Guide to Japanese Lucky Charms & Amulets

Japan is filled with symbols that are believed to bring good luck, protection, and success, which many travellers enjoy taking home. In this guide to Japanese lucky charms and amulets, you’ll discover the stories behind popular items like omamori, daruma, kokeshi dolls, and maneki neko (the adorable beckoning cats). 

These charms not only give you a taste of Japanese culture but also make for wonderfully meaningful souvenirs to remember your trip!

And it’s hard to resist their appeal! Even if you don’t hold strong beliefs in these items, there’s no harm in giving them a try, right?

Here is the list of everything you will find in this article:

Most Common Japanese Lucky Charms & Amulets

In Japan, engimono are small charms sold at shrines and temples, believed to provide blessings or protection. Each charm serves a specific purpose.

These are the most famous ones: 

1. Omamori

Omamori, the most popular amulets for protection, are small, colourful bags made of decorated cloth, usually containing a talisman or a prayer with the name of a protective deity. Once closed, it should not be opened, as this may reverse its power and bring bad luck.

The kanji inscriptions on the bag show the amulet’s effectiveness in areas such as luck, health, love, wealth, and academic success.

After a year, or if your wish comes true sooner, return to the Shrine or Temple where it was purchased. They will ceremonially burn them.

2. Omikuji

In Japan, you can find these little fortune papers (omikuji) at many temples and shrines. You just make a small donation, shake the box, and pull out a slip with a number or symbol on it. Then you get a paper that tells you what your future might look like.

If you happen to draw bad fortune, the tradition says to tie it to a tree there to let the gods take away your bad luck. There’s usually a fence set up to protect the trees, so you can leave it without causing any damage. 

I tried my fortune, and it wasn’t great, so I left the omikuji tied up there, hoping the gods would take all the negativity away 🤞😬

3. Maneki Neko

The Maneki Neko, also known as the “good luck cat,” is a figurine depicting a smiling cat, often with one or both front paws raised. In Japanese culture, this gesture invites people to approach. The term “maneki-neko” translates to “the cat that invites.”

Shop owners in Japan commonly place the maneki-neko at the entrances of their stores because they believe it brings luck and good fortune and helps attract customers.

4. Ema

Ema are these little wooden plaques where you can write your wishes. One side has a drawing, and the other side is for your wish. People hang them up at shrines, hoping that the kami, or Shinto deity, will check them out.

Anyone can write whatever they want. Common wishes include things like wanting family protection, good health, and success in love or exams. Many students visit shrines dedicated to the god of learning during exam season to wish for good luck with their studies.

5. Daruma

Daruma is a symbol of perseverance and is a round papier-mâché figure, typically painted red, with large eyes, a moustache, and thick eyebrows. It acts as a Japanese good luck charm to help fulfil wishes.

When you purchase a Daruma, its eyes are blank. The first step is to paint in one eye while making a realistic wish. Then, place the Daruma in a visible location as a reminder of your goal. Once you achieve your objective, paint in the second eye.

6. Ofuda

The Ofuda is a larger amulet meant to protect your home, similar to the omamori. It’s usually made from wood or paper and can be found at Japanese shrines. The calligraphy on it is exquisite, so it makes a great gift.
This amulet helps keep your whole family safe from harm, such as illness or fire. It usually has the name of the protective god or kami, the name of the shrine, and a prayer or request written on it.

7. Kokeshi

Kokeshi dolls are traditional wooden crafts from Japan. They have a simple cylindrical shape and round heads, usually adorned with pretty floral designs. These dolls represent friendship and love, and good fortune. In Japanese culture, people believe that they protect homes from evil spirits and help create a peaceful life.

8. Senbazuru

Senbazuru is all about healing, health, and longevity. It’s a garland made of 1,000 origami cranes strung together on a thread. According to a Japanese legend, if you fold 1,000 cranes, you’ll get one wish granted, usually something related to health or a long life. 

Cranes are symbols of good luck and can supposedly live for up to 1,000 years. People often give a Senbazuru to someone who is sick or bring it to weddings and births as a way to wish for a long, happy life.

9. Tanuki

The Tanuki is a legendary creature from Japanese folklore that looks like a raccoon dog and has a playful vibe. It’s famous for its ability to transform and play friendly tricks, which makes it a symbol of luck and prosperity. 

You’ll often see Tanuki statues outside shops, as people believe they bring in good fortune.

10. Fukusuke

The Fukusuke is a lucky doll that represents good fortune in business. It has a child-like face, a large shaved head, and those distinctive ears called fukumimi or “ears of good luck,” which symbolise wealth. You usually find the doll sitting in a traditional seiza position on a zabuton cushion.

People believe that Fukusuke dolls bring prosperity, so they often put them at the entrances of businesses, where they give a polite bow.

11. Inu Hariko

The Inu Hariko is a papier-mâché dog figure from the Edo period, considered a lucky charm for kids and pregnant people.

In Japan, dogs are symbols of loyalty and protection. The Inu Hariko brings good health and happiness to moms and their newborns. With its bright colours, it really represents family joy and goodwill.

12. Akabeko

The Akabeko is a fun, red papier-mâché cow from the Aizu region of Japan, symbolising health and courage.

There’s a legend that says this little creature helped to build a Buddhist temple and stuck around after it was done. Nowadays, the Akabeko is all about resilience, bravery, and maintaining good health. With its cute, swinging neck, it’s not just a traditional toy; it’s also a lucky charm that brings good vibes for strength and wellness.

13. Teru Teru Bozu

Teru Teru Bozu is a little Japanese doll made of white cloth or paper. People often hang it in their windows or outside their homes to bring good weather.

The name means “shining monk,” and they are put up before big events or during planting season to ward off rain and bring in some sunshine, making them a fun symbol of their hopes and wishes.

14. Shichifukujin

In Japanese culture, the Shichi Fukujin, or Seven Lucky Gods, are deities that bring happiness. “Shichi” means “seven,” “fuku” means “luck,” and “jin” means “god.” Each one represents a key virtue: longevity, honesty, indulgence, dignity, kindness, popularity, and opportunity.

These gods originate from three countries: three from India’s Hindu and Buddhist traditions, three from China’s Taoist and Buddhist traditions, and one from Japan. They are often shown on the Takarabune, or treasure ship, and are believed to descend to Earth on New Year’s Eve to share luck and happiness for the year ahead with deserving individuals.

Ebisu

Ebisu (恵比寿) is the most famous of the seven gods, being the only one of Japanese origin. He represents commerce, business, and abundant crops, and is often depicted with a fish or a fishing rod, serving as the patron of fishermen.

Daikokuten

Daikokuten (大黒天), originating from India, is closely associated with Ebisu. He is the god of commerce, trade, and agriculture, often depicted with a round face, pot-shaped belly, sack of rice, and a wooden mallet.

Hotei

Hotei (布袋), also known as Budai, is a Chinese deity believed to have been a real monk who attained godhood through his teachings and actions. He represents happiness, generosity, and contentment, acting as the patron of bartenders and a guardian of children. Often depicted with a large sack, he symbolises the distribution of patience or happiness to his worshippers.

Bishamonten

Bishamonten (毘沙門天), the warrior god who guards Buddhist teachings, is wearing armour and holding a miniature pagoda, symbolising his protective role. Indian traditions recognise him as a significant figure, the god of war and a protector, who embodies authority and dignity as the patron of warriors and fighters.

Fukurokuju

Fukurokuju (福禄寿) is the god of longevity and wisdom, portrayed as a bald old man with an elongated head and a cane. Originating from Chinese folklore, he symbolises happiness and longevity. Legends tell of him as a hermit monk who lived without food, often accompanied by a turtle. His prominent forehead is considered a sign of longevity in Taoist culture.

Benzaiten

Benzaiten (弁財天), the only female deity in her group, represents knowledge and beauty. Artists often depict her with a biwa and a snake. Japanese mythology derives her from the Indian goddess Saraswati, and people associate her with the element of water. As the goddess of the arts, music, and elegance, she serves as a patron for artists, writers, musicians, and geisha. 

Jurojin

Jurojin (寿老人), the god of longevity, is an old man with a white beard and a cane. He is closely associated with Fukurokuju and serves as a patron of the older people. Jurojin resembles Fukurokuju, carrying a scroll and often accompanied by a crane or deer.

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned a bit more about the most meaningful lucky charms and amulets.

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📌 Japan Tourist Information: What You Need to Know. Practical info every traveller should know – transport, money, customs, etiquette, and more to prepare you for your trip.

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