What to Know Before Trying Omikuji at a Shrine or Temple
Omikuji are fortune slips that you can draw at shrines and temples across Japan.
Some people enjoy them as a fun travel souvenir, while others treat them as a meaningful part of their worship.
For international visitors, omikuji are one of Japan's most intriguing cultural experiences — right alongside omamori (protective charms) and goshuin (calligraphic shrine and temple seals). The key thing to know is that omikuji are less about fortune-telling and more about receiving guidance for your actions ahead.
In Japan, the common approach is not to get overconfident with a good result, nor to feel discouraged by a less favorable one.
You'll find omikuji at both shrines and temples, though the atmosphere and customs may differ slightly depending on the site.
Pay attention to posted signs and behave quietly and respectfully.
Omikuji: Where Tourism Meets Worship
Drawing omikuji is a light and enjoyable experience, but these fortune slips originate in sacred places of prayer.
Being mindful of your voice level and photography habits — rather than treating the site purely as a tourist attraction — will help you enjoy the experience more naturally.
How Much Do Omikuji Cost and How Do You Draw One?
Omikuji typically cost between 100 and 200 yen.
There are several ways to draw one: shaking a cylindrical container to release a numbered stick (mikuji-bō style), pulling a paper slip directly from a box, or inserting coins into a vending-machine-style dispenser.
Whichever method you use, taking a moment to calm your mind before drawing is always a good idea.
Should You Draw Omikuji Before or After Praying?
Many visitors wonder whether to pray first or draw omikuji first.
Either order is acceptable as long as you follow the site's instructions, but praying first and then drawing omikuji is a straightforward approach.
This way, you're receiving guidance after paying your respects — which feels like a natural flow.
If a particular shrine or temple provides specific instructions, follow their guidance.
A Typical Omikuji Flow
- If a chōzuya (purification basin) is available, purify your hands following the posted instructions
- Pray quietly at the shrine or temple
- Draw your omikuji at the designated counter or booth
- Read the contents calmly
- Decide whether to take it home or tie it at the designated spot
What Matters More Than the Order
More important than the exact sequence is being considerate of those around you.
At crowded shrines and temples, be mindful of where you stop and where you read your omikuji so you can enjoy the moment without getting in anyone's way.
How to Read Your Omikuji: Understanding the Fortune Rankings and Messages
When you open an omikuji, the first thing that catches your eye is usually the overall fortune — daikichi, kichi, and so on.
However, in Japan, reading the full message matters just as much as the ranking itself.
The order of fortune levels varies by shrine and temple, but one common ranking is: daikichi (great blessing), kichi (blessing), chūkichi (middle blessing), shōkichi (small blessing), suekichi (near-blessing), kyō (bad fortune), and daikyō (great bad fortune).
Note that some places swap the positions of kichi and chūkichi, so you can ask at the counter if you're curious.
If your omikuji includes categories like love, work, travel, or health, reading them as personal advice for where you are right now makes the message more meaningful.
When drawing omikuji during a trip, messages about taking things easy, being cautious, or cherishing connections with people often leave a lasting impression.
When You Get a Good Result
Even a favorable fortune often includes advice on how to maintain your good luck.
Rather than thinking "things are great, so I don't need to do anything," treat the message as encouragement to continue living mindfully.
When You Get a Concerning Result
Even if the wording feels strong, there's no need to worry excessively.
Omikuji don't predict the future — they offer an early heads-up about things to be mindful of.
Many people who draw kyō (bad fortune) simply tie it at the designated spot and move on with a clear mind.
Should You Tie or Take Home Your Omikuji?
Many people picture omikuji being tied to trees or special racks, but you're not required to tie yours.
If you'd like to keep the message and reflect on it later, it's perfectly fine to tuck it into your wallet or notebook and take it home.
On the other hand, some people prefer to tie it on-site as a way of leaving the fortune behind and moving forward.
The choice is yours — just follow the shrine or temple's guidelines and go with what feels right.
How to Tie Your Omikuji Properly
If a designated tying area is provided, always use that spot rather than tying it elsewhere.
Don't tie omikuji freely on branches or railings — follow the posted instructions.
Tying omikuji on tree branches can damage the trees, so use the dedicated racks when they are available.
Tips for Tying Neatly
- Avoid pushing aside other people's omikuji
- Don't pull too hard or retie repeatedly
- During busy times, don't spend too long at the tying area
Taking Your Omikuji Home
If you take it home, you can keep it as a meaningful travel memento.
Reading it again later can bring back memories of that moment and the feelings you had during your trip.
For guidance on what to do with it afterward, check the instructions provided by the shrine or temple.
Tips for Drawing Omikuji at Popular Temples Like Sensō-ji
At busy temples like Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, being considerate of others matters more than the omikuji itself.
In crowded areas, avoid standing in one spot for too long after drawing — step aside to a quieter area before reading your fortune.
Sensō-ji uses the Kannon Hyakusen system, where you shake a provided container to receive your fortune.
Sensō-ji is known for having a relatively high proportion of kyō (bad fortune) results, which the temple explains is a reflection of the traditional omikuji distribution.
If you want to take photos, be careful not to block the approach path or walkways.
Some areas within temples may have photography restrictions, so always check posted signs.
Etiquette for Crowded Sites
- Don't linger too long in front of the omikuji counter
- Keep your voice down when visiting with friends
- Don't spend too much time taking photos near the tying area
Simply keeping these points in mind will help you enjoy the experience without disrupting the atmosphere of the shrine or temple.
Are English Omikuji Available? Tips for International Visitors
Shrines and temples popular with international visitors sometimes offer English omikuji or multilingual explanations.
However, not every site provides them.
To find English versions, check the signs near the omikuji counter, ask staff politely, or look for information boards.
Meiji Jingū in Tokyo, for example, offers omikuji with English translations.
Other shrines and temples may also have foreign-language explanations available.
Even if you can't find an English version, using a translation app to read the message is a practical alternative to relying solely on the kanji fortune ranking.
Enjoying Omikuji Without an English Version
Even without an English translation, omikuji make for a wonderful travel memory.
The paper design, the ritual of drawing, and the culture of tying the slip — these elements all offer a distinctly Japanese experience.
What to Look for When You Can't Read the Text
Key Sections to Check First
- The overall fortune at the top (daikichi, kichi, kyō, etc.)
- Category headings (travel, love, business, etc.)
- Any line that reads like advice or a caution
You don't need to understand every word. Even carrying home a single phrase that caught your eye makes the experience meaningful.
Summary
Omikuji are one of the simplest ways to experience Japanese culture at a shrine or temple.
Drawing one after praying and reading the full message — not just the fortune ranking — makes the experience much richer.
If you're unsure whether to tie or take home your omikuji, follow the site's guidance and choose whichever feels right for you.
At popular temples like Sensō-ji, be mindful of those around you, and check for English versions where available.
Omikuji aren't meant to predict your future — they're a small, quiet moment to reflect and reset your feelings during a journey.
When you visit a shrine or temple in Japan, try drawing one with a calm heart. It just might make the place feel a little closer to you.
