temples provide English-language omikuji sheets.
Alas, the one I went to in Nagoya was only in Japanese.
It’s called Kasadera Kannon.
Here are some common luck symbols.
Note: Some shrines and temples classify luck differently than this chart.
| 大吉 | Daikichi | Great luck |
| 中吉 | Chūkichi | Moderately good luck |
| 小吉 | Shōkichi | Small luck |
| 吉 | Kichi | Blessing |
| 末吉 | Suekichi | Good luck to come |
| 凶 | Kyou | Bad luck on way |
| 大凶 | Daikyou | Terrible luck is coming |
Once you have read and understood your Omikuji, you need to tie it to a special place located outside the area where you got it.
It’ll be easy to spot.
Tie your omikuji on the fence like the image above, and that’s it.
Should you want to take it home, then you can.
Up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Omikuji translates to “sacred lot.” They are traditional Japanese fortune-telling paper slips that predict a person’s luck and offer spiritual guidance for the future.
If you receive an omikuji with bad luck (Kyou or Daikyou), you should fold it and tie it to the designated pine tree branches or metal wires provided at the shrine. This tradition is believed to leave the bad luck behind at the shrine so it does not follow you home.
Yes, if you draw an omikuji with good luck (like Daikichi), you can fold it up and keep it in your wallet or purse to carry the good fortune with you. Alternatively, you can tie it at the shrine alongside the others.
An omikuji typically costs between 100 and 200 yen. You pay this small fee by dropping coins into a wooden collection box before shaking the canister to draw your fortune.
Before You Go
Japanese shrines and temples have distinctive omikuji.
Some shrines and temples provide charming, distinctive, and appealing ones.
They can make a good memento to take home for yourself
Also, they give you the year’s luck and tips on how to prevent poor luck in everyday life.
Just don’t take the advice too seriously.
Why not try omikuji in Japan?
