Daily Life Lessons · Shrines
When receiving an omamori (amulet) or drawing an omikuji (fortune slip) at a shrine, know how to pay, how to carry it, and how to return an old omamori, and be able to act on your own by following the shrine's guidance.
You can receive omamori (お守り, amulets) and omikuji (おみくじ, fortune slips) at places such as the shrine's amulet counter (授与所). People say they "receive" rather than "buy" an omamori, and you offer the amount shown on the sign. Some shrines label this amount hatsuhoryo (初穂料, an offering).
Carry your omamori on you or keep it in your bag. The Association of Shinto Shrines (神社本庁) explains that old omamori are returned to a shrine at the end of the year to be ritually burned (お焚き上げ), but that it is also fine to keep one until your wish comes true, and that there is no need to worry about carrying omamori from different shrines together. Check with each shrine how to return them.
With an omikuji, it is considered important to use what it says as guidance for daily life, not just to look at whether it is good or bad luck. You may tie it at the tying place (結び所) or take it home. Some shrines treasure the trees in their grounds as sacred trees (御神木), so if you tie it, use the place the shrine has set aside.
お守り（おまもり）と おみくじの マナーです。
1. 授与所（じゅよしょ）で 受けます。お金は 掲示（けいじ）の 金額を 納めます。 2. お守りは 体に つけたり、かばんに 入れたりして 持ちます。 3. 古い お守りは、年末などに 神社に 返します。願いが かなうまで 持っていても いいです。 4. ちがう 神社の お守りを 一緒に 持っても いいです。 5. おみくじは、書いてある ことを 生活の 参考に します。 6. おみくじは 結び所（むすびどころ）に 結んでも、持って 帰っても いいです。結ぶ ときは、神社が 決めた 場所に 結びます。
返し方は、神社に よって ちがいます。神社の 人に 聞きましょう。
How is the amount you offer for an omamori decided?
You offer the amount shown at the amulet counter or similar place. Depending on the shrine, it may be labeled hatsuhoryo (初穂料) or a similar term.
According to the Association of Shinto Shrines, what is done with old omamori?
Old omamori are returned to a shrine at the end of the year to be ritually burned, and a new one is received. It is also fine to keep one with you until your wish comes true.
Can you carry omamori from different shrines together?
The Association of Shinto Shrines explains that there is no need to worry about carrying omamori from several shrines.
If you tie your omikuji, where should you tie it?
Some shrines treasure the trees in their grounds as sacred trees and provide a tying place. Tie it at the place the shrine has set aside.
What is important about an omikuji?
The Association of Shinto Shrines says it is important to use its contents as guidance for your life from now on.
Q. Can I take my omikuji home?
A. The Association of Shinto Shrines explains that there is a custom of tying it at the tying place before leaving, but that taking it home is also fine. However, guidance may differ by shrine, so follow any signs there.
Q. Can I return an old omamori to a shrine other than the one where I received it?
A. Many shrines have a place for returning old omamori and ofuda (お札, talismans), but what they accept and how differ by shrine. Before returning one, check that shrine's guidance or ask the shrine staff.
Q. Can I receive an omamori or draw an omikuji even if I have a different religion?
A. At many shrines, anyone can receive them as long as they follow the etiquette. A shrine is a place of prayer, so treat them with care.
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Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original