Japanese Omikuji Fortune Complete Guide — Top 15

⚡ 30-second answer: 15 shrines and temples including Senso-ji, Fushimi Inari and Meiji Jingu. Omikuji ¥100-300, English versions available, tying vs taking home means different things. Six ranks from Daikichi to Kyo are standard.

Quick reference	Value
Omikuji fee	¥100-300
English versions	Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu, Fushimi and other majors
If you draw Kyo (bad luck)	Tie it at the designated rack
Ranks	Daikichi to Kyo (typically 7)
Last verified	June 2026

30-second answer

Omikuji (sacred lots) are paper fortunes drawn at shrines and temples for ¥100-300. You receive a rank — Daikichi (great blessing), Chukichi, Shokichi, Kichi, Suekichi, Kyo — along with advice on love, work, health and travel. If you draw Kyo, don't panic: tie the slip at the musubi-jo (tying rack) in the precinct to leave the bad luck with the shrine. Slips of Kichi or better are usually taken home in a wallet. Senso-ji is famous for a tough 30% Kyo rate, while Fushimi Inari and Meiji Jingu offer English versions for visitors.

🎴 Recommended Omikuji Spots Top 15

💰 Price breakdown

Omikuji and amulet pricing:

• Standard omikuji: ¥100-200
• English omikuji: ¥100-300
• Animal omikuji (dove, deer, fox): ¥300-500
• Love omikuji: ¥200-500
• Water omikuji (text appears in water): ¥200-300
• Omamori (amulet): ¥500-1,500
• Ema (wooden wish plaque): ¥500-1,000
• Goshuin (calligraphy stamp): ¥300-500
• Omikuji + omamori set: ¥500-1,500
• Admission (Kiyomizu, Todai-ji etc.): ¥400-1,000

🌐 Tourist support

Major sites such as Senso-ji, Fushimi Inari, Meiji Jingu, Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine offer omikuji in English, Chinese and Korean. The procedure is simple: (1) put ¥100 in the box, (2) shake the cylinder until a numbered stick falls out, (3) take the slip from the matching drawer. Ask staff "English version, please" and most major sites can help.

⏰ Hours

• Open: 6:00-9:00 (varies by site)
• Close: 17:00-19:00 (seasonal)
• Omikuji availability: whenever the site is open
• New Year: 24-hour access for hatsumode (Dec 31-Jan 1)
• Peak times: New Year (Dec 31-Jan 3), Golden Week, Obon
• Quiet times: early morning (7:00-9:00), weekday mornings

💳 Payment methods

• Cash: all sites (¥100 coins are handy)
• Credit card: a few large sites (Meiji Jingu charm counter etc.)
• IC card: some (Suica / PASMO)
• QR code: growing PayPay coverage
• Foreign cards: mostly cash; offerings only with ¥10 / ¥100 coins

Have ¥1,000-2,000 in ¥100 and ¥10 coins ready. Some precincts have change machines.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

• Don't be upset if you get Kyo: tying it resets your fortune
• Tie or take home: Kyo is tied, Kichi or better is taken home (varies regionally)
• Never tie to tree branches: only the designated rack (to protect trees)
• Photos: inside halls and sacred areas often prohibited
• Dress: avoid sleeveless tops and shorts (especially for formal worship)
• Offerings: ¥5 coin (en = "connection") and ¥10 coin are traditional; some avoid ¥1 or ¥500
• Stay quiet: no shouting or running

5 common tourist mistakes

1. Throwing away Kyo: tie it instead and leave the misfortune at the shrine
2. Tying to tree branches: only the designated rack
3. No ¥10 coins: prepare small change for offerings and omikuji
4. Tossing it without reading: ask for an English version
5. Reading aloud loudly in the hall: keep voices down

Pre-departure checklist

• List 2-3 shrines or temples to visit
• Bring ¥2,000 in ¥100 / ¥10 coins
• Check English availability in advance
• Dress code (no sleeveless or shorts)
• Goshuincho stamp book (¥1,000-2,000)
• Extra ¥1,000-3,000 for amulets
• Transport (metro, bus)
• Consider Klook shrine tours
• Reduce FX costs with Wise / Revolut
• Review quiet / no-photo etiquette

FAQ

Q1: What if I draw Kyo? A: Tie it at the rack so the shrine takes the bad luck. No need to be scared.

Q2: Can I redraw? A: Tradition says once a day. A different shrine on a different day is fine.

Q3: Where are English versions? A: Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu, Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera and other majors. Ask "English fortune, please".

Q4: What do I do with a good omikuji? A: Keep it in your wallet or notebook. Return it on your next visit or at year-end.

Q5: Can children draw? A: All ages welcome. Cute children's omikuji (dove, deer, fox) are common.

Editorial info: Yen Finder Editorial / Last verified June 2026.