Omikuji
Omikuji (おみくじ) are random fortune slips sold or offered at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. They predict your general luck and specific aspects of life such as health, love, and business. After reading, you typically tie the slip to a designated tree or wire to leave the fortune behind.
What Is Omikuji?
Omikuji (おみくじ) are paper fortunes that you draw at a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple. The word is often shortened to just "mikuji." You shake a cylindrical box, pull out a numbered stick, and receive the corresponding slip, or you may pay a small fee (usually 100–300 yen) and pick a slip yourself from a box. The fortune predicts your overall luck and offers guidance on specific areas like love, health, studies, travel, and business.
How to Read an Omikuji
Each omikuji is organized into sections. The most important is the overall fortune, called 大吉（だいきち） (great blessing), 吉（きち） (blessing), 中吉（ちゅうきち） (medium blessing), 小吉（しょうきち） (small blessing), 凶（きょう） (misfortune), or 大凶（だいきょう） (great misfortune). There are also intermediate levels like 末吉（すえきち） (future blessing) and 半吉（はんきち） (half blessing). The order from best to worst is generally: 大吉, 吉, 中吉, 小吉, 末吉, 凶, 大凶. However, the exact set of levels varies by shrine.
After the overall fortune, you will find predictions for specific areas. These are usually listed under headings such as:
- 願望（がんぼう） — wishes and desires
- 待ち人（まちびと） — the person you are waiting for
- 恋愛（れんあい） — love
- 健康（けんこう） — health
- 学問（がくもん） — studies
- 仕事（しごと） — work
- 旅行（りょこう） — travel
- 商売（しょうばい） — business
Each section will have a short phrase like 良し (good), 遅い (slow), or 待て (wait). These are not absolute predictions but general guidance. For example, if your love fortune says "wait," it suggests patience rather than immediate action.
What to Do with a Bad Omikuji
If you draw a bad fortune (凶 or 大凶), the common practice is to tie it to a designated tree or wire at the shrine or temple. This is called おみくじを結ぶ（むすぶ） (to tie an omikuji). The idea is to leave the bad luck behind at the sacred place. Many shrines have a pine tree or a wire rack specifically for this purpose. You can also tie a good fortune if you wish, but most people keep good ones. There is no strict rule, but tying a bad fortune is a way to symbolically detach from it.
If you keep a good fortune, you might fold it and carry it in your wallet or place it in your phone case as a charm. Some people keep it until the end of the year, then return it to the shrine for burning in the New Year's fire ceremony (どんど焼き).
Omikuji and New Year
Omikuji are especially popular during the first shrine visit of the New Year (初詣, はつもうで). Many shrines sell special omikuji during this period. Drawing an omikuji is a way to learn about the coming year's fortune. Some shrines have a large "omikuji box" where you can draw a slip yourself. Others use a vending machine that dispenses a random slip.
A Note on Omikuji and Religion
Omikuji are not a form of fortune-telling in the Western sense. They are a Shinto and Buddhist practice meant to offer guidance and reflection. Drawing a bad fortune is not a curse; it is an opportunity to be cautious and mindful. The Japanese phrase 凶は吉に変わる (bad fortune turns to good) reminds people that misfortune is not permanent.
Common Questions
Do I need to tie my omikuji if it is good?
No. Good fortunes are often kept as talismans. Tying a good fortune is not necessary, but some people do it to express gratitude. The main reason to tie is to leave a bad fortune behind.
Can I draw more than once?
Yes, you can draw as many times as you like, but it is generally considered better to accept the first result. Drawing repeatedly until you get a good fortune defeats the purpose of receiving guidance.
What does 吉 mean exactly?
吉 (きち) means "good luck" or "blessing." It is a positive fortune, but not as strong as 大吉. The exact nuance can vary by shrine, but it is generally a favorable outcome.
Related Pages
A common misunderstanding is that omikuji are fatalistic predictions; in reality, they are guidance that you can influence through your actions.
Questions
What does omikuji mean?
Omikuji (おみくじ) literally means "sacred lot." It is a random fortune slip that you draw at a shrine or temple to learn about your future.
How much does an omikuji cost?
Most omikuji cost between 100 and 300 yen. Some shrines offer them for free, but a small donation is customary.
What do I do with a bad omikuji?
Tie it to a designated tree or wire at the shrine or temple. This symbolizes leaving the bad luck behind. You can also tie a good one, but it is not required.