Fun fortune slips

Pulling out an o-mikuji (a slip of paper with a random fortune written on it) is part of the custom when visiting a temple or shrine in Japan. Said to originate in the practice of drawing lots, used in ancient times to gain divine guidance for decisions like choosing an heir or deciding on government policy, these fortune slips became part of everyday religion in the early days of the Kamakura period (1185-1333). A standard o-mikuji contains a poem and short details on what to expect in the near future, but some places of worship have gone far beyond the simple slip, creating small pieces of art that make great collectibles or souvenirs. Here’s a list of twenty unique o-mikuji, available at various temples and shrines in Tokyo from Asakusa to Azabu-Juban. Why not set out on a quest to ‘catch them all’?

Imado Shrine, Asakusa: Find cats and love

Well known for its maneki-neko ('beckoning cat') figures, Imado Shrine lets you try divining your fortunes with the rensho ('win at love') mikuji (¥200), complete with some detailed love advice, or the maneki-neko mikuji (¥200), which comes with a small cat-shaped charm. The latter is available in seven different colours, with the 'benefits' (e.g. monetary or match-making) changing depending on the colour.
Imado Shrine details

Otori Shrine, Iriya: Say meow

Known as the birthplace of the Tori no Ichi festival, Otori Shrine carries an advanced version of the maneki-neko mikuji (¥300). The cutesy unglazed clay figurine contains a fortune slip with the standard Tanka poem written on it. Here's a fortune that'll put a smile on your face, no matter what the prediction.
Otori Shrine details

Nitta Shrine, Musashi-Nitta: Angle for luck

Grab the special rod and fish up a lucky tai (seabream) fish (¥300), a five-centimetre charm that also contains a standard fortune. Use it as an amulet and bring your luck with you wherever you go.
Nitta Shrine details

Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku: Get Daruma drawings

Heading into Kabukicho? Secure your fortunes first with the Daruma mikuji (¥300), a cool wooden doll that comes in either red or white. Tug on the colourful string to pull out the fortune slip.
Hanazono Shrine details

Hato no Mori Hachiman, Sendagaya: Fly like a dove

Pick up the dove-formed hato mikuji (¥100) and climb this Sendagaya shrine's Fujizuka mound, the largest Mt Fuji-imitating structure in Tokyo. Rest your weary legs afterward at the excellent Monmouth tea stand, located diagonally across the street from the shrine.
Hato no Mori Hachiman details

Yoyogi Hachimangu, Yoyogi: Bring the happiness

Step out of Yoyogi Park for a visit at this sizeable shrine and pick up the 'happiness-bringing dove' o-mikuji, which comes complete with a dove-themed charm. All seven versions of the charm have different 'benefits'.
Yoyogi Hachimangu details

Omiya Hachimangu, Nishi-Eifuku: Live long and prosper

Stroll through the residential neighbourhoods of Nishi-Eifuku to Omiya Hachimangu and divine your fortunes with the fan-shaped suehiro (prosperity-increasing) mikuji (¥300). The shrine also stocks different types of fun fortunes, including a 'Rilakkuma' character omikuji and a Daruma-themed one. We recommend visiting in autumn, when the shrine's impressive ginkgo trees are at their most beautiful.
Omiya Hachimangu details

Ebara Shrine, Shinbamba: Hit the mark

Situated on the Meguro River in the Kita-Shinagawa area, Ebara Shrine lets you can test your fortunes with the hamaya mikuji (¥200), shaped like a decorative arrow said to ward off evil. The actual fortune slip is also slightly more stylish than usual, as it's printed on soft paper and decorated with green text. You might also want to stop by nearby Shinagawa Shrine and its Fujizuka mound while you're in the area.
Ebara Shrine details

Shiba Daijingu, Hamamatsucho: Triangulate

Shiba's great shrine sells the sankaku mikuji (¥300), a small triangular pouch that comes with a fortune slip and a decorative stone. You can choose from a variety of colours for the pouch, while the fortune is inscribed with a traditional proverb in addition to the standard poem and prediction. As for the stone, you'll get a random pick from a selection of eight colours.
Shiba Daijingu details

Ushijima Shrine, Azumabashi: Savour the seasons

Located a quick walk from Tokyo Skytree, Ushijima Shrine has an impressive selection of o-mikuji. The shiki-no-hana (flowers of the four seasons) mikuji (¥200), with its coloured paper decorated with flower drawings, is a particular rarity. Untie the string to read your fortune on the inside of the paper and to uncover the bell-formed charm. The shrine grounds also host the nade-ushi, a cow sculpture said to have healing powers. Rub the part of your body that needs care, then use the same hand to rub the corresponding part on the cow, and voilà – you'll be spared a trip to the doctor's.
Ushijima Shrine details

Juban Inari Shrine, Azabu-Juban: Check the cocoon

Stroll to the end of the Azabu-Juban shopping arcade to divine your fortunes with the mayu mikuji, a small cocoon-shaped thing wrapped with a ribbon. Recipients of good news can celebrate with some taiyaki at the nearby shop.
Juban Inari Shrine details

Koami Shrine, Ningyocho: Mind the mayu

Said to possess over a millennium of history, Nihonbashi's Koami Shrine also boasts some impressive omikuji. Check out their version of the mayu-dama (¥300), a resealable container with a classic fortune hidden inside. After finding out your future, make sure to close up the ball again if you'd like to use it as a decoration or present.
Koami Shrine details

Onoterusaki Shrine, Iriya: Be happy

Looking for help in your academic or arts pursuits? This Iriya shrine is the place to go, and the omikuji here are pretty sweet too. Try the owl-themed shiawase (happiness) mikuji (¥500), which comes with a special 'wish letter'. After writing your wish on the paper, place it back inside the container for safekeeping, and wait for your desires to materialise. Make sure to also visit the shrine's Fujizuka mound, 'Shitaya Sakamoto Fuji', while you're at it.
Onoterusaki Shrine details

Karasumori Shrine, Shinbashi: Colour your prayers

Many Shinbashi salarymen say their daily prayers at this small shrine located just a short walk from the station. Try the shingan-shoku (colour of prayer) (¥500), a super-omikuji that can tell fortunes and grant wishes at the same time. Choose one of the four different colours (red, for love and successful matchmaking; yellow, for financial success and good luck; blue, for work and academics; green, for health and family), then write your wish on the negai-fuda (wish slip) that comes together with the fortune, tie it to the designated place, and then just wait for a priest to pray for your wish to come true. The negai-tama (wish ball) that also comes with the set can be used as an amulet.
Karasumori Shrine details

Tokyo Daijingu, Iidabashi: Long for love

Ran out of luck in romance? Recharge at Tokyo Daijingu, known as the top 'love shrine' in the city. Omikuji like the koi and koibumi (all ¥200) are good choices, and the amulets here shouldn't be missed either.
Tokyo Daijingu details

Hie Shrine, Tameike-Sanno: Do some monkey business

Hie Shrine, host to the yearly Sanno Festival, is also one of the main love-related shrines in Tokyo. Their basic koi-mikuji (¥500) is a safe choice, but the many monkey-themed charms are the real attraction. Monkeys are revered as messengers of the gods enshrined at Hie, and are also believed to provide blessings for safe childbirth. The characters for 'monkey' and 'destiny' are also both read as en.
Hie Shrine details

Tobi Fudoson, Minowa: Consult the Seven Lucky Gods

Get your fortune from the fellows that know it best, namely the mythical Seven Lucky Gods, at this temple that's renowned as a source of protection for travellers. The omikuji (¥100) comes with a gold charm depicting one of the gods. The other charms on sale here are also worth a look: golfers might want to consider the one that's supposed to help make your swings longer and more accurate.
Tobi Fudoson details

Kasama Inari Shrine, Ningyocho: Wish for a long life

Ningyocho's Kasama Inari, an offshoot of the famed Ibaraki shrine of the same name, is dedicated to god of longevity Jurojin. The fortune slip here (¥200) comes with a golden charm depicting the shrine's patron, who's particularly popular among worshippers around New Year's. Those disappointed with their fortune can get revenge by stopping at a local sweet shop and gobbling down some ningyo-yaki cakes, shaped like the faces of the Seven Lucky Gods.
Kasama Inari Shrine details

Zojo-ji Temple, Shiba Park: Pick up an animal companion

Located right by Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji is the main temple of the Buddhist Jodo sect in the Kanto area. The omikuji here (¥200) come with a small charm, most of which are shaped like animals. There are 13 different varieties available, including the cute turtle pictured above. The text on the fortune slip is in both Japanese and English.
Zojo-ji Temple details

Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin, Akasaka: Succumb to gender norms

Popular with Akasaka's celeb crowd, Toyokawa Inari has different omikuji for men and women (both ¥200). The glossy paper is probably the best thing about these simple but stylish fortunes that also come with a simple amulet.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin details