Omikuji

Do you know “omikuji”?

Omikuji are messages from the gods that you can receive when you visit a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple.

They tell you about your overall fortune, and many of them also give advice about things such as moving to a new place, marriage, travel, and more.

Most traditional omikuji are written on long, narrow pieces of paper.

However, these days there are many different types, including ones that come with a small accessory or charm as a bonus.

Fortunes are usually shown in the following order:

Great Blessing (Daikichi) → Blessing (Kichi) → Middle Blessing (Chūkichi) → Small Blessing (Shōkichi) → Future Blessing (Sue-kichi) → Bad Luck (Kyō)

The best fortune is “Daikichi” (Great Blessing), and the worst is “Kyō” (Bad Luck).

Some omikuji even have “Daikyō” (Great Bad Luck), which is worse than Kyō.

You may take the omikuji home with you, or you may tie it to a designated place at the shrine or temple.

If you feel unsure about taking it home, it is a good idea to tie it there before you leave.