Charms and Fortunes, Oh my! Explore Kyoto’s Cute Omamori and Omikuji

Kyoto, with its deep spiritual roots, is the perfect place to find omamori (charms) and omikuji (fortunes). While both offer a connection to the divine, they serve distinct purposes and come with their own traditions.

What is the purpose of Omamori?

Omamori (御守/お守り), literally meaning “protection,” are Japanese amulets sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Their primary purpose is to provide various forms of luck, blessings, and protection from evil or misfortune.

What each Omamori means for you

Because these charms aren’t “one size fits all,” the omamori meaning changes depending on which one you choose. Here are the most common types you’ll find while exploring Kyoto:

• Kōtsū-anzen (交通安全): Traffic safety
• Yaku-yoke (厄除け): Warding off evil or bad luck
• Kaiun (開運): General good fortune or better luck
• Gakugyō-jōju (学業成就): Academic success and passing exams
• Shōbai-hanjō (商売繁盛): Prosperity in business and financial matters
• En-musubi (縁結び): Love, matchmaking, and strengthening relationships
• Anzan (安産): Safe pregnancy and childbirth

People often carry omamori on their person, attach them to bags, cell phones, or hang them in cars or homes, keeping the blessings close. They also make thoughtful gifts, symbolizing well-wishing for friends and family.

Established in 313 on the east bank of the Uji River, Uji-Shrine holds great historical and spiritual significance. It is dedicated to Uji no Wakiiratsuko, believed to be a deity of academic achievement and success in entrance exams. Legend has it that when Uji no Wakiiratsuko lost his way, a rabbit appeared and guided him, looking back repeatedly to ensure he was following. At this shrine, Mikaeri Usagi (looking-back rabbit), a messenger of a deity, guiding people to the right path in life, is worshipped. The rabbit-shaped omikuji, containing a fortune-telling slip inside, looks cute and popular among visitors.

Try this omikuji and find your path to happiness with the sacred guidance of the rabbit.

As a side note, this shrine also has a temizuya (place to purify hands with water) with a rabbit motif, ema (small plaques to write wishes), and more.

Price:
500 yen

Access:
About 7 min. on foot from Uji Station (Keihan Uji Line)
About 15 min. on foot from Uji Station (JR Nara Line)

A World Heritage site, Ujikami Shrine, is located just east of Uji-Shrine. The shrine is known for its history dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185), ancient architecture, and sacred atmosphere. In Uji, there is the legend of the Mikaeri Usagi (mentioned above), and this shrine offers charming rabbit omamori (Japanese amulets), omikuji, and so on.

The omikuji comes in two types: pottery and papier-mache (made of paper). They contain small slips of paper, which tell fortunes about various aspects of life, including love, health, and success. Choose your favorite color, and take the adorable rabbit figurine home as a keepsake.

Embrace the wisdom of the omikuji, and let it illuminate your path!

Price:
500 yen

Access:
About 10 min. on foot from Uji Station (Keihan Uji Line)
About 20 min. on foot from Uji Station (JR Nara Line)

The Mimurotoji temple, often called the Hana no Tera (the flower temple), is renowned for its spectacular gardens. Located in Uji City, it attracts many people, including flower enthusiasts, those who are interested in history, and soul searchers. In the hydrangea garden, you can admire approximately 20,000 hydrangea plants of various colors, such as blue, purple, pink, and white, in the rainy season around June. Stroll through the garden, and immerse yourself in a vibrant sea of hydrangeas. If fortune smiles upon you, you might stumble upon a naturally formed heart-shaped hydrangea! This temple is famous for the heart-shaped hydrangeas, for it is even rumored that if you find one, your love will come true.

The charm of the heart-shaped hydrangeas is lovely and meaningful. Why not get one? It’s wonderful as a souvenir or an accessory for your bag.

Price:
1,000 yen
Admission: General 1,000 yen; Child 500 yen

Access:
From Mimurodo Station (Keihan Uji Line), walk for 15 minutes or take a taxi

In Kameoka City, Izumo Dai-jingu Shrine stands as a testament to ancient legends and divine virtues. It is known for its association with the god Okuninushi no Mikoto, a compassionate deity also known as the Inaba-no-moto rabbit.

At Izumo Dai-jingu Shrine, you will find two charming omikuji. One depicts Okuninushi no Mikoto, and the other features a rabbit. These delightful ceramic figures each contain a fortune. The rabbit figurines, often in soft pink with gold accents, symbolize Okuninushi’s connection to the rabbit. These charms represent the 3 great divine virtues of the shine: longevity, matchmaking, and financial luck.

So go draw a fortune at Izumo Dai-jingu Shrine and let the divine blessings guide you towards love and harmony.

Price:
300 yen per fortune

Access:
Take the Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus from the North exit of JR Kameoka Stn. to “Izumo Dai-jingu-mae” bus stop.

Motoise Kono Shrine is located in Miyazu City, near the scenic Amanohashidate. This shrine holds a deep historical and cultural significance and is considered one of the most important in Japan’s history, with its origins linked to the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture.

The Tenganmamori Charm is a special offering at Motoise Kono Shrine. Its detailed embroidered motifs represent the four seasons of Amanohashidate. According to legend, Amanohashidate was formed by the deity Izanagi-no-mikoto as a pathway from the heavens. This charm is thought to carry your wishes to the heavens through this pathway. Holding it will remind you of the natural beauty you experienced in the region.

Visit Motoise Kono Shrine to obtain the Tenganmamori Charm and experience the timeless blessings it offers.

Price:
1000 yen per charm

Access:
5 minute walk from the north side of Amanohashidate

Chion-ji Temple, located near Amanohashidate, is a renowned temple dedicated to Monju Bosatsu, the Buddha of wisdom. It is famous for its association with academic success and wisdom, attracting students and scholars from across Japan.

The Folding Fan Fortune (Suehiro Sensu Omikuji) is a distinctive feature of Chion-ji Temple. These fortunes, designed as folding fans, symbolize the spread of good luck and wisdom. After drawing your fortune, many people to tie it to a pine tree within the temple grounds, creating a beautiful display of hope and aspirations. The fans tied all over the temple grounds look like flowers in bloom.

Experience the wisdom and elegance of the Folding Fan Fortune at Chion-ji Temple and let your dreams and goals flourish.

Price:
300 yen per fortune

Access:
5 minutes walk from Amanohashidate Station

Yanagidani Kannon, or Yokoku-ji Temple, in Nagaokakyo City, is a place of serene beauty and spiritual significance. Known as the “Western Kiyomizu,” it offers a peaceful retreat with its lush gardens and historical artifacts. The temple’s hanachozu (flower basins), each with a distinct name, are a sight to behold and offer a tranquil experience for visitors.

The Flower Water Charm (Hanachozu Omamori) is a unique and visually stunning offering. This charm, made with ‘Tsumami Zaiku,’ a traditional Kyoto craft used in the hair ornaments of maiko (apprentice geisha), is inspired by the ancient custom of floating flowers in water for purification and aims to bring peace of mind and blessings. The charm is available in a variety of colors and is the perfect way to bring back a piece of the temple with you.

Visit Yanagidani Kannon to receive the Flower Water Charm and immerse yourself in the temple’s serene beauty and spiritual blessings.

Price:
2800 yen per charm

Access:
From Hankyu Nishiyama Tennozan Station, take Hankyu Bus to “Okukaiin-ji” bus top, then walk approximately 40 minutes or take a taxi for 10 minutes.

From Hankyu Nagaoka Tenjin Station, take Hankyu Bus to “Okukain-ji” bus stop, then walk approximately 40 minutes or take a taxi for 10 minutes.

Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from JR Nagaokakyo Station.

The Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine, located in Yawata City, is one of the three major Hachimangu shrines dedicated to Hachiman Okami, believed to be ancestors of the emperors of Japan. Since ancient times, Hachiman Okami have been deeply revered as guardian deities of Kyoto and the nation in this shrine. Also, the shrine was a sacred place of worship for some of the most famous samurai warriors. It has National Treasures including the main building of the complex, which is adorned with intricate, colorful carvings. The shrine’s historical significance and stunning architecture make it a must-visit.

The dove-shaped omikuji are unique to this shrine. They come in two versions: one facing left, and one facing right. The smooth texture of the pottery and the light pink color are quite lovely. The rolled fortune slips offer guidance, enriching the experience of visiting the shrine and connecting with your inner self.

Get this adorable omikuji, and then it will become your companion that gently guides you on your life’s journey.

Price:
700 yen

Access:
From Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station (Keihan Main Line), take the cable car (from Cable-hachimangu-guchi Station to Cable-hachimangu-sanjo Station) and walk for 5 minutes.

Kyoto’s temples and shrines offer a myriad of omikuji and omamori, each with its own unique charm and significance. Whether seeking guidance, protection, or blessings, these spiritual tokens provide a profound connection to Japan’s rich cultural heritage. They also serve as a wonderful reminder of your journey to reflect on in the years to come. Make sure to include these mystical experiences in your Kyoto itinerary and embrace the spiritual essence of this diverse prefecture.

＊Prices listed in this article are accurate at the time of posting

What is inside an Omamori?
An omamori typically contains a small piece of paper or wood with a prayer, religious inscription, or invocation, which has been consecrated by a priest.

What is the difference between Omikuji and Omamori?
While both are spiritual items found at Japanese temples and shrines, omikuji and omamori differ significantly in their function and form:

Omikuji (おみくじ – Fortunes):

・Purpose: To gain insight into your immediate future or current circumstances. They are random fortunes drawn by visitors, offering guidance on various aspects of life such as love, health, business, travel, and studies.

・Form: Typically a small strip of paper with a fortune written on it. Some come encased in charming figures, like the rabbit or dove omikuji mentioned in this article, which can be kept as souvenirs.

・Action after reading: If you receive a good fortune (like dai-kichi – great blessing), you generally keep it with you for the luck to stay. If you receive a bad fortune (like kyō – misfortune), it’s customary to tie it to a pine tree or a designated wire rack at the shrine/temple. This is believed to “tie up” the bad luck, preventing it from following you.

Omamori (御守/お守り – Charms/Amulets):

・Purpose: To provide ongoing protection and blessings for a specific period (often a year) or until a particular goal is achieved. They are proactive tools for attracting good fortune and warding off negativity.

・Form: Usually a small, sealed brocade pouch containing a consecrated prayer or inscription. They often come with a string for attachment. As seen in this article, their designs can be incredibly varied and artistic.

・Action after purchase: Kept close to the person or in a relevant location to receive its continuous protective benefits. They are not opened.

In essence, an omikuji tells you your fortune, while an omamori actively helps to shape or protect your fortune. Now let’s discover where you can find some cute and unique ones for your journey.