Omikuji
Ritual objects御神籤 ・ Reading: おみくじ
Definition
An omikuji is a written fortune received at a shrine or temple. Its guidance matters more than the headline grade, whose levels and order vary by institution.
Read the guidance
Jinja Honcho emphasizes reading the advice rather than focusing only on whether the headline result appears lucky. Grades and their order vary by shrine.
Keep or tie
Under Jinja Honcho's guidance, an omikuji may be taken home as guidance or tied at the designated place. An unfavorable result does not create a universal obligation to tie it.
Institution-specific practice
Shrines and Buddhist temples may use different formats, categories, amounts, and explanations. Follow the instructions at the place where the fortune was received.
Common questions
- What should I read first on an omikuji?
Read the full guidance, not only the headline grade.
- Must a bad omikuji be tied at the shrine?
No. Jinja Honcho says it may be kept or tied at the designated place.
- Are omikuji grades the same everywhere?
No. The levels and their order vary by institution.
Related articles
- Cash, Cards, and Payments at Japanese Shrines and TemplesHow offerings, admission, goshuin, sacred-item counters, parking, and cashless acceptance differ within one visit.
- Sacred Items at Japan’s ShrinesLearn how ofuda, omamori, ema, and omikuji differ, what visitors do with each one, and why not every sacred object is an offering.