Be Careful What You Wish For!? 6 Wild & Wacky Omamori and Omikuji from Japan
Photo: photoAC
RAW JAPAN Picks: Unique Charms and Fortunes with Serious Style and Surprising Power!
Across Japan, you’ll find more than just the usual charms for health or success—some are so eye-catching and quirky, you’ll do a double take.
This time, the RAW JAPAN editorial team has rounded up the most unforgettable omamori (amulets) and omikuji (fortunes) from around the country. These items aren’t just good luck—they’re great conversation starters, Insta-worthy collectibles, and totally worth the pilgrimage. One look, and you’ll be itching to visit a shrine yourself.
1. Fishing Lure Omamori from Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka)
Osaka’s beloved Sumiyoshi Taisha offers a one-of-a-kind omamori in the shape of a fishing lure. The “Maritime Safety & Big Catch Omamori” is perfect for sea lovers and anglers. With its realistic design, it fits right into any tackle box—and might just boost your catch! Supplies are limited, so if you're an angler from anywhere in the world, this one's a must.
Price: 3,000 yen
Photo: Murata Kimpaku
⛩ Sumiyoshi Taisha
Osaka, Sumiyoshi-ku, Sumiyoshi 2-9-89
GoogleMAP
TEL: 06-6672-0753
Access: 3 min walk from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station (Nankai Line)
Official Website
2. "Omamori for Drinkers" from Kawazu Kinomiya Shrine (Shizuoka)
A charm shaped like a sake bottle—yes, really. The “Omamori for Drinkers” offers blessings for safe returns after a night out and protection against alcohol-related misfortune. Each season brings new colors, like summer’s refreshing aqua blue version.
Photo: Kawazu Kinomiya Shrine
⛩ Kawazu Kinomiya Shrine (Sugihokowake-no-Mikoto Shrine)
Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka, Tanaka 154
GoogleMAP
TEL: 0558-32-0290
Access: 10 min walk from Kawazu Station (Izu Kyuko Line)
Official Website
3. Elegant Lace Omamori from Shimogamo Shrine (Kyoto)
A charm too pretty to believe—Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers "Lace Omamori" made of intricate embroidered lace. Said to bring good fortune and purification, these amulets capture the refined spirit of Kyoto. Hold them up to the light to admire the details.
photo/image : ACphoto
⛩ Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)
Kyoto, Sakyo-ku, Shimogamo Izumikawa-cho 59
GoogleMAP
TEL: 075-781-0010
Access: 10 min walk from Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Line)
Official Website
4. Weather-Themed Umbrella Omikuji at Shoin Shrine (Yamaguchi), Niida Shrine (Kochi), and More
What’s your fortune today? Open a tiny umbrella and find out! These colorful umbrella-shaped omikuji open like the real thing, and fortunes are expressed as weather forecasts—"Sunny = Excellent Luck," for example. They're available at multiple shrines across Japan, adding an element of surprise to your draw.
Photo: ACphoto
⛩ Shoin Shrine (Yamaguchi)
1537 Tsubaki Higashi, Hagi, Yamaguchi
GoogleMAP
TEL: 0838-22-4643
Access: 5 min by taxi or 20 min walk from Higashi-Hagi Station
Official Website
5. Ichihara Hiroko Love Omikuji – No Filter, Just Feelings (Kumamoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Aichi)
Forget “Good Luck” or “Bad Luck”—this omikuji skips fortune rankings entirely and hits you with raw, emotional statements. Phrases like “Break up with that girl.” or “Go home. She’s waiting.” come from artist Hiroko Ichihara’s famous word art. Available at several shrines nationwide, these are perfect for couples, friends, or anyone needing a reality check.
Photo: Yamasaki Sugawara Shrine
⛩ Yamasaki Sugawara Shrine (Kumamoto)
1-18 Sakura-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City
GoogleMAP
TEL: 096-325-3474
Access: 3 min walk from Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
Official Website
6. Kifune Shrine’s Magical "Water Omikuji" (Kyoto)
A blank strip of paper becomes a message from the gods when floated on sacred water. This mystical fortune-telling experience is unique to Kifune Shrine, home to the water deity. The omikuji includes a QR code with translations in English, Chinese, and Korean—making it a magical must-try for international visitors too.
Photo: ACphoto
⛩ Kifune Shrine (Kyoto)
180 Kurama Kibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
GoogleMAP
TEL: 075-741-2016
Access: 5 min walk from “Kifune” bus stop (Kyoto Bus #33)
Official Website
RAW JAPAN Comment
“Cute, clever, and absolutely collectible—Japan’s omamori and omikuji just keep evolving!”
Gone are the days when shrine souvenirs were only about warding off bad luck or passing exams. Now, you’ve got fishing lures, sake bottles, lace embroidery, and emotional gut-punch omikuji all in one cultural package.
Each charm or fortune offers a peek into the character of the shrine and the local culture. They’re fun, meaningful, and make perfect travel mementos or gifts. Next time you’re visiting a shrine, keep an eye out for a charm that speaks to you—or a fortune that tells it like it is.