Japan: Omikuji, the Sacred Lottery at Shinto Shrines
- Olivier
- Aug 15, 2025
- 10 min read
Iconic symbols of Japanese culture and spirituality, omikuji invite us into a world where divination and destiny weave closely into daily life. These modest paper slips carry messages ranging from good fortune to misfortune, mirroring the depth and diversity of human experience.
What do these slips reveal about Japan’s age-old beliefs and traditions? How do these small pieces of paper shape the thoughts and actions of individuals? Let’s take a journey through the history, meanings, and rituals of omikuji. Let's dive in these ancient divination practices that continue to captivate and inspire modern Japan.
Introduction
Omikuji are a kind of fortune or prediction found at Shinto shrines in Japan. These paper slips carry messages ranging from very lucky to very unlucky, covering various aspects of life such as love, health, business, or success.
Visitors to a shrine purchase omikuji for a small fee. After shaking a box, they draw a stick with a number that corresponds to a drawer holding the omikuji. They then read their fortune. If the prediction is unfavorable, many choose to tie their omikuji to a special rack in the shrine, hoping the bad luck will stay behind and not follow them.
© O. Robert
Meaning of Omikuji
The term Omikuji breaks down into two parts in Japanese: "Omi", an honorific prefix, and "Kuji", which means "lottery" or "drawing lots". Literally, omikuji can be translated as sacred lottery or divine draw. This name reflects its nature as a form of divination or fortune-telling, typically practiced in the religious or spiritual setting of Shinto shrines.
Omikuji are a cherished part of traditional Japanese culture, popular among believers of all ages and tourists alike. While they are especially sought after during the Japanese New Year, they remain available year-round.
A Brief History of Omikuji
The history of omikuji dates back centuries, deeply rooted in the divination practices of Shintoism and Buddhism in Japan. The earliest traces of omikuji can be found in the Nara period, a time marked by the refined imperial court and the flourishing of Japanese culture in arts and literature. Their origins are closely tied to Shinto divination rituals and oracles, as well as the influence of Buddhism.
The practice of omikuji draws inspiration from Chinese divination methods, particularly "kau cim" or "chi-chi sticks" (divination sticks), which were used in Buddhist temples. These methods were introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks, shaping the tradition into what we recognize today.
© O. Robert
Originally, drawing omikuji was a more complex practice carried out by professional diviners. Over time, it became more accessible to the general public and was incorporated into Shinto shrine rituals.
Over the centuries, omikuji continued to evolve, becoming an integral part of visiting Shinto shrines. Today, they have grown into a cultural tradition, attracting both devout believers and curious tourists eager to experience this ancient practice.
There is no exact date or specific individual credited with inventing omikuji. However, their development is closely tied to Japan’s religious and cultural practices across different historical periods. Here are some key milestones:
1. Nara Period (710-794): This era saw the earliest traces of divination practices similar to omikuji, particularly through the use of "Mokkan" (inscribed wooden sticks) for divination and important decisions. While not identical to modern omikuji, these practices highlight the deep-rooted history of divination in Japan.
2. Heian Period (794-1185): During this era, the imperial court and aristocracy practiced a form of divination called "Kata" or "Kataura", where sticks or paper slips were used to predict the future. Modern omikuji likely originated from these early practices.
3. Kamakura Period (1185-1333): Buddhism and Shintoism began to interact more significantly during this time. Temples and shrines started offering omikuji to visitors as a way to seek spiritual guidance or predictions about their future.
4. Edo Period (1603-1868): Omikuji became more popular and widely accessible to the general public. Shrines and temples used them as a source of funding, and the practice became firmly established in Japanese popular culture.
© O. Robert
Omikuji Predictions
Omikuji offer a range of predictions, from highly positive to neutral or negative. For example, the common meanings and predictions found on omikuji are:
Daikichi (大吉) - Great Blessing: The best possible prediction, indicating immense success in areas such as health, love, finances, and business.
Chūkichi (中吉) - Moderate Blessing: Positive predictions, though not as extraordinary as Daikichi.
Shōkichi (小吉) - Small Blessing: Minor blessings or modest luck.
Kichi (吉) - Blessing: Generally favorable predictions, suggesting that things will go well, even if the blessings are not exceptional.
Sue-kichi (末吉) - Future Blessing: This suggests that luck may not be immediate, but with time and effort, good things will come.
Sue-shōkichi (末小吉) - Small Future Blessing: Similar to Suekichi, but with even less immediate or smaller blessings.
Kyo (凶) - Bad Luck: Unfavorable predictions, indicating challenges or difficulties in various areas of life.
Daikyo (大凶) - Great Bad Luck: The most unfavorable prediction, signaling severe hardships or misfortunes.
© O. Robert
In addition to these predictions, omikuji often include more specific details about various aspects of life, such as love, travel, studies, business, health, and more. They may also offer advice or warnings about how to behave or what actions to take to improve your luck or avoid misfortune.
The Different Forms of Omikuji
Omikuji have evolved over time, taking on various forms and styles that differ depending on the shrine or temple. Here are some of the most classic types:
Classic Omikuji: These are paper strips with predictions written on them. They are the most common type and are available at almost every shrine and temple.
Multilingual Omikuji: To welcome foreign tourists, some shrines offer omikuji in multiple languages, such as English, Chinese, or Korean.
Ema-Omikuji: Some places combine omikuji with ema (wooden plaques on which visitors write their wishes or prayers). These ema-omikuji can be hung on designated racks after being read.
Animal or Symbolic Object Omikuji: Certain shrines offer omikuji shaped like animals or objects related to the shrine’s main deity. For example, Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto provides omikuji shaped like foxes, the messenger animal of Inari.
Digital Omikuji: With technological advancements, some shrines and temples now offer digital omikuji, where predictions are generated electronically.
Themed Omikuji: Some locations provide omikuji focusing on specific aspects of life, such as love, career, or health. Visitors can choose the theme for which they want a prediction about their future.
© O. Robert
Omikuji with Amulets: Some omikuji come with small amulets or lucky charms, which visitors can keep after reading their prediction.
Mikuji-Daruma: These omikuji are integrated into Daruma dolls, symbols of perseverance and good luck. Daruma dolls are often associated with achieving goals and fulfilling wishes in both Buddhism and Shintoism. After reading the prediction, visitors can keep the doll as a keepsake or good luck charm.
Mizu-Omikuji: These are water-related omikuji (Mizu meaning "water"). They offer a unique twist on the traditional method. While less common than classic omikuji, they are naturally found in shrines or temples with a spiritual connection to water. Mizu-omikuji provide a more interactive and visual experience compared to traditional omikuji, making them especially popular among young visitors and tourists.
In this last form, mizu-omikuji are written on thin or special paper strips that are initially unreadable. The paper is white or opaque, and the writing is not visible to the naked eye. To reveal the message or prediction, the visitor must dip the paper into water. As the paper comes into contact with the water, the words magically appear.
This process naturally adds an extra layer of symbolism. In Japanese culture, water is seen as a purifying element. It symbolizes clarity, renewal, and revelation. By immersing the omikuji in water, the act represents purification and the uncovering of truth or destiny. This ritual is typically performed at a water source located within the shrine or temple.
Omikuji in Modern Japanese Society
Today, omikuji still hold a significant place in Japanese society, though they are often viewed more as a cultural tradition than a serious guide for decision-making. Here are a few aspects of their importance:
Cultural Tradition: Omikuji are deeply rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions in Japan. They are commonly associated with visits to shrines and temples, especially during special occasions and festivals, such as New Year’s. Omikuji help preserve traditional cultural and religious practices, making them accessible and relevant to younger generations.
Tourism: For both local and international tourists, drawing an omikuji is an intriguing cultural experience. It adds a layer of discovery and enjoyment to their visits to religious and historical sites, something that shrines and temples are well aware of and often promote.
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Personal Reflection: While many people do not take the predictions literally (especially if they are negative), omikuji often serve as a starting point for personal reflection. They encourage individuals to consider various aspects of their lives, such as relationships, career, and personal goals.
Social Aspect: Drawing omikuji is often a social activity, where friends and family share their predictions. This can spark conversations, jokes, and social bonding.
Symbolism: On a broader level, omikuji symbolize hope and the aspiration for a better life. Tying an unlucky omikuji to a tree or rope at a shrine is a symbolic ritual to leave bad fortune behind and hope for a brighter future.
Why Omikuji Are Hung Up
Unlike the ritual practices in Buddhist temples, omikuji are not burned during annual ceremonies. Instead, they are carefully hung on designated racks, tree branches, or even Torii gates. This practice is also a way to respect and participate in cultural traditions. For many, even if belief in divination is not strong, honoring customs and rituals remains important.
Omikuji with unfavorable predictions are often hung on specific structures in shrines or temples for several symbolic and traditional reasons:
Warding Off Bad Luck: As mentioned earlier, hanging up an unlucky omikuji is intended to ward off or mitigate the predicted misfortune. By attaching the omikuji to a sacred structure within a place of worship, it is believed that negative energies are transferred from the bearer to the structure, allowing the person to rid themselves of bad luck.
Purification Ritual: Attaching an unfavorable omikuji is seen as a purification ritual, symbolizing the intention to leave behind difficulties or obstacles and start anew with fresh hope.
Divine Protection: Shrines and temples are regarded as sacred places with a divine presence. By hanging the omikuji in these locations, believers implicitly seek the intervention or blessing of the deities to transform bad fortune or provide protection and guidance.
Shared Experience: By attaching omikuji to communal structures, people symbolically share their hopes, fears, and aspirations with the community. This fosters a sense of unity and mutual support among those visiting the shrine or temple.
© O. Robert
Famous Shrines for Omikuji
Several shrines in Japan are renowned for their omikuji, attracting many visitors eager to experience this tradition. It’s important to note that it’s impossible to create an exact list of famous shrines known for their omikuji and structures, as trends are always changing.
The examples below are simply shrines I’ve had the chance to visit. Everyone will form their own personal impression of how significant omikuji are at the shrines they explore. Among the most famous are:
Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo: One of Japan’s most celebrated Shinto shrines, it is especially popular during the New Year, when visitors come to draw omikuji and pray for a prosperous year.
Sensoji Temple in Tokyo: As one of Tokyo’s oldest and most vibrant Buddhist temples, Sensoji offers omikuji in multiple languages, drawing an international crowd.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura: A significant shrine in the historic city of Kamakura, known for its stunning architecture and omikuji.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto: Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine is also renowned for its unique omikuji, particularly those related to business luck, reflecting the patronage of Inari, the kami (spirit) of rice and commerce.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka: Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a revered scholar and poet (read my article here), this shrine is celebrated for its omikuji focused on education and academic success.
Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima: Located on Miyajima Island, this shrine is famous for its floating torii gate and its distinctive omikuji, often tied to luck at sea or safe travels.
© O. Robert
The Final Word
Omikuji, beyond their playful nature and role in Japanese religious tradition, reflect a universal quest for understanding and guidance in the face of life’s uncertainties. These simple strips of paper, with their varied predictions, embody the complexity of the human condition, swinging between hope and apprehension, success and failure, joy and hardship.
The ritual of tying away negative predictions symbolizes a deep-seated desire to control and transcend our fate, to leave behind negative energies, and to turn toward a brighter future.
In all their diversity, omikuji remind us that, despite the advancements of science and technology, there remain aspects of life shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. They invite us to acknowledge and accept life’s unpredictability while encouraging us to hope and seek a path to well-being and serenity.
